Constituents of plants growing in Qatar III - Nutritive constituents of Garawah (Glossonema edule)

Abstract

Both the pericarp and the unripe seeds of the unripe fruits of Glossonema edule were separately analysed. The crude protein content of the unripe seeds is double that of the pericarp. Investigation of the amino acids of both parts revealed slight quantitative differences with chemical scores of 40, 40 for each of methionine and tryptophan and 65 for lysine. The ratio of essential total: amino acid averages 34.5, compared to a corresponding value of 47.4 for the reference egg proteins. The analysis of the fatty acids showed that the ratio of saturated to non-saturated fatty acids averaged 73:27; palmitic acid makes up 60% of the total fatty acids. The soluble carbohydrate content of the pericarp is slightly higher than the corresponding value in the unripe seeds. Paper chromatography of the free sugars of both parts revealed qualitative differences. The oligosaccharide reffinose was detected in both parts. The ash was analysed for its content in four trace minerals: iron, zinc, manganese and copper. © 1983 Martinus Nijhoff/Dr W. Junk Publishers.