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This comprehensive review delves into the untapped potential of underutilized legumes in India, offering a deep exploration of their nutritional composition, health benefits, culinary versatility, and functional attributes. Specifically, we examine kidney beans, fava beans, horse gram, and chickpeas, shedding light on their abundant protein content, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that contribute to human well-being and the prevention of various diseases. The review doesn't shy away from discussing the impact of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) on legume nutritional quality, while also proposing various culinary techniques such as cooking, roasting, and sprouting as effective strategies to mitigate these effects. Moreover, this review underscores the pivotal role that lesser-known legumes can play in addressing malnutrition, bolstering food security, and advancing sustainable agriculture. It outlines strategies aimed at raising awareness, encouraging further research, promoting cultivation, and facilitating market integration, with a strong emphasis on incorporating these legumes into diversified diets and resilient farming systems. Recognizing the cultural and agricultural significance of underutilized legumes in India, this review provides insights into their historical importance and versatile applications. A case study is presented, featuring chickpeas, fava beans, red kidney beans, and horse gram, highlighting their exceptional nutritional value and addressing the challenges posed by ANFs, which can impede nutrient absorption and digestion. The review further delves into strategies to overcome these challenges, encompassing various processing techniques and genetic modifications. It also thoroughly examines several treatments and their effects on specific ANFs, offering a comprehensive perspective on how to harness the full potential of these underutilized legumes for enhanced nutrition, food security, and sustainable agriculture in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays , lupin seeds have emerged as a novel and valuable source of proteins representing a sustainable alternative to current raw materials of plant-based proteins, such as soybean. In this regard, lupin demonstrates superior adaptation to the Mediterranean climate with improved tolerance to water stress. However, its suitability for human consumption is limited due to the presence of anti-nutritional and anti-technological factors, including alkaloids, polyphenols, tannins, and lipids, which can have adverse nutritional consequences and/or impact on the purity and yield of protein extraction. In this study, the Lupinus luteus seeds were germinated for 1, 2, 3, and 6 days and the effect of germination on the anti-nutritional and anti-technological factors of flours and derived protein isolates was analyzed. Additionally, changes on techno-functional properties of lupin protein isolates were also studied. Results showed that prolonged germination decreased fat content whereas antioxidant activity, polyphenols, saponin, and alkaloid content of flours increased. However, alkaloids were completely removed during protein extraction. Furthermore, protein isolates derived from germinated seeds exhibited higher water and oil absorption capacities, as well as improved foaming and emulsifying capabilities in comparison to isolates from non-germinated seeds. Nevertheless, prolonged germination periods were associated with diminished foam and emulsion stability. Therefore, germination of lupin seeds for no longer than 3 days should be recommended in order to minimize the levels of anti-nutritional and anti-technological factors, while enhancing techno-functional properties of the isolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between individual phytochemical constituents and overall antioxidant capacity or total phenolic content (TPC) is poorly understood in faba bean. This study used a range of linear and nonlinear regression techniques to investigate whether the antioxidant capacity and TPC of 60 faba bean samples (flour and methanolic extracts) could be predicted from 12 individual compounds (10 common polyphenols and 2 alkaloid glycosides) measured in the same samples. Nonlinear regression using machine learning with a Radial Basis Function showed the best performance for antioxidant and TPC prediction across all sample types, while multiple linear regression allowed moderately accurate predictions in most sample matrices. Improved performance metrics were seen for the methanolic extracts compared to the flour samples. The strongest predictors of antioxidant activity in the multiple linear regression models were protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and ferulic acid, suggesting that these compounds are particularly important contributors to the high antioxidant activity of faba bean. Understanding the relationship between individual constituents and the antioxidant capacity may help food technologists and plant breeders develop faba bean products with maximal health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate peels (PoP) have recently