Abstract
The lipid contents of ungerminated and germinated seeds of Capsicunl srmuurn and Atremomum melequeta were studied to determine the level of total lipids, neutral lipids and phospholipids. The percentage germination of Capsicum annuum and Aframomum melequeta were 95+2.0% and 90+1.5% respectively. The total lipids of ungerminated and genninated seeds of C. annuum were 37.50% and 26.44% respectively. The neutral lipid, glycolipid and phospholipids of ungerminated seeds of C .annuum were 30.75%, 2.3% and 4.45% respectively while that of qerrnlnated seeds of C annuum was neutral lipid 21.65%, glycolipid 1.27% and phospholipids 3.49%. The neutral lipid, glycolipid and phospholipids of ungerminated seeds of A. melequeta were 67.72%, 3.75% and 13.68% respectively while that of germinated seeds were neutral lipid 50.0%, glycolipid 2.38% and phospholipids 10.12%. Neutral lipids were the major components while glycolipids and phospholipids formed the minor components. The colour of C. annuum lipid extracted was brownish and solid at room temperature while that of A. melequeta was also brownish but oily at room temperature. Both lipids were aromatic. Thin layer chromatographic analysis revealed three lipid classes which were oleic acid, palmitic acid and cholesterol. The seed lipids of C. annuum and A. melequeta can be used as edible oil and for industrial purposes. KEYWORD: Lipid, Capsicum annuum and Aframomum melequeta
Highlights
Capsicum annuum belongs to the family solanaceae
Aframomum melequeta is a member of the family zingiberaceae
Some workers have reported increase in lipid levels in the Hazel seeds (Shewry, Purifield and Stobert, 1972). This increase in lipid content of germinating Hazel seeds contrasts with a decrease reported in the total lipid content in cotyledons of germinating garden peas (Pisum sativa) (Quantes and Danson,1969) and cotton (Joshi and Doctor, 1972)
Summary
Capsicum annuum belongs to the family solanaceae It is a small bushy annual of 30cm - 1.5 tall. It is sometimes herb or sub-shrub (Burkill, 1994). It is an important ingredient in most Nigerian cooked dishes. It is used fresh as food condiment (Etukudo, 2003). Aframomum melequeta is a member of the family zingiberaceae. It is a perennial monocotydonous herbaceous plant that produces spicy edible fruits. Some workers have reported increase in lipid levels in the Hazel seeds (Shewry, Purifield and Stobert, 1972). Similar non-specific utilization of triglyceride acid in germinating seeds was reported in Citrullus vulgaris and in Ricinus dtrillus (Crombie and Comber, 1956)
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