Silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) are new sources of high quality protein and lipid

This study was performed to evaluate the nutritional value of silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) and the content of α-glucosidase inhibitor. The percentages of total protein and lipid contents by dry weight were 55.6 and 32.2%, respectively. Silkworm pupae protein had high levels of essential amino acids such as valine, methionine and phenylalanine. The contents of essential amino acids in silkworm pupae protein satisfied the FAO/WHO/UNU suggested requirements (2007). In addition, they also possessed n-3 fatty acids, especially α-linolenic acid (36.3%), as a major component. The 50% ethanol extract of silkworm pupae contained 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which is a potent α-glucosidase inhibitor. These results suggest that silkworm pupae are a new source of high quality protein, lipid, and α-glucosidase inhibitor.     

Amino acid composition of the whole body,flesh and exoskeleton of female common West African fresh water crab Sudananautes africanus africanus

The amino acid composition of the whole body (edible parts), flesh and exoskeleton of the female common West African fresh water crab Sudananautes africanus africanus was determined on a dry weight basis. The total essential amino acids ranged from 349.8 mg/g to 387.3 mg/g crude protein or from 48.5% to 49.8% of the total amino acid. Both the total amino acid and the total essential amino acid showed no significant differences among the samples at P<0.05. The amino acid score showed that lysine ranged from 0.9 to 1.2, making it a good food fortifier. The predicted protein efficiency ratio was 2.6–3.4, showing that the quality of protein was high. The carbohydrate content was high (57.5–59.1 g/100 g) but the protein was lower (15.7–18.6 g/100 g). The low level of the crude fibre in the flesh will make it good to serve as a food complement.     

Nutrient composition and biological evaluation of an unconventional legume,Canavalia cathartica of mangroves

Seeds of an unconventional legume, Canavalia cathartica from the mangroves of the southwest coast of India, were screened for proximate composition, minerals, protein fractions, amino acid profiles, fatty acids and some anti-nutritional factors. The seeds consisted of 31.2%, 1.86%, 61.4% and 1580 kJ crude proteins, crude lipid, crude carbohydrates and calories, respectively. The crude protein content of seeds was higher than common cereals, whole-wheat flour (8.55%), parboiled rice (7.7%) and egg (12.6%). Essential amino acids, threonine, cysteine?+?methionine, isoleucine, tyrosine?+?phenylalanine and lysine were higher than Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations/World Health Organization patterns. On comparing the amino acid profile of mangrove and sand dune C. cathartica seeds, the latter were found to be superior (total amino acid content, 123.5% versus 60.8%), while the result was vice versa with respect to the polyunsaturated/saturated ratio (105.9 versus 2.52). The seeds possessed 1420 mg/100 g total phenolics and strong hemagglutination activity, while tannins and trypsin inhibition activity were absent. Physical, nutritional and anti-nutritional features of seeds of C. cathartica of the mangrove have been compared with those of C. cathartica of the sand dunes of the southwest coast of India. A significant difference (P?<?0.05) was observed between the physical, proximal and mineral composition except for ash, magnesium and copper. The protein efficiency ratio, food efficiency ratio, net protein retention, protein retention efficiency, biological value, net protein utilization and true digestibility of C. cathartica seeds were significantly different (P?<?0.05) from casein. In spite of the high protein content, animal-feeding trials indicated low nutritional quality. Nutritional, anti-nutritional factors and protein qualities of seeds C. cathartica have been discussed in comparison with other species of Canavalia.     

Preliminary chemical and nutritional characterization of liver from longnose skates (Raja rhina)

