Effect of soaking and hydrothermal processing methods on the levels of antinutrients and in vitro protein digestibility of Bauhinia purpurea L. seeds

Effects of germination on the digestibility of instant soybean powders based on an in vitro digestion model of the aged static gastrointestinal tract

Germination and heat processing can improve the digestibility of soybean protein, so for the elderly and people with gastrointestinal dysfunction, instant soybean powder is an ideal source for protein intake. In this study, the changes in protein and anti-nutritional factors in the instant germinating soybean powders were investigated systematically, and the aged gastrointestinal digestion model analyzed the digestive characteristics of instant germinating soybean powders. The results showed that during processing, particle size, disulfide bond, and β-sheets decreased, free sulfhydryl and α-helix increased. The change resulted in the decrease of proteolysis degree and particle size of gastrointestinal digestive products, and the increase of surface hydrophobic index. At the same time, anti-nutritional factors decreased by about 30 % to 60 %. The above reasons are combined with the protein digestibility of S72 5.88 % higher than Y0. This study proved that instant soybean powder is more conducive to the digestion and absorption of the elderly.

Influence of microwave processing on nutritional, anti-nutritional, antioxidant and sensory characteristics of kachnar powder and supplemented flatbreads

This study examines the impact of microwave processing on Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) powder and its application in flatbreads. Microwave treatment reduced anti-nutrient levels of alkaloids, phytates, tannins, and saponins by 83-90 %, enhancing safety. Incorporation of microwaved kachnar powder (MwKP) into flatbreads at 2.5-10 % replacement levels improved nutritional profiles, with increases in ash (0.4-0.9 g/100 g), dietary fiber (2-3 g/100 g), protein (8-9 g/100 g), and minerals such as Fe (3-4 mg/100 g), Zn (3.2-3.9 mg/100 g), Na (3-10 mg/100 g), K (378-388 mg/100 g), Ca (30-45 mg/100 g), and Mg (125-145 mg/100 g). Antioxidant activity also increased significantly (p < 0.05) as measured by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Sensory evaluation showed a decline in acceptability for MwKP levels ≥7.5 %, though 5 % supplementation was well-received. The findings suggest that microwave processing is an effective method for reducing anti-nutrient content in Kachnar while improving its nutritional and antioxidant properties, making it a viable ingredient for enhancing baked goods.

Evaluation of antinutrients, nutritional, and functional properties in sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L) cake treated with hydrothermal processes

Applying heat treatments using an autoclave and hot air sterilization can alter the proximal composition, technofunctional properties, and antinutrient content of Sacha inchi (P. volubilis) oil press cake. The autoclave and hot air treatments significantly reduced antinutrients compared to the control. The samples treated with autoclave and hot air sterilization exhibited a significant decrease in alkaloids, nitrates, tannins, saponins, and trypsin inhibitors compared to the control sample. However, the 20-min autoclave treatment did not significantly reduce the saponin antinutrients. Phytic acid significantly decreased in the 30-min hot air sample and autoclave 20-min/hot air treatments, respectively. On the other hand, the levels of antinutrients oxalate and thiocyanates did not significant difference between the control and hot air treatments. However, the autoclave treatment resulted in a significant reduction in oxalates. The study found that hydrotreatments at temperatures of 121 °C with humid heat - autoclave showed significant differences in protein content compared to the control sample, with content of 37.75 + 0.2 g/100g. Samples treated with an autoclave for 10, 20, and 30 min showed values of protein 53.19 + 0.28, 66.08 + 2.6, and 70.12 + 0.48 g/100g, respectively. Meanwhile, samples treated with dry heat showed significant differences with the sample treated for 10 min having a protein content of 60.21 + 6.80 g/100g. The techno-functional properties analyzed in the study demonstrated a significant decrease in hydrating properties such as water holding capacity (WHC), water retention capacity (WRC), and swelling capacity (SC) due to changes in the solubility of proteins for the two treatments and the oil holding capacity (OHC) property showed a significant increase. Finally, water's presence during hydrothermal treatments significantly reduces antinutrients, providing guidance for analyzing other study variables.