gained attention for their therapeutic properties. Although several studies reported the therapeutic effect, the side effect of feeding pomegranate peels supplemented ration has not received full attention. This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding dried PoP supplemented ration on body weight gain and selected blood parameters of male Baluchi lambs. Eighteen lambs were randomly assigned to control and two treatment groups, receiving rations with 5% and 10% PoP, respectively, for 60 days. Lambs' weight and blood samples were collected to assess blood parameters and liver enzymes. Results showed a significant reduction in weight gain in treatment groups (18% and 13%) compared to the control group (26%). Although there were no significant differences in blood biochemistry values except for an increase in GGT levels. The lack of change observed in other liver enzymes indicates that PoP is unlikely to cause liver damage. While it is true that PoP is a rich source of antioxidants that can prevent oxidative stress, excessive consumption of PoP can lead to an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals, resulting in the formation of pro-oxidants and oxidative stress. Therefore, it is important to consume PoP in moderation and balance its intake with other nutrients to maintain a healthy oxidative balance in the body. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to limit the consumption of PoP to less than 5% of the diet to avoid the potential risks associated with excessive antioxidant intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishmeal is an indispensable ingredient for most aquatic animals. However, the finite supply and escalating price of fishmeal seriously limit its use in aquaculture. Thus the development of new, sustainable protein ingredients has been a research focus. Microalgae are potential fishmeal alternatives owing to their high protein content and balanced amino acid profile. Studies suggest that suitable replacement of fishmeal with microalgae is beneficial for fish growth performance, but excessive replacement would induce poor growth and feed utilization. Therefore, this paper aims to review research on the maximum substitutional level of fishmeal by microalgae and propose the main issues and possible solutions for fishmeal replacement by microalgae. The maximum replacement level is affected by microalgal species, fish feeding habits, quality of fishmeal and microalgal meals, and supplemental levels of fishmeal in the control group. Microalgae could generally replace 100%, 95%, 95%, 64.1%, 25.6%, and 18.6% fishmeal protein in diets of carp, shrimp, catfish, tilapia, marine fish, and salmon and trout, respectively. The main issues with fishmeal replacement using microalgae include low production and high production cost, poor digestibility, and anti-nutritional factors. Possible solutions to these problems are recommended in this paper. Overall, microalgae are promising fishmeal alternatives in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild edible fruits are an important source of nutritional supplementation for the tribal communities in the northeastern mountainous region of India. In this study, the nutrient and antinutrient composition of 44 wild edible fruit species from the northeastern India were investigated. Among the studied plants, Elaeagnus umbellata showed high content of soluble solids (24.50 ± 0.41ºBrix), free fatty acids (67.79 ± 1.75 mg KOH g–1) and vitamin A (136.22 ± 1.44 mg 100 g–1). Terminalia chebula was shown to be a good source of reducing sugars (8.38 ± 0.07%) and total flavonoids (445.20 ± 1.18 mg 100 g–1) and Spondias pinnata with high total carbohydrate (12.51 ± 0.22%) and vitamin C (74.16 ± 5.33 mg 100 g–1) content. Castanopsis hystrix had the highest starch (1764.84 ± 8.85 mg 100 g–1) and cellulose (711.62 ± 7.68 mg 100 g–1) content and Machilus edulis with high fat content (36.44 ± 1.23%). Chlorophyll, carotenoid and anthocyanin contents were highest in Phoebe cooperiana, Rhus semialata, and Prunus nepalensis, respectively. Artocarpus lakoocha (84.58 ± 2.38%) and Spondias pinnata (84.09 ± 0.62%) were found to be good sources of antioxidants. Regarding antinutritive factors, Canarium strictum showed the highest phenols (902.00 ± 5.72 mg 100 g–1), highest tannins in Terminalia chebula (1059.33 ± 17.46 mg 100 g–1), alkaloids in Streblus asper (274.27 ± 6.31 mg 100 g–1), cyanogen in Castanopsis hystrix (31.04 ± 1.28 mg 100 g–1) and phytic acid in Viburnum foetidum (10.64 ± 0.30 mg 100 g–1). The results indicate that all studied fruit species possess nutritional and antinutritional properties and are considered promising for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruminant production in West Africa faces both qualitative and quantitative feeding constraints during the dry season and animal diseases in smallholder farms. High-protein legume seeds can represent an alternative and sustainable feed that could enhance animal performance. The use of legume beans, limited by their anti-nutritional factor contents, can be improved through different detoxification methods. The study evaluated the effects of processed velvet beans compared to