SOME CHEMICAL STUDIES ON TAMARINDUS INPICA

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Date
1988-11
Authors
MODUPEOLA ISHDLA, MUINAT
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Abstract
Both the pulp and the seed of the Tamarind fruit were analysed for proximate composition, mineral elements and the antinutritional substances - phytate and trypsin inhibitor. The protein content of the seed (26.93%), is higher than that of the pulp (8.79%). The seed could be considered as a good source of protein when compared with groundnut (22-27%, Oyenuga, 1968), which is considered a good source of protein. The true protein was determined by both the Lowry and Biuret methods and the values obtained are comparable (33.12% and 35.40% - for seed by Lowry and Biuret methods respectively; and 9.71% and 11.26% - for pulp by Lowry and Biuret methods respectively). The estimated molecular weight of the seed proteins range from 14.8-50.7 x 103. The effect of metal ions on the extraction of these proteins was also studied. The pulp was found to be quite acidic with a pH value as low as 2.7 and this is responsible for its soury taste. The petroleum ether extract (lipid) from the seed and pulp samples were studied in detail. Some of their physico-chemical properties are reported. No detectable amount of phytate was obtained from the pulp though it contains trypsin inhibitor (68% and 82% for water and 0.5M NaCl extracts respectively). The seed samples contain significant amount of phytic acid (47mg/100g) but lower amount of trypsin inhibitor (18% and 28% for water and 0.5M NaCl extracts respectively) than the pulp. The two antinutritional factors were found to be heat labile, and are therefore not likely to constitute a health hazard after adequate heat treatment. The storage ability of the pulp samples were also investigated and discussed
Description
A Thesis submitted to the Postgraduate School, Ahmadu Bello University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Chemistry Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science Ahmadu Bello University Zaria - Nigeria. November, 1988
Keywords
CHEMICAL,, STUDIES,, TAMARINDUS INPICA
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