Hydrolysis and diffusion of raffinose oligosaccharides family products in chickpeas, lentils, and beans under different pH and temperature steeping conditions

Soaking pulses in water is a traditional practice widely used both by many households and by the food industry, and depending on the specific conditions used, can effectively reduce α-galactosides. Monitoring changes in α-galactoside content in pulses under different steeping conditions can provide insights into the degradation mechanisms and help overcome the barrier to consumption caused by digestive problems. In this study, we analyzed the impact of steeping at different temperatures (30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 °C) and at different pH (4.0, 5.0, and 6.0) on α-galactosides content in chickpeas, lentils, and beans. Our results showed that the lower the pH, the faster the α-galactosides were reduced. Moreover, steeping at lower temperatures (30 °C and 45 °C) favored hydrolysis of α-galactosides, whereas steeping at higher temperatures (60, 75, and 90 °C) favored diffusion. Soaking at 45 °C at a pH of 4.0 for 3 h resulted in acceptable levels of α-galactosides (less than 1 g/100 g), i.e. a reduction of up to 65 % in chickpeas, 85 % in lentils, and 52 % in beans.

The Ethiopian snack food ('Kolo'): Existing knowledge and research directions on processing practices, quality and consumption

'Kolo' is an Ethiopian well-roasted and dehulled barely snack food eaten alone or mixed with other roasted grains with a relatively long shelf life. It is an ancient and staple Ethiopian snack food that is being introduced around the globe. Traditionally, Kolo has been prepared by Ethiopian mothers. However, there is a scarcity of documented information about the nutritional profile, consumption status and effect of processing conditions on quality of Kolo. Therefore, the aim of this review is to access the indigenous processing practices, consumption status and the effect of processing conditions in quality of Kolo. The review discussed in detail the raw materials, processing steps, nutritional status, anti-nutritional factors, digestability and functional properties of Kolo from publications from the last thirty years. Due to the high temperature processing condition, the presence of acrylamide is highly likely and this may affect the safety of Kolo. The anti-nutritional factors in Kolo may affect the nutritional quality of Kolo due to the inaccessibility of nutrients. This information could have a significant contribution for future researchers, policy makers, society and producers. In conclusion, there is a need to get more tangible information about the quality and safety of Kolo through well designed scientific research to safeguard the wellbeing of the society.

Effect of enset (Ensete ventricosum) varieties and fermentation time on nutritional compositions, antinutritional factors, functional properties, and sensory acceptance of Bulla

The effect of enset varieties and fermentation time on the nutritional composition, antinutritional content, functional properties, and sensory acceptance of bulla was assessed. Bulla samples were prepared from newly improved enset varieties yanbule, gewada, zereta, and messina and were fermented for 0, 15, and 30 days. The result revealed that bulla prepared from gewada had relatively better values of fat (0.3 g/100 g), fiber (1.04 g/100 g), carbohydrate (97.7 g/100 g), energy (394.2 Kcal), and Fe (2.54 mg/100 g). Yanbule had relatively higher ash content (1.05 g/100 g) and considerably higher Ca (317.9 mg/100 g) than bulla prepared from the other varieties. Mg (56.8 mg/100 g) and Zn (2.3 mg/100 g) were relatively higher in bulla prepared from Messina. A very low level of tannin was detected only for gewada, but high contents of phytate up to 112.5 mg/100 g were obtained. With respect to the functional properties of bulla fermented for 30 days, no significant differences were observed among the varieties except for water absorption capacity. In terms of sensory quality, bulla porridge prepared from yanbule had comparatively higher overall acceptability score (7.6).

The Comparative Effect of Lactic Acid Fermentation and Germination on the Levels of Neurotoxin, Anti-Nutrients, and Nutritional Attributes of Sweet Blue Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.), an indigenous legume of the subcontinental region, is a promising source of protein and other nutrients of health significance. Contrarily, a high amount of β-N-oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP) and other anti-nutrients limits its wider acceptability as healthier substitute to protein of animal and plant origin. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of different processing techniques, viz. soaking, boiling, germination, and fermentation, to improve the nutrient-delivering potential of grass pea lentil and to mitigate its anti-nutrient and toxicant burden. The results presented the significant (p < 0.05) effect of germination on increasing the protein and fiber content of L. sativus from 22.6 to 30.7% and 15.1 to 19.4%, respectively. Likewise, germination reduced the total carbohydrate content of the grass pea from 59.1 to 46%. The highest rate of reduction in phytic acid (91%) and β-ODAP (37%) were observed in germinated grass pea powder, whereas fermentation anticipated an 89% reduction in tannin content. The lactic acid fermentation of grass pea increased the concentration of calcium, iron, and zinc from 4020 to 5100 mg/100 g, 3.97 to 4.35 mg/100 g, and 3.52 to 4.97 mg/100 g, respectively. The results suggest that fermentation and germination significantly (p < 0.05) improve the concentration of essential amino acids including threonine, leucine, histidine, tryptophan, and lysine in L. sativus powder. This study proposes lactic acid fermentation and germination as safer techniques to improve the nutrient-delivering potential of L. sativus and suggests processed powders of the legume as a cost-effective alternative to existing plant proteins.