Skates (Raja rhina) have recently become a small commercial fishery in Alaska and along the western United States coast. Most of the skate byproduct is discarded or made into meal; therefore, there is opportunity to enhance the utilization for skate byproducts. The objective of this research project was to chemically characterize longnose skate livers. Livers from five long nose skates, caught off the coast of Kodiak, Alaska, were obtained immediately after the fins (called “wings”) had been removed by a commercial processor. Each liver was subjected to the following analysis: proximate composition, minerals, amino acids, α-tocopherol, protein gel electrophoresis, fatty acid profiles, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and biogenic amines (BA). Livers were composed of lipid (49.6%), moisture (41.0%), protein (10.9%) and ash (0.8%). High levels of α-tocopherol were found in the livers (142 μg/g oil). Fatty acid profile indicated that the lipids extracted from livers contained high concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (16.0%) and docosahexaenoic acid (17.7%). Average TBARS values were low at 1.5 μg malondialdehyde/g oil, indicating low levels of lipid oxidation. The lysine content as percent of total amino acids on a weight basis was 6.1% and methionine content was 2.8%. Analysis of BA found putrescine (31 mg/kg liver) and spermine (85 mg/kg liver) present. Preliminary results suggest long nose skate livers as an abundant source of n-3 fatty acids and amino acids.     

Effect of stabilisation treatment of rice bran on nutritional quality of protein concentrates

Protein concentrates were prepared from unstabilised, acid stabilised, heat stabilised and parboiled rice bran, either freeze dried or roller dried. They were assessed for their nutritional quality by both in vivo and in vitro assays. The essential amino acid profile of protein concentrates was comparable to rice proteins or rice bran proteins as such. Limiting amino acids of concentrates were threonine and isoleucine. Essential amino acid indices for different samples ranged from 72.4 to 77.6. Lysine content was high (4.32–5.55 g/16gN) of which 52–57% was available. Freeze dried protein concentrate from untreated and acid stabilised rice bran exhibited very high in vitro digestibility (84.1 and 86%, respectively) whereas protein concentrates from heat stabilised and parboiled rice bran had lower digestibility of 57.3 and 61.2%, respectively. Roller dried samples from untreated and acid stabilised rice bran showed high digestibility with pepsin and pancreatin but low value with pepsin, indicating effect of heat on pepsin digestibility. The results of animal assays can be summarised as follows. The PER values of diets based on protein concentrates from untreated and acid stabilised rice bran at 10% protein level were 2.16 and 2.34 and at 15% protein level were 2.20 and 2.11, respectively. Net protein ratio and nitrogen utilisation from both protein concentrates were also high and not significantly different from the standard protein.     

The nutrient content of five traditional South African dark green leafy vegetables—A preliminary study

The nutrient content (proximate composition, vitamin B₂, ß-carotene, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus) of 5 traditional dark green leafy vegetables, traditionally consumed by rural inhabitants of South Africa (SA), was determined in this study. The nutritional dilemma in SA, with many children and adults suffering from micronutrient deficiencies, is a strong motivation for determining the nutritional composition of traditional foods. The moisture, protein, ash and fat content in the raw leaves per 100 g ranged from 81.0 to 89.9 g/100 g, 3.49 to 5.68 g/100 g, 1.42 to 3.23 g/100 g and 0.12 to 0.36 g/100 g respectively. There was an increase in moisture content in the cooked leaves, while the protein, fat and ash decreased during the cooking process. Raw misbredie (Amaranthus tricolor), pumpkin leaves (Curcubita maxima) and cat's whiskers (Cleome gynandra) had a high iron content compared to cowpea leaves (Vigna unguiculata) and wild jute (Corchorus olitorius), which in nutritional terms might play a role in combating iron deficiency in SA. The zinc content ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/100 g, while the magnesium ranged from 54.7 mg to 146 mg/100 g. As expected, the minerals decreased during cooking. Cowpea leaves was the poorest source of minerals compared to the other leafy vegetables but had a good index of nutritional quality for protein. Raw and cooked pumpkin leaves had the highest index of nutritional quality for protein. Both raw and cooked leafy vegetables contained high levels of beta-carotene (with total beta-carotene levels in the range of 796–6134 μg/100 g) but low levels of vitamin B₂ (0.01–0.12 mg/100 g).     

