Fresh Nuts Research Articles

Investigation into the Effects of Storage on Mineral and Nutritional Content of Fresh and Cured