Spatio-temporal expression pattern of Raffinose Synthase genes determine the levels of Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed

Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) are known to have important physiological functions in plants. However, the presence of RFOs in legumes causes flatulence, hence are considered antinutrients. To reduce the RFOs content to a desirable limit without compromising normal plant development and functioning, the identification of important regulatory genes associated with the biosynthetic pathway is a prerequisite. In the present study, through comparative RNA sequencing in contrasting genotypes for seed RFOs content at different seed maturity stages, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the pathway were identified. The DEGs exhibited spatio-temporal expression patterns with high RFOs variety showing early induction of RFOs biosynthetic genes and low RFOs variety showing a late expression at seed maturity. Selective and seed-specific differential expression of raffinose synthase genes (AhRS14 and AhRS6) suggested their regulatory role in RFOs accumulation in peanut seeds, thereby serving as promising targets in low RFOs peanut breeding programs. Despite stachyose being the major seed RFOs fraction, differential expression of raffinose synthase genes indicated the complex metabolic regulation of this pathway. The transcriptomic resource and the genes identified in this study could be studied further to develop low RFOs varieties, thus improving the overall nutritional quality of peanuts.

Tannins in Foods: Nutritional Implications and Processing Effects of Hydrothermal Techniques on Underutilized Hard-to-Cook Legume Seeds－A Review

Tannins, water-soluble phenolic compounds, have been reported to have the ability to form complexes with nutritionally important nutrients such as protein and mineral elements thereby making them unavailable for absorption and utilization. Toxicity of tannin has been demonstrated in experimental animals although no deleterious effect of ingestion of legume tannin on human physiology has been reported. This report highlights the processing effects of soaking and hydrothermal techniques on some underutilised hard-to-cook legume crops and the importance of tannin in legume nutrition. Soaking and hydrothermal processing reduce the tannin content of processed legume seeds and hence improve the availability of protein and mineral elements. In view of the recent findings of the health benefits, classification of tannin which is traditionally regarded as an antinutrient should be reconsidered. Provision of these information will enhance knowledge of legume nutrition and economic utility. Increasing consumption of underutilized nutritionally important legume seeds, it is hoped, will alleviate the problem of protein energy malnutrition in many developing nations.

Synergistic effect of microwave heating and hydrothermal treatment on cyanogenic glycosides and bioactive compounds of plum (Prunus domestica L.) kernels: An analytical approach

The effects of microwave heating (450 W for 6 min), hydrothermal treatment (6, 9, and 12 h at 45 °C) and their combination on compositional characteristics, cyanogenic glycosides, color, and bioactive compounds of plum kernels have been studied. The conditions examined caused a significant reduction of 37.81, 72.17, 84.41, 91.24 and 98.02% in cyanogenic glycosides of differently treated plum kernels. Total phenolic and total flavonoid compounds of plum kernels showed hydrothermal time-dependent duration decline. The larger shifts in FT-IR spectra near 1157 cm-¹ provided valuable insights on the reduction of cyanogenic glycosides during combined treatments. The variation of color attributes (L*, a*, b*), during combined treatments indicates a more reddish tonality of plum kernel samples. The combined effect of hydrothermal (12 h at 45 °C) and microwave heating (450 W for 6 min) proved to be an effective tool for neutralizing the toxic effect of cyanogenic glycosides, opening up possibilities for its use in food industries.

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Hydrothermal and microwave treatments were applied to detoxify plum kernels.

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The treatments caused highest reduction of 98.02% in cyanogenic glycosides.

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Combined treatments neutralized the toxic effect of cyanogenic glycosides.

