Nutrient and bioactive compounds from Neltuma spp. seeds

Abstract

Inthe search for compounds with nutritional and functional value, seeds fromseveral Neltuma species were examinedfor lipid, protein and phenolic components. Lipid contents ranged between 9.3 -12.5 g/100 g (seed DW), and showed MUFA and PUFA predominating largely. Lipids werealso a good source of tocopherols (170 – 603 mg total tocopherols/kg). Proteinsaccounted for 14.7 - 35.5 g/100 g seed. Essential amino acids (EAA) comprised26.1 – 40.2 % of the total AA content. Based on the EAA score, proteins fromall the species analysed were deficient in leucine, isoleucine and valine, butcould meet requirements for histidine, threonine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, andlysine. The qualitative patterns of phenolic compounds were similar each other(predominance of flavonoids, particularly apigenin derivatives). Keeping inmind the examined chemical components, Neltumaseeds have potential value as a source of healthy macronutrients and bioactive compounds.