Protein Quality of Enteral Nutrition products is Consistent with Label claims During Shelf life and Beyond Expiration Date

Objective Enteral formulas were monitored during their shelf life and beyond expiration date to examine protein quality.Design Protein quality was determined by protein efficiency ratio (PER) bioassays and amino acid analyses.Setting A certified laboratory performed the PER tests according to procedures established by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists and recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration (PDA). The amino acid analyses were performed in our laboratory using validated methods.Samples Commercially available formulas (Ensure, Osmolite HN, TwoCal HN) that contained protein blends of caseinates or caseinates with soybean protein isolate were studied.Main outcome measures Achievement of protein-quality values greater than or equal to 70% of the fresh reference casein value as determined by the PER method would be consistent with adequate protein quality as described by the FDA. Levels of indispensable amino acids that meet or exceed the standards established by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences are considered high-quality proteins. Levels of amino acids throughout shelf life were compared with published label claims.Results Amino acid analyses, which included measurement of tryptophan and total sulfur amino acids, revealed that both fresh and outdated products met or exceeded standards for proteins of high biologic value and were consistent with label claims. The PER values ranged from 90% to 96% of the control diet for fresh product and 82% to 87% for products evaluated after expiration.Conclusion The enteral products studied provide high-quality protein throughout the shelf life of the product. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95:46-52.     

Nutritional and Antinutritional Properties of the Underexploited Legumes Cassia laevigata Willd. and Tamarindus Indica L.

The nutrient composition and antinutritional factors of two underexploited tribal pulses, Cassia laevigata and Tamarindus indica were analyzed. The seeds contained 20.8 and 13% crude protein, 5.3 and 7.1% crude lipid, 4.8 and 4.2% ash, 58.6 and 61.7% carbohydrates, respectively. The minerals Ca, Fe, and Zn were rich in C. laevigata; whereas K was rich in T. indicata. The globulins and glutelins constituted the bulk of seed proteins in C. laevigata and albumins and globulins constituted major proteins in T. indicata. Seed lipids of both the legumes exhibited large proportions of unsaturated fatty acids with linoleic acid as the major one. The essential amino acids, except methionine and cystine, were present in adequate levels in total proteins and protein fractions of C. laevigata. The total proteins and protein fractions of T. indicata were a rich source of cystine and methionine. However, threonine and tryptophan were limiting. When compared with globulins: albumins contained relatively high levels of theorine and tryptophan. The total free phenolics, tannins, phytic acid, hydrogen cyanide, trypsin inhibitor, and phytohaemagglutinating activities were also analyzed. Tamarindus indica seeds exhibited a relatively high level (71.6%) of in vitro protein digestibility compared to C. laevigata (62.2%).     

Chemical composition,nutritional and antioxidant properties of the red edible seaweed Porphyra columbina

Proximate composition, fatty acids and amino acid profiles and nutritional (chemical score, protein digestibility, PDCAAS and mineral dialyzability) and antioxidant properties (TEAC, DPPH and power reduction) from Porphyra columbina were evaluated. Total dietary fiber (48.02?±?1.13?g/100?g dry weight) and protein (24.61?±?0.21?g/100?g dry weight) were the two most abundant components in this seaweed. The main saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were C16:0 and C20:5 (n?3), respectively. The limiting amino acid was tryptophan with a chemical score of 57%. Protein digestibility was 74.33?±?3.0%. Porphyra columbina has high mineral content with good Na/K relationship and medium value of potential mineral accessibility (P, Ca and Zn dializability: 18.75?±?0.01, 17.62?±?0.16 and 16.70?±?0.44, respectively). The highest antioxidant properties were obtained with an acetone/water extraction system. This work provides important information about chemical composition and nutraceutical new properties of P. columbina.     

Amino acid composition of two masticatory nuts (Cola acuminata and Garcinia kola) and a snack nut (Anacardium occidentale)