raw velvet beans on the nutritive value of the beans, nutrient intakes, growth performance, and blood profile in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Four diets were tested, including 22.22% of raw velvet beans (RW diet), soaked beans (SK diet), boiled beans (BL diet), or roasted beans (RT diet). Twenty WAD goats of 6.85 ± 0.93 kg of body weight were divided equally into 4 groups and fed one of the four experimental diets. The processing method affects the crude protein content of velvet beans; in particular, tannin content was reduced with soaking or boiling. Dry matter and nutrient intakes resulted significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the SK diet compared to the control. Daily weight gain was highest in SK and RT diets and lowest in BL and the control diets RW. Therefore, the FCR was highest in BL and lowest in SK diets. In addition, SK diet showed the lowest feeding cost (1046.70 XOF/kg WG in SK). Our study revealed that processed velvet beans obtained using simple methods (e.g., soaking, boiling, or roasting) could be used as low-cost protein supplements in smallholder farms to enhance goats’ performance. The soaking method appears the simplest and cheapest process that smallholder farmers can easily use to enhance goats' productivity and improve their livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven indigenous pearl millet varieties, including non-bio-fortified (HC-10 & HC-20) and bio-fortified (Dhanashakti) and bio-fortified hybrids, viz., AHB-1200, HHB-299, HHB-311, and RHB-233, were studied in the present work. There was not any significant difference observed in the crucial anti-nutrients content, i.e., phytate (24.88–32.56 mg/g), tannin (3.07–4.35 mg/g), and oxalate (0.33–0.43 mg/g). Phytochemical content and antioxidant activity showed significantly high (p < 0.05) TPC and FRAP, TFC, and DPPH radical scavenging activity in the HHB 299 and Dhanashakti, respectively. Quantitative analysis of polyphenols by HPLC (first report on these varieties) revealed that HHB-299 has the highest amount of gallic acid. Fatty acid profiling by GC-FID showed that Dhanashakti, AHB-1200, and HHB-299 have rich monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Mineral analysis by ICP-OES showed high iron (87.79 and 84.26 mg/kg) and zinc (55.05 and 52.43 mg/kg) content in the HHB-311 and Dhanashakti, respectively. Results of the present study would help facilitate the formulation of various processed functional food products (RTC/RTE) that are currently not reported/unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soymilk is a plant based product which is a rich source of nutrients. However, various harmful compounds including allergens, anti-nutritional factors, and biogenic amines (BAs) exist in soybeans that may be transferred into soymilk. These compounds cause difficulties for consumers from mild to severe symptoms. Soymilk production is considered as a critical step in quantity of harmful compounds in final product. Common steps in soy milk manufacturing include soaking, grinding, and heating process. Allergens contents could be decreased by heating alone or in combination with structural modifiers and fermentation. BAs could be reduced by optimizing fermentation process and using suitable strains, especially BAs degradable types. Soaking, grinding and heating of soybeans in water are considered as effective methods for inactivation of antinutritional factors. Isoflavones are soy phytochemicals, which potentially leads to breast cancer in some women, can be converted to less bioavailable forms during processing. Other treatments such as high hydrostatic pressure and irradiation are also effective in harmful compounds reduction. Combination of the processes is more effective in harmful compounds removal. Considering the increasing trends in soymilk consumption, this review is focused on introduction of harmful compounds in soymilk and investigating the effects of processing condition on their concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High pressure (HP) treatment was applied to Kabouli chickpeas to reduce soaking time and anti-nutritional factors, and enhance their quality. Chickpeas were subjected to HP treatment at 100–600 MPa with single and multiple cycles (up to 6) with 10 min holding time as soak-treatments with or without prior soaking at 40 °C for 2 h. HP treatment alone resulted in 89.1% hydration while a combination of pre-soaking followed by HP treatment resulted 93.8% hydration; however overnight soaking (12 h) of chickpeas at room temperature resulted only in 42.5% hydration. Texture softness and color brightness were enhanced by HP treatment with or without pre-soaking (2 h at 40 °C) as compared to overnight soaked chickpeas. HP treatment reduced tannin to 25 mg CE/100 g and phytic acid to 0.2% levels which were about one fifth of their content in raw chickpeas and significantly lower than in overnight soaked product. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that 600 MPa HP treated samples showed larger pore sizes and bigger starch granules corresponding with the higher hydration rates. Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy results also showed a difference between raw and HP treated chickpeas. Overall, HP treatment was effective in reducing the anti-nutritional factors and soaking times and enhanced quality factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical and anti-nutritional, antioxidative and anti-microbial properties of seeds from Acacia cyclops, Acacia microbotrya and Acacia victoriae(which are legumes) traditionally consumed by indigenous Western Australians were studied for the first time for their potential as commercial food components. A. microbotrya (2.7 CIU/g) (α < 0.05) had the highest α-chymotrypsin inhibitor activity, while A. victoriae (0.3 ± 0.03) had the highest trypsin inhibitor activity. Both A. microbotrya (0.2 ± 0.02) and A. victoriae (0.2 ± 0.08) had significantly higher oxalate content than A. cyclops. The anti-microbial properties of wattle seed extracts against the foodborne pathogens Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus were determined. A. cyclops demonstrated the greatest anti-microbial activity against all the microorganisms studied. A. microbotrya had significantly higher amounts of protein (27.2%), fat (3.4%), fibre (49.2 mg/100 g), iron (5.2 mg/100 g), potassium (1275.5 mg/100 g) and zinc (3.8 mg/100 g) than the other two Acacia species. A. victoriae had the highest DPPH equivalent antioxidant activity (37.1%). The wattle seeds studied are higher in protein, dietary fiber, zinc and potassium compared to some commonly consumed legumes such as lentils and chickpeas. Incorporation of wattle seed in to food may provide additional health benefits to consumers. Their ability to inhibit foodborne bacteria means they may have potential as a natural food additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the role of seed ageing in the control of anti-nutritional factors in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). In differently aged seeds of three cultivars of V. unguiculata (V240, V78 and V585), germination ability and vigour were studied. Effort was also made to assay trypsin inhibitor, phenol and phytic acid, perform protein profiling in these seeds. High vigour lots (V240 and V585) registered maximum increases in germination of aged seeds. The contents of nutritional factors such as total protein and carbohydrate declined with decrease in seed vigour lots. Anti-nutritional factors such as phytic acid, phenolic content and trypsin inhibitor activity decreased and varied in low and high vigour seed lots. Polypeptide banding pattern significantly varied in the high, medium and low vigour seeds. Notably, proteins with the highest relative mobility of 0.98 and lowest molecular weight of 11.5 kDa and lowest relative mobility of 0.17 and highest molecular weight of 102.0 kDa were observed in all the vigour lots. Results implied the decline in vigour of V. unguiculata seeds under conditions of controlled ageing can be related to the decline in content of major nutritional factors (total carbohydrates and proteins) required for the growing embryo during seed germination. Additionally, decreases in the contents of anti-nutritional factors phytic acid and phenols, and the activity of trypsin inhibitor in particular are connected with the decrease in seed vigour irrespective of V. unguiculata cultivars. The use of short duration controlled ageing technique can, at least partially, reduce the negative effects of anti-nutritional factors, and eventually improve the nutritional quality of V. unguiculata seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A screening study was conducted to investigate the nutrient composition, anti-nutritional factors, in vitro gas (GP) and methane (CH4) production of leaves and whole pods in tropical multipurpose trees (MPTs). The results indicated that the highest CP (296 g/kg DM) was found in Moringa stenopetala leaves followed by Acacia abysinica (277 g/kg DM), Millettia ferruginea (264 g/kg DM), Prosopis juliflora (261 g/kg DM) and Moringa oleifera (256 g/kg DM). In whole pods, the CP ranged from 172 in M. ferruginea to 191 g/kg DM in M. stenopetala. The starch in M. stenopetala, P. juliflora and Chamaecytisus palmensis leaves was 44.2, 28.8 and 24.4 g/kg DM, respectively. Leaves of Cajanus cajan had the highest concentrations of valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, lysine and threonine. The highest concentration of total and tannin phenols were observed in leaves of A. nilotica while P. juliflora leaves had the lowest. Leaves of M. oleifera had higher total phenols and soluble condensed tannins than those of M. stenopetala. The in vitro GP were (P < 0.05) higher in leaves of Moringa species, Sesbania sesban, C. palmensis and Leucaena leucocephala than other MPTs. The CH4 production in A. nilotica, P. juliflora and C. cajan leaves was 1.05, −1.16 and 1.79 ml/200 mg DM, respectively and were lower (P < 0.05) than other MPTs. The lowest CH4 was observed in M. ferruginea pods (2.64 ml/200 mg DM) being (P < 0.05) different from other species. In conclusion, leaves of A. nilotica, P. juliflora, C. cajan and pods of M. ferruginea were identified as potential candidates in mitigating CH4 production and might be used as feed additives or supplementary feed