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FT-IR spectra provided valuable insights on the reduction of cyanogenic glycosides.

Effect of processing on in vitro digestibility (IVPD) of food proteins

Proteins are important macronutrients for the human body to grow and function throughout life. Although proteins are found in most foods, their very dissimilar digestibility must be taking into consideration when addressing the nutritional composition of a diet. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the in vitro digestibility of proteins from plants, milk, muscle, and egg. It is evident from this work that protein digestibility greatly varies among foods, this variability being dependent not only upon the protein source, but also the food matrix and the molecular interactions between proteins and other food components (food formulation), as well as the conditions during food processing and storage. Different approaches have been applied to assess in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), varying in both the enzyme assay and quantification method used. In general, animal proteins tend to show higher IVPD. Harsh technological treatments tend to reduce IVPD, except for plant proteins, in which thermal degradation of anti-nutritional compounds results in improved IVPD. However, in order to improve the current knowledge about protein digestibility there is a vital need for understanding dependency on a protein source, molecular interaction, processing and formulation and relationships between. Such knowledge can be used to develop new food products with enhanced protein bioaccessibility.

Influence of cooking methods on antinutritional factors, oligosaccharides and protein quality of underutilized legume Macrotyloma uniflorum

Macrotyloma uniflorum is a salubrious but underutilized legume mainly consumed in semi-arid zones of Africa, Australia and India. Various antinutritional factors- phytates, oxalates and oligosaccharides- has limited its consumption. Current work describes the influence of various thermal processing technologies - autoclaving, microwave, micronization and extrusion- on antinutritional profile, phenolic acid profile and protein digestibility of two selected varieties. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction in antinutritional content was observed for horse gram grains processed using various thermal technologies. Among all processing technologies extrusion caused marked degradation in antinutritional components. The reduction in oxalic acid, trypsin inhibitor, phytates and tannins ranged from 33 to 87 %, 77-82%, 33-60% and 51-66% respectively. Further, the decline in content of various oligosaccharides viz. raffinose, stachyose and verbascose varied from 36 to 61 %, 25-49% and 30-74% respectively for both the varieties. Although extrusion caused significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in the essential amino acid index and protein efficiency ratio, simultaneous increased was observed in biological value. The processing had significant (p ≤ 0.05) impact on grain antinutritional content and also retained its substantial functional properties. This establishes the utility of grain and promote the introduction of these new grains and enlarge the market of novel healthy foods.

Impact of Electron Beam Irradiation on the Bioactive Principles of Seeds of Coastal Sand Dune Wild Legumes (Canavalia spp.)

BACKGROUND

Recent patents reveal that vegetable ingredients have several applications in novel food formulations. Many so-called antinutritional components (e.g. tannins, saponins, lectins and protease inhibitors) have nutraceutical as well as pharmaceutical significance. Seeds of two wild legumes of the genus Canavalia inhabitants of the coastal sand dunes of Southwest India are known for a variety of bioactive principles (e.g. phenolics, tannins, canavanine, concanavalin and phytohemagglutinins).

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the impact of Electron Beam (EB) irradiation on the bioactive components of seeds of two coastal sand dune wild legumes Canavalia cathartica and C. maritima.

METHODS

The dry seeds of C. cathartica and C. maritima were EB irradiated with different doses (2.5, 5, 10 and 15 kGy) to follow changes in six bioactive principles (total phenolics, orthodihydric phenols, tannins, canavanine, trypsin inhibitors and phytohemagglutinins) in comparison to control seeds. One-way ANOVA was employed to follow the variation in bioactive components of seeds in control and different doses of irradiation.

RESULTS

Seeds of both legumes were devoid of orthodihydric phenols and trypsin inhibitors. In C. cathartica, the total phenolics showed significant dose-dependent increase up to 5 kGy and decreased thereafter. Tannin content was not altered up to 10 kGy followed by significant decrease at 15 kGy. There was no significant change in canavanine content and the phytohemagglutinin activity against human erythrocytes was not altered. Seeds of C. maritima did not show significant changes in total phenolics as well as tannin contents. The content of canavanine showed significant dose-dependent increase up to 5 kGy followed by significant decrease. There was no variation in phytohemagglutinin activity against erythrocytes A, B and O, while against AB, the activity decreased at 2.5 kGy and further decrease was constant at higher doses.