The amino acid compositions of Cola acuminata, Garcinia kola and Anacardium occidentale were evaluated by ion-exchange chromatography. Glutamic acid was the most concentrated acid in the samples. In all the amino acids determined, A. occidentale had the most concentrated acid on a pairwise basis. The total amino acids were 356.24 mg/g protein, 112.90 mg/g protein and 659.17 mg/g protein for C. acuminata, G. kola and A. occidentale, respectively. The percentage total essential amino acids were 38.39% (C. acuminata), 47.05% (G. kola) and 51.04% (A. occidentale). Also the percentage total acidic amino acids were 38.16% (C. acuminata), 30.61% (G. kola) and 30.35% (A. occidentale). The calculated isoelectric points were 2.0 (C. acuminata), 0.7 (G. kola) and 3.9 (A. occidentale), showing they can all be precipitated at acidic pH. While threonine was the limiting amino acid in A. occidentale, it was valine in both C. acuminata and G. kola. The percentage cystine (Cys) levels in the total sulphur amino acid were 44.27% (C. acuminata), 37.75% (G. kola) and 50.51% (A. occidentale). The aim of this work was to compare the amino acid profile of the samples. It is recommended that C. acuminata and G. kola consumption be avoided by ulcer patients because of their high levels of acidic amino acids. A. occidentale amino acid scores ranged from 42% to 127%, suggesting that it could be used to enhance the protein quality of cereals through food complementation.     

An Indigenous Plant Food Used by Lactating Mothers in West Africa: The Nutrient Composition of the Leaves of Kigelia Africana in Ghana

Although the leaves of Kigelia africana are used to make a palm-nut soup which is consumed mainly by lactating women in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about the nutrient qualities of this underutilized and underappreciated plant food. Leaves of Kigelia africana, called “sausage tree” in English and “nufuten” in the Twi language of Ghana, were collected in Kumasi and analyzed for their content of nutritionally important fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, and trace elements. The dried leaves contained 1.62% fatty acids, of which α-linolenic acid and linolenic acid accounted for 44% and 20%, respectively, of the total. Protein accounted for 12.6% of the dry weight and, except for lysine, its overall essential amino acid profile compared favorably to a World Health Organization protein standard for school children. Kigelia leaf contained considerable amounts of many essential elements, including calcium (7,620μg/g), iron (161μg/g), magnesium (2,310μg/g), manganese (14.6μg/g), zinc (39.9μg/g), and chromium (0.83μg/g); selenium, however, was not detected. These data indicate that Kigelia africana leaf compares favorably with many other commonly-consumed green leafy vegetables such as spinach and provides a rational basis for promoting the conservation and propagation of the plant and encouraging its wider use in the diets of populations in sub-Saharan Africa.     

海蓬子营养成分分析与急性毒性评价

目的分析种植于潮汕沿海海蓬子的营养成分,并对其安全性进行初步评价。方法采用常规生化分析方法。结果海蓬子嫩茎的含水量较低(90.99%),灰分(3.42%)、维生素C(40.66mg/100g)和β-胡萝卜素(1.74mg/100g)含量高,含有八种必需氨基酸,谷氨酸、精氨酸含量丰富、但缺乏含硫氨基酸,其他营养成分多数高于茎菜类蔬菜。种籽中蛋白质(34.01%)、油脂(23.79%)和维生素E(23.6mg/100g)含量都很高,其蛋白质质量较好。种油主要由亚油酸(70.62%),油酸(12.19%),棕榈酸(10.37%),亚麻酸(2.93%)等组成,有较高的营养和保健价值。小鼠急性毒性试验LD50464g/kg。结论海蓬子营养丰富,食用安全,有很好的开发利用前景。     

Fatty acid and amino acid compositions of selected wild-edible mushrooms consumed in Turkey

The fatty acid and amino acid compositions of 11 mushroom species commonly consumed were collected from the East Black Sea region of Turkey and analyzed. All species were characterized by a high content of linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) and glutamic acid. The highest content of linoleic acid (78.0%) and glutamic acid (29.4 μg/mg dry weight [d.w.]) was found in Agaricus arvensis and the lowest in Cantharellus tubaeformis, 19.8% and 10.9 μg/mg d.w., respectively. The average content of amino acids for all species was 148 μg/mg d.w. Overall, these results demonstrate that the 11 different kinds of wild edible mushrooms gathered from the region represent substantial sources of fatty acids and amino acids that are essential in the diet of humans. Quality of the mushroom protein compares favorably with the FAO/WHO Standard. The present study demonstrates that macrofungi from the East Black Sea region (Turkey) are a good source of many nutrients essential to human well-being.     