for grazing ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ungerminated and germinated 'rice flours' of rice varieties from Shalimar rice-1 (S), Jehlem (J) and Kohsar (K), were studied for different germination periods (0-7 days) to investigate the changes in nutritional properties. Antioxidant activity using DPPH, FRAP & total phenols were also evaluated. Further, changes in anti-nutritional factors like phytates and oxalates were also observed. The results revealed that the germination significantly dropped off the level of starch but increased the sugar contents after the first day of germination. Moisture content and ash content increased significantly. Protein content showed a significant increase from 8.48 to 11.77% in (S), 7.87 to 11.37% in (J) and 7.48 to 11.39% in (K). Fat content decreased drastically from 0.73 to 0.51% in (S), 0.68 to 0.46% in (J) and 0.76 to 0.56% in (K). Germination also increased total phenols and antioxidant activity but decreased anti-nutritional factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing increasing levels of dried tagasaste ( Chamaecytisus palmensis) leaf on the nutrition and performance of sheep fed a basal diet of barley straw. The study had four treatments, which involved supplementation of dried tagasaste leaf at 100, 200, 300, and 400 g/day. Twenty-four yearling Menz sheep (weight 17 ± 0.83 kg) were assigned to one of the four treatments in a randomized complete block design. The experiment comprised a feeding trial lasting for 90 days, a digestibility trial, and carcass evaluation using all animals. Samples of the feed consumed, refused, and feces were analyzed for nutrients. Intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM) and nutrients increased linearly ( P < 0.001) as tagasaste supplementation increased from 100 to 400 g/day. Similarly, average daily body weight gain increased linearly ( P < 0.001) from 20 to 73 g/day, feed conversion efficiency from 0.04 to 0.10, and dressing percentage from 40 to 48%, as the supplementation increased from 100 to 400 g/day. Proportion of tagasaste leaf in the diet increased from 20 to 50%, while the ratio of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) to crude protein (CP) decreased from 7.9 to 5.3, as the level of supplementation increased. It was thus concluded that supplementation of dried tagasaste leaf up to 50% of the diet DM, resulting in a NDF:CP ratio of 5.3, produces no deleterious effects on the performance of sheep, and inclusion to this level can be applied for superior growth performance and carcass yield in sheep fed crop residue-based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is one of the largest soybean ( Glycine max L. Merrill) producers in the world, as well as main exporter. Little information is available about both the composition of Brazilian genotypes in respect to soluble sugars contents such as sucrose, glucose, raffinose and stachyose, and the effect of genotype × environment interaction (GEI). This study evaluated the soluble sugar contents, the GEI and the genetic variability of highly cultivated cultivars and new soybean lines. A sample of 46 commercial Brazilian cultivars and 35 pre-commercial lines were evaluated at six locations during the 2014/15 crop season, in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Soluble sugars were evaluated using an infrared spectroscopy (NIR) method. The average contents of sucrose, glucose, raffinose and stachyose were 3.3, 1.62, 0.39 and 3.07% which were lower than the levels found in other countries. All field traits were highly influenced by the environment. The cultivar NS 6121 RR presented a reduced (and stable across the environments) raffinose and stachyose content and can be used as a source of novel genes in breeding programs. Brazilian soybean presents genotypic differences which can be exploited to reduce or increase soluble sugar contents in breeding programs. There is a strong GEI for sucrose, glucose, raffinose and stachyose contents for Brazilian environments. The evaluated genotypes presented reduced contents of raffinose and stachyose, which are considered antinutritional factors. The new soybean lines presented similar soluble sugar contents to the tested cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine and analyse the content of essential nutrients, the amino acid profile, phytochemical compounds, and antioxidant activity in the seeds of selected species and varieties of Fabaceae plants. The highest total protein content was detected in the seeds of the yellow and Andean lupines. The lupine seeds were characterised by a high ( P < 0.05) level of crude fibre, NDF, and CEL. The highest proportion of EAAI (77%) was noted in the protein of chickpea, broad bean, grasspea, and pea. Among the Fabaceae plants analysed, chickpea seeds exhibited the highest ( P < 0.05) levels of total phenols and polyphenols. The greatest ( P < 0.05) antioxidant activity (DPPH) was noted for the lentil and yellow lupine seeds. Compared to the other legume representatives, the importance of lupine is increasing, as the chemical composition of its seeds makes the plant an important nutraceutical component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is