CONCLUSION

The EB irradiation doses employed have selectively altered the bioactive principles of Canavalia seeds and such treatments may facilitate to maneuver desired medicinal, nutritional, functional and cooking properties. Besides selective changes in bioactive components the seeds have extended shelf life.

Anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and catalytic activities of green-synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles using Bauhinia purpurea leaf extract

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles by green methods attained enormous attention in recent years due to its easiness, non-toxicity, and eco-friendly nature. In the present study, noble metal nanoparticles such as silver and gold were prepared using an aqueous leaf extract of a medicinal plant, Bauhinia purpurea. The leaf extract performed as both reducing and stabilizing agents for the development of nanoparticles. The formations of silver and gold nanoparticles were confirmed by observing the surface plasmon resonance peaks at 430 nm and 560 nm, respectively, in UV-Vis absorption spectrum. Various properties of nanoparticles were demonstrated using the characterization techniques such as FTIR, XRD, TEM, and EDX. The synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles had a momentous anticancer effect against lung carcinoma cell line A549 in a dose-dependent manner with IC₅₀ values of 27.97 µg/mL and 36.39 µg/mL, respectively. The antimicrobial studies of synthesized nanoparticles were carried out by agar well diffusion method against six microbial strains. Silver and gold nanoparticles were also showed high antioxidant potentials with IC₅₀ values of 42.37 µg/mL and 27.21 µg/mL, respectively; it was measured using DPPH assay. Additionally, the nanoparticles were observed to be good catalysts for the reduction of organic dyes.

The Role of Dietary Phenolic Compounds in Protein Digestion and Processing Technologies to Improve Their Antinutritive Properties

Digestion is the key step for delivering nutrients and bioactive substances to the body. The way different food components interact with each other and with digestive enzymes can modify the digestion process and affect human health. Understanding how food components interact during digestion is essential for the rational design of functional food products. Plant polyphenols have gained much attention for the bioactive roles they play in the human body. However, their strong beneficial effects on human health have also been associated with a negative impact on the digestion process. Due to the generally low absorption of phenolic compounds after food intake, most of the consumed polyphenols remain in the gastrointestinal tract, where they then can exert inhibitory effects on enzymes involved in the degradation of saccharides, lipids, and proteins. While the inhibitory effects of phenolics on the digestion of energy-rich food components (saccharides and lipids) may be regarded as beneficial, primarily in weight-control diets, their inhibitory effects on the digestion of proteins are not desirable for the reason of reduced utilization of amino acids. The effect of polyphenols on protein digestion is reviewed in this article, with an emphasis on food processing methods to improve the antinutritive properties of polyphenols.

Nutritional quality of flours from guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) varieties as affected by different processing methods

In present study, three varieties (G 80, Ageta 112 and HG 365) of guar bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) were analysed for proximate analysis and were processed by different methods (dehusking, soaking, autoclaving, extrusion and germination) to reduce its antinutritional factors. Processed guar flours were studied for antinutritional factors (tannins, phytic acid and polyphenols) and protein fractions. The highest protein, ash and polyphenols contents were observed in Ageta 112. G 80 contained the lowest tannin and phytic acid content. High temperature treatments (i.e. autoclaving at 110 °C/10 min, 120 psi and extrusion-Clextral, Twin screw extruder) were found to be most effective in reducing the tannin and polyphenol content. More than 90% reduction in tannins was observed with high temperature treatments in HG 365. Phytic acid fraction increased slightly on soaking, however, extensive reduction was observed with other treatments. Globulins formed the major protein fraction in guar bean and various processing treatments significantly affected the protein fractions. Autoclaving was observed to be the best treatment to reduce antinutritional factors in guar bean and thereafter, its utilization in food.