The composition of Hirsutella sinensis, anamorph of Cordyceps sinensis

The compositions of natural fruiting bodies of Cordyceps sinensis (NFCS), mycelia from submerged culture (MSMC) and shake culture (MSKC) of RCEF0273, a strain of Hirsutella sinensis, anamorph of C. sinensis, were compared to evaluate the potentiality of MSMC. The contents of crude fat, crude protein, total and essential amino acids were in the following descending order: MSKC>MSMC>NFCS, respectively. Unsaturated fatty acids of MSMC accounted for 65.9% of total fatty acids, obviously lower than those of NFCS (86.9%) and MSKC (76.5%). Both As and Hg were lower than 0.20 μg/g in all samples tested. The contents of Ca, Se and Cu were higher in MSMC than in NFCS, while the contents of Fe, Zn and Sn, were lower in MSMC than in NFCS. Vitamin B₆ was not detected in MSMC but in NFCS, while vitamin B₁ was not found in NFCS but in freeze-dried MSMC. Niacin content of NFCS was 1.6 times more than that of MSMC. The total content of four nucleosides (adenosine, guanosine, uridnine and inosine) in MSMC (6.20 mg/g) was significantly higher than those of NFCS (1.80 mg/g) and MSKC (1.60 mg/g). The above results suggest that MSMC can probably be used as a substitute for NFCS.     

Chemical Composition and Physical Characteristics of Unpopped Popcorn Hybrids

Kernel number, individual kernel weight, individual kernel volume, crude fat, crude protein, reducing sugars, starch content, amylose/amylopectin ratio and fatty acid composition were determined for six popcorn hybrids, grown in Colorado or Nebraska and harvested in 1997. The popcorn hybrids were A358W, 353W, BKH, 019, 1601 and 5501. Also, popcorn hybrids were categorized based on their popped color and popped shape as hybrid types, where A358W and 353W were white butterfly-type popcorn hybrids, BKH and 019 were yellow butterfly-type hybrids and 1601 and 5501 were yellow mushroom-type hybrids. Yellow mushroom hybrids showed significantly fewer number of kernels than the white and yellow butterfly-type hybrids. The number of kernels per 250 g of popcorn hybrids at 14% moisture content ranged from 1454 to 2219. Individual kernel weight of the popcorn hybrids ranged from a low mean of 112.6 mg for hybrid 353W to a high mean of 172.0 mg for hybrid 1601. Individual kernel volume of popcorn hybrids containing 14% moisture ranged from a low mean of 0.130 cm³for hybrid 353W to a high mean of 0.200 cm³for hybrid 1601. The popcorn hybrids contained 3.8–4.6% crude fat, 8.1–10.5% crude protein, 0.07–0.23% reducing sugars and 61.0–67.9% starch, in which 27.0–28.5% of the starch was amylose. Individual kernel volume (size of the kernel) was correlated with starch content (r=0.84). Fat content was highly correlated with starch content (r=−0.82). Popcorn hybrids contained on an average approximately 12.6% palmitic, 2.0% stearic, 25.5% oleic, 58.4% linoleic and 1.5% linolenic acids, respectively. The major fatty acids in the popcorn hybrids were linoleic and oleic acids.     

Thiamin is decomposed due to Anaphe spp. entomophagy in seasonal ataxia patients in Nigeria

A fairly high activity of a relatively heat-resistant thiaminase was detected and characterized from the pupae of an African silkworm Anaphe spp. which had been the putative cause of a seasonal ataxia and impaired consciousness in Nigerians. The thiaminase in the buffer extract of Anaphe pupae was type I (thiamin: base 2-methyl-4-aminopyrimidine methyl transferase EC 2.5.1.2), and the optimal temperature and pH were 70 degrees C and 8.0-8.5, respectively. Based on gel filtration chromatography, the molecules were estimated to be 200 kDa. Second substrates which could be utilized by the thiaminase were pyridoxine, amino acids, glutathione, taurine and 4-aminopyridine. Thiamin phosphate esters were inactive as substrates. This is the first report describing an insect thiaminase. Our results indicate the necessity of thorough heat treatment for the detoxification of the African silkworm, making the worm a safe source of high-quality protein.     