an important food legume and is a major source of nutrient in many diets. We investigated the effects of different processing methods, soaking and non-soaking followed by moist heating (pressure cooking and microwave cooking) and dry heating (roasting), on chemical composition, amino acid profile, mineral concentration, anti-nutritional factors, protein solubility and in vitro digestibility of chickpeas. Oil content significantly ( P < 0.05) increased in all processed samples, except soaked/microwave cooked sample. All processing methods improved amino acid profile, with the greatest increase caused by soaking/microwave cooking. There was a significant reduction in mineral content after processing except in soaked sample that showed the highest level of mineral retention. All processes significantly reduced tannin and phytate concentrations. The soaked/microwave cooked sample had the largest reduction of tannins, while soaking/pressure cooking caused the highest reduction in phytate. Compared to raw counterpart, protein solubility in all processed samples significantly decreased, while in vitro protein digestibility significantly improved, with the highest values for soaked/pressure cooked and soaked/microwave cooked samples. In-vitro protein digestibility showed a positive correlation with both total amino acids ( r = 0.774) and total essential amino acids ( r = 0.838), but a negative correlation with total macroelements ( r = −0.925), tannins (r = −0.847) and phytate ( r = −0.818). Soaking/microwave cooking seems to the best method for improving the nutritional quality of chickpea samples analyzed in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial amount of the leaves as biomass residue is produced from Populus deltoides (poplar) plantations which has no commercial value and remain underutilized. Feasibility of utilization of this biomass residue for development of protein concentrate as a food/feed supplement was examined. A process for isolation of leaf protein concentrate (LPC) was optimized through investigating the influence of various process parameters on the yield and protein content of the LPC. The parameters optimized were ratio of fresh leaves to water (1:9), coagulation temperature (90 °C) and duration (11 min), and pH (4.0). The optimized process was applied for isolation of LPCs from lower, middle and upper canopy of the tree, and the LPCs containing protein 59.24 ± 0.50, 59.56 ± 0.40 and 59.66 ± 0.10 % were recovered in 7.79 ± 0.01, 7.66 ± 0.12 and 7.83 ± 0.14 % yield, respectively. The proximate nutritional composition (moisture, 6.91, 7.08, 7.08 %; fat, 17.96, 16.95, 18.27 %; crude fibre, 1.54, 1.53, 1.54 %; ash, 4.35, 4.38, 4.36 %; carbohydrates, 18.43, 19.08, 18.01 %; organic matter, 95.64, 95.72, 95.95 %; total free amino acids, 0.034, 0.035, 0.036 % E of Leucine; pigments (chlorophyll, 4.64, 4.68, 4.65 mg/g; total carotene 19.94, 19.91, 19.99 mg/100 g; xanthophylls, 0.21, 0.21, 0.22 %); minerals (Na, 5.11, 5.06, 5.17 mg/100 g; Ca, 1.98, 1.97, 1.99 %; P, 0.58, 0.57, 0.58 %; Fe, 70.47, 70.44, 70.48 mg/100 g), in vitro digestibility (86.20, 86.39, 86.54 %) and anti-nutritional factors (total polyphenols, 0.084, 0.084, 0.085 % gallic acid equivalent) of these LPCs were determined. Analysis of variance of these data revealed no significant difference with respect to canopy. It was inferred that the poplar leaves hold potential for development of LPC as a food/feed supplement to combat nutrition deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultimate value of the Brassica napus (canola) seed is derived from the oil fraction, which has long been recognized for its premium dietary attributes, including its low level of saturated fatty acids, high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, and favorable omega-3 fatty acid profile. However, the protein (meal) portion of the seed has also received favorable attention for its essential amino acids, including abundance of sulfur-containing amino acids, such that B. napus protein is being contemplated for large scale use in livestock and fish feed formulations. Efforts to optimize the composition of B. napus oil and protein fractions are well documented; therefore, this article will review research concerned with optimizing secondary metabolites that affect the quality of seed oil and meal, from undesirable anti-nutritional factors to highl value beneficial products. The biological, agronomic, and economic values attributed to secondary metabolites have brought much needed attention to those in Brassica oilseeds and other crops. This review focuses on increasing levels of beneficial endogenous secondary metabolites (such as carotenoids, choline and tochopherols) and decreasing undesirable antinutritional factors (glucosinolates, sinapine and phytate). Molecular genetic approaches are given emphasis relative to classical breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bidens biternata, belonging to the family Asteraceae, is an erect annual herb, up to 1 cm in height, and a widespread weed of cultivated areas. This plant is common, particularly in the Western Ghats regions of Kerala state in India. It is used as a leafy vegetable