Optimization of soybean processing into kinema, a Bacillus-fermented alkaline food, with respect to a minimum level of antinutrients

AIMS

Optimization of traditional processing of soybeans using response surface methodology (RSM) to achieve a minimum level of antinutritional factors (ANFs) in kinema.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Central composite rotatable designs were used to optimize the processing stages of kinema preparation. In each stage, the linear or quadratic effects of independent variables were significant in minimizing ANF levels. The predicted optimum condition for soaking was when the raw beans-water ratio was 1 : 10, and the soaking temperature, time and pH were 10°C, 20 h and 8·0 respectively. Here, tannins content (TC), phytic acid content (PAC) and trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) decreased (P < 0·05). While haemagglutinating activity (HA) level remained unchanged (P < 0·05), total biogenic amines content (TBAC) increased. The optimum condition for cooking was optimally soaked beans-water ratio of 1 : 5, and cooking pressure and time were 1·10 kg cm(-2) and 20 min respectively. Here, TC, PAC, TIA and HA decreased (P < 0·05), but TBAC remained unchanged compared to optimally soaked beans. TC and HA went below the level of detection. The optimum condition for fermentation was obtained when inoculum load was 10(3) total cells g(-1) grits, and fermentation temperature and time were 37°C and 48 h respectively. Fermentation of optimally cooked beans caused a reduction (P < 0·05) of PAC. While TIA remained unchanged (P < 0·05), TBAC increased. In kinema, TC, PAC, TIA and HA decreased (P < 0·05) over raw beans by 100, 61, 71 and 100% respectively. Good agreement was observed between predicted values and experimental values.

CONCLUSIONS

The processing treatments significantly minimized the level of ANFs in soybeans.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

RSM was successfully deployed to obtain the optimum condition for kinema-making with a minimum level of ANFs without impairing sensory attributes of the product. The results are useful for commercial production of kinema.

Effects of combined traditional processing methods on the nutritional quality of beans

Consumption of dry beans is limited by long cooking times thus high fuel requirement. The bioavailability of nutrients in beans is also limited due to presence of antinutrients such as phytates and tannins. Little research has been done on combined processing methods for production of nutritious fast cooking bean flour and the effect of combined treatments on nutritional quality of beans has not previously determined. The aim of this study was to reduce cooking time and enhance the nutritional value of dry beans. Specifically to: develop protocols for production of fast cooking bean flours and assess the effect of processing on the nutritional characteristics of the flours. Dry beans (K131 variety) were soaked for 12 h; sprouted for 48 h; dehulled and steamed for 25 and 15 min for whole and dehulled beans respectively or roasted at 170°C for 45 and 15 min for whole and dehulled beans respectively. Dehulling eliminated phytates and tannins and increased protein digestibility. In vitro protein digestibility and mineral (iron and zinc) extractability were negatively correlated with tannin and phytate content. Total available carbohydrates were highest in moist heat-treated bean flours. Overall, combined processing of beans improved the nutritional quality of dry beans and the resulting precooked flours need less cooking time compared to whole dry beans.

Effect of soaking and sprouting on iron and zinc availability in green and white faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

The changes in phytate, phytase activity and in vitro availability of iron and zinc during soaking and sprouting of green and white faba bean (Vicia faba L.) were investigated. Faba bean were soaked for 24 h and germinated for 72 h after soaking for 24 h to reduce phytate content and increase iron and zinc in vitro availability. The results revealed that iron and zinc content was significantly reduced from 28.2 to 39.8 % and 12.5 to 27.6 % for soaking treatment and 38.2 to 38.9 % and 24.5 to 29.2 % for sprouting treatment, respectively. Phytate content was significantly reduced from 26.9 to 32.5 % for soaking treatment and 28.0 to 34.9 % for sprouting treatment, respectively. The results proved that the main distinct point is the change of phytase activity as well as specific activity during different treatment which showed no significant differences between the green and white faba bean. The in vitro availability of iron and zinc were significantly improved as a result of soaking and sprouting treatments.

Protein characterization of protein bodies from cotyledons of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC

Seeds of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (Fabaceae) were analyzed for protein composition of protein bodies isolated from cotyledons. Protein bodies were successfully separated by Lympholyte and those of dry seeds, observed by scanning electron microscope, were elliptical or spherical in shape with a diameter of 5-12 μm. Protein content in dry seed protein bodies was 10.6 mg/g dry weight. Globulin was the largest protein fraction isolated (62.5 %), followed by albumin (18.3 %), glutelin (15.8 %) and prolamin (3.4 %). The prolamin fraction and high glutelin content are uncommon in legumes. SDS-PAGE of albumins, globulins, prolamins and glutelins provided different band numbers and molecular weights under reducing and non reducing conditions and suggested that the albumin fraction is rich in disulphide bonds.