Nutrient Composition of Bee Brood and its Potential as Human Food

Bee brood serves as a food source to humans in many countries although limited data exists concerning its nutrient composition. Bee brood (pupae and larvae) were analyzed for moisture, protein, fat, ash, fiber, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins. Bee brood was high in protein, fat, and carbohydrate. While low in calcium, bee brood was a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and the trace minerals iron, zinc, copper, and selenium. In addition, bee brood was a good source of essential amino acids with methionine being first limiting. While bee brood contained none of the fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, and E) it was a good source of most of the B-vitamins as well as vitamin C and choline. The fat was composed mostly of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids with only 2.0% being polyunsaturated fatty acids.     

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SEED OIL AND NUTRIENT ASSESSMENT OF ADENANTHERA PAVONINA,L: AN UNDERUTILIZED TROPICAL LEGUME

Analysis showed the seeds of Adenanthera pavonina contained appreciable amounts of proteins (29.44g/100g), crude fat (17.99g/100g), and minerals, comparable to commonly consumed staples. Total sugar was low (8.2g/100g) while starch (41.95g/100g) constitutes the major carbohydrates. Low levels of antinutrients were reported and methionine and cystine were the most deficient amino acids. Linoleic and oleic acids make up 70.7 percent of the total fatty acids. Free fatty acid levels were relatively high but peroxide and saponification values of 29.6mEqkg^?1 and 164.1mgKOHg^?1respectively point to a resemblance to oils processed for food. It was concluded that A. pavonina seeds represent a potential source of oil and protein that could alleviate shortages.     

Lipid and protein quality of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) reared in semi-extensive conditions

Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a species with potential to produce high quality meat. Rearing these birds in semi-extensive regime for other purposes than just for hunting has drawn producers’ attention. This study aimed to evaluate the lipid and protein composition of breast and leg meat from male and female pheasant. Meat portions exhibited significant differences between total lipid (1.3 and 3.5 g/100 g), total cholesterol contents (0.5 and 0.57 mg/g), fatty acids profile, protein content (89 and 82% dry weight) and amino acids profile, not related with sex. The amino acids content tended to be slightly higher in leg, being comparable to farmed pheasants. Lysine was the prevailing essential amino acid (EAA) in both portions, which are also an exceptional arginine source. Pheasant meat is an interesting source of high quality lean protein, being a healthier alternative to other frequently consumed meats.     

Studies of the chemical composition and protein quality evaluation of differently processed Canavalia ensiformis and Mucuna pruriens seed flours

Differently processed seed flours of Canavalia ensiformis and Mucuna pruriens were characterized with respect to their proximate composition, gross energy, mineral and amino acid contents. The anti-nutrients typified by phytin, lectin, trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA), tannin and cyanide were also quantified and this was followed by protein quality evaluation with the rat. The result showed that C. ensiformis contained on the average: crude protein 24.2±2.2, ash 3.1±0.6 and ether extract 11.1±0.9 g/100 g DM while M. pruriens contained on the average: CP 25.7±1.4, ash 4.1±1.4 and EE 9.6±2.8 g/100 g DM. The gross energy varied from 1.65 to 2.07 MJ/100 g for C. ensiformis with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 6.74% while it varied from 1.66 to 2.07 MJ/100 g with a CV of 6.19% for M. pruriens due to processing. The seed flours contained a good array of amino acids but were low in cystine and methionine. Also the two flours contained appreciable levels of Na, K, Ca, Mg and P as well as some minor minerals such as Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu. The levels of these minerals were higher in the raw flours and tended to be low, in most cases, in dehulled flours. Processing significantly reduced and in some cases eliminated the anti-nutrients quantified. The protein quality evaluation of the legume seeds clearly indicated their unsuitability even in the processed forms, as sole sources of dietary protein in human nutrition. However, given their high yield potentials these seeds could play valuable roles as supplemental nutrient sources to some farm products used in food formulation for man in most developing countries where hunger is endemic.