by the Paniya and Kattunaayika tribes of Waynadu Districts in Kerala and also to cure hepatitis, cold, cough, dysentery, etc. The multiplication and utilization of this leafy vegetable will help to overcome the nutritional deficiency problem and also to maintain the biodiversity. For effective biochemical analysis, plant extract was taken using different solvents. Various phytochemicals like reducing sugar, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, coumarins, saponins, anthraquinones, phlobatannins and iridoids were estimated. Different nutritional factors like total carbohydrates, total proteins, total reducing sugar, different amino acids, free fatty acids, crude fibre, lipids, total moisture content, vitamins, etc. were tested by standard estimation methods. Anti-nutritional factors like phytic acid, total phenol, tannic acid, etc., were also estimated. Micronutrients and different pigments were quantified. The present studies revealed that this wild leafy plant has numerous nutritional factors with a low level of anti-nutritional factors. Therefore, this nutritive herb with diverse health-promoting compounds can be effectively utilized to overcome the nutritional deficiency problem around the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multigrain composite mixes were prepared from different cereals, legumes, millets, nuts along with condiments by different processes. Multigrain composite mixes had 10 to 12% moisture, 56 to 61% carbohydrate, 15 to 20% protein, 9 to 13% crude lipid and 2 to 3% ash. Energy value ranged from ~1600 to 1700 kJ/100 g. Among the vitamins studied, thiamine and riboflavin content varied from 0. 23 to 0.45 mg% and from 8.7 to 21.6 microgram% respectively. Dietary fibre was in the range of 12.4-16.5%. Swelling power of these mixes was about 10; however solubility varied from 17 to 22%. In-vitro Starch digestibility varied from 60 to 76%. Phytic acid content in these multigrain composite mixes varied from 0.6 to 0.8%. Poly-phenols ranged from 1.2 to 1.5%, DPPH free radical scavenging activity ranged from 75.2-86.2% and metal chelating activity ranged from 1.9 to 3.9%. Pasting profile by a Brabender Viscograph of these mixes indicated that they have cross linked starch type behaviour. These multigrain composite mixes can be used for the preparation of food formulations, savory products, pan cake, snacks preparation like muruku and chakli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Galactosidases has the potential to hydrolyze α-1-6 linkages in raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO). Aspergillus terreus cells cultivated on wheat bran produced three extracellular forms of α-galactosidases (E1, E2, and E3). E1 and E2 α-galactosidases presented maximal activities at pH 5, while E3 α-galactosidase was more active at pH 5.5. The E1 and E2 enzymes showed stability for 6 h at pH 4-7. Maximal activities were determined at 60, 55, and 50°C, for E1, E2, and E3 α-galactosidase, respectively. E2 α-galactosidase retained 90% of its initial activity after 70 h at 50°C. The enzymes hydrolyzed ρNPGal, melibiose, raffinose and stachyose, and E1 and E2 enzymes were able to hydrolyze guar gum and locust bean gum substrates. E1 and E3 α-galactosidases were completely inhibited by Hg, Ag, and Cu. The treatment of RFO present in soy milk with the enzymes showed that E1 α-galactosidase reduced the stachyose content to zero after 12 h of reaction, while E2 promoted total hydrolysis of raffinose. The complete removal of the oligosaccharides in soy milk could be reached by synergistic action of both enzymes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variation among some barley germplasm (Giza 123, Giza 127, Giza 130, Desert, and Sinai) was investigated comparatively at the molecular and biochemical levels. Leaf DNAs extracted from different barley germplasm were amplified with randomly chosen primers in a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Only five primers amplified all DNA templates among 15 primers. Primers generated a total of 112 DNA fragments ranged from 1.2 to 0.1 kbp. Out of the 112 fragments, 16 (14.29%) were polymorphic. The result indicated that fragments generated per primer, with an average of 22.4 products, where the number of polymorphic bands per primer, with an average of 3.2 polymorphic bands. In addition, the genetic variation in the anti-nutritional factors and nutrient composition of the same genotypes were determined. A wide variation in total phenolic, phytic, tannin, vicine, and saponin contents was found among these germplasm. The range of total phenolic was 3.83 to 7.50 mg g−1 d.w. Among all germplasm, Desert germplasm was characterized by the highest tannin content. However, saponin ranged between 5.66 mg g−1 d.w. (in Giza 123) to 9.21 mg g−1 d.w (in Sinai) germplasm. The concentrations of the phytic acid were generally low, ranging between 0.99 to 6.78 mg g−1 d.w. The germplasm Desert and Sinai had the highest level of vicine, 1.89 and 1.87 mg g−1 d.w., respectively. The results of the molecular characterization and anti-nutritional content can be used as the starting point needed to identify the valuable Egyptian barley germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of different processing methods (soaking in water or solutions of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, soaking plus cooking, and germination) on anti-nutritional factors (phytic acid, total polyphenols, tannins, and hydrocyanic acid) of red kidney bean was studied. The antinutritional factors were reduced significantly (P<0.001) with processing techniques. Cyanide contents were most effectively (25%) reduced by cooking after soaking in sodium bicarbonate solution, followed by germination. The most drastic effect was noted on tannin contents. Cooking after soaking in either citric acid or sodium bicarbonate solutions almost eliminated it. However, simple soaking in water did not result in any reduction in tannin contents. Reduction in total polyphenols was 78.7% with cooking after soaking in sodium bicarbonate solution. Phytic acid contents were reduced only with germination treatment (42.6%), while the other treatments did not bring about any large reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nutritional study of Dioclea grandiflora (Mucuna) and Dioclea sclerocarpa, two legume seeds related to Canavalia which grow extensively in South America and are used as a human food source, has been carried out. Whilst both seeds, when fed to rats at a level equivalent to 100g seed protein kg diet gave poor nutritional performance, the anti-nutritional factors involved were apparently different. With Dioclea grandiflora, the presence in the seed of a soluble small molecular weight component, which caused food intake to be reduced to levels well below that required to meet minimum protein, energy, vitamin and mineral requirements, led to poor growth. This factor could be reduced substantially by exhaustive dialysis or by aqueous ethanol extraction of the meal. These procedures may have potential practical applications. In addition, the constitutent lectin, which was partially resistant in vitro and in vivo to degradation by gastrointestinal enzymes, also contributed to growth depression. With Dioclea sclerocarpa, a non-haemagglutinating pH 7 soluble factor was primarily responsible for the poor performance of rats. This factor could not be removed by exhaustive dialysis. The apparently poor protein digestibility observed may be due to increased secretion of endogenous nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seeds of 27 varieties of P. tetragonolobus from six regions of South-East Asia have been examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. No marked variations in the electrophoretic patterns were found which could be exploited by plant breeders to improve nutritional quality with respect to sulfur containing amino acids. The amino acid compositions of varieties from the different regions showed little variation. Seed extracts of all 27 varieties of P. tetragonolobus showed trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activities, and hemagglutinating activities. The levels of trypsin inhibitory activities showed some genotypic differences varying from 22.2 to 42.5 mg trypsin inbibited g of seed meal. As a group the varieties from Malaysia showed the lowest levels of trypsin inhibitor. The chymotrypsin inhibitory activity also showed a similar variation (30.1-47.6 mg chymotrypsin inhibited g of seed meal). Seed extracts agglutinated type O and B human and rabbit erythrocytes with little difference in activity between varieties. Autoclaving winged bean seed meal prior to protein extraction inactivated the anti-nutritional factors and resulted in considerable reduction of protein solubility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical, nutritional, and technological characteristics of buckwheat and non-prolamine buckwheat flours in comparison to wheat for celiac patients use have been studied. The results suggested the following conclusions: the 56.5% extraction value for flour obtention is considered good; the buckwheat flour presents methionine and cystine as first limiting amino acids followed by threonine as the second limiting amino acid; the buckwheat flour presents higher content of lysine amino acids than the wheat flour; the buckwheat flour is superior to the wheat flour regarding iron, copper, and magnesium minerals; the buckwheat flour does not present haemagglutinin activity and the tannin content is negligible. Rheological assays indicate that the buckwheat flour does not contain gluten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical and nutritional characteristics of irradiated and nonirradiated cowpea bean at 0.2 kGy submitted to several thermal treatments were studied. The cowpea bean flours irradiated at 0.2 kGy were superior to those non-irradiated concerning digestibility and the flours submitted to microwave oven were superior to those cooked under low pressure, autoclaved or even raw from the nutritional point of view. As to the presence of anti-nutritional factors, the results showed that the variety of cowpea bean under research presented neither trypsin inhibitor nor haemagglutinin activity, however, regarding tannin, a 0.006% content was found and considered negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]