Effect of certain indigenous processing methods on the bioactive compounds of ten different wild type legume grains

In recent years, research efforts are under-way on the possibilities of utilization of natural source of bioactive compounds for the dietary management of certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer etc. In this connection, seed materials of promising wild type under-utilized food legume grains such as Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. Ex Delile, Bauhinia purpurea L., Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC., Cassia hirsuta L., Caesalpinia bonducella F., Erythrina indica L., Mucuna gigantea (Willd.) DC., Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre, Sebania sesban (L.) Merr. and Xylia xylocarpa Roxb. Taub., collected from South India, were investigated for certain bioactive compounds. All the samples were found to constitute a viable source of total free phenolics (3.12-6.69 g/100 g DM), tannins (1.10-4.41 g/100 g DM), L-Dopa (1.34-5.45 g/100 g DM) and phytic acid (0.98-3.14 g/100 g DM). In general, the seed materials of X. xylocarpa recorded high levels of total free phenolics and tannins, whereas the maximum levels of L-Dopa and phytic acid were noticed in M. gigantea and S. sesban, respectively. Further, presently investigated all the bioactive compounds were drastically reduced during soaking in tamarind solution + cooking as well as soaking in alkaline solution + cooking, and thus these treatments were considered to be more aggressive practices. Open-pan roasting also demonstrated a significant reduction of total free phenolics, tannins and moderate loss of L-Dopa and phytic acid. Alternatively, sprouting + oil-frying showed significant level of increase of total free phenolics (9-27%) and tannins (12-28%), but diminishing effect on phytic acid and L-Dopa. Hence, among the presently employed treatments, sprouting + oil-frying could be recommended as a suitable treatment for the versatile utilization of these wild under-utilized legume grains for the dietary management of certain chronic diseases.

Evaluation of velvet bean meal as an alternative protein ingredient for poultry feed

The effect of certain simple and cost-effective processing methods on the nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of seed materials of an under-utilized food legume, Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. utilis (Wall. ex Wight) Baker ex Burck (velvet bean, VB), collected from Valanadu, Kerala, India was analyzed in experiment 1. The raw VB seeds were found to contain appreciable levels of crude protein (263.2 g/kg dry matter (DM)); ether extract (79.6 g/kg DM); crude fiber (95.8 g/kg DM) and ash content (38.4 g/kg DM). Among the different treatments used, soaking in sodium bicarbonate solution + autoclaving was more effective in reducing maximum levels of various anti-nutritional compounds of VB seeds. Furthermore, in experiment 2, the effect of inclusion of different levels of velvet bean meal (VBM; subjected to soaking in sodium bicarbonate solution + autoclaving) as an alternative protein source in poultry feed on the growth performance of commercial-type broiler birds was investigated. The results indicate that the inclusion of VBM up to the 40% level exhibited better growth performance of the broiler birds such as feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio in both the starter and finisher phases.

Studies on the incorporation of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis) as an alternative protein source in poultry feed and its effect on growth performance of broiler chickens

The effect of replacement of soybean meal by the velvet bean meal as an alternative protein ingredient on the growth performance of broiler chickens was investigated. The raw seeds of velvet bean [Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. utilis (Wall. ex Wight) Baker ex Burck], an under-utilized food legume collected from South India, was found to contain appreciable levels of crude protein (273.2 g/kg DM), lipid (60.61 g/kg DM), neutral detergent fiber (84.3 g/kg DM), and ash content (56.04 g/kg DM). Soaking in 0.2% sodium bicarbonate solution + autoclaving treatment caused a substantial reduction on the levels of various antinutritional compounds such as tannins (84%), L: -Dopa (79%), phytic acid (87%), raffinose (93%), stachyose (83%), verbascose (73%), haemagglutinating activity (84%), trypsin inhibitor activity (77%), and alpha-amylase inhibitor activity (78%) without affecting the nutritional quality of velvet bean seeds. The processed velvet bean meal was incorporated as an alternative protein source by replacing soybean meal protein at 0, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% levels in the broiler diets. Replacement of soybean meal protein up to 40% level, which corresponds to the inclusion of velvet bean meal up to 15.7% and 11% in the starter and finisher phase poultry feeds, respectively, exhibited better growth performance of broiler birds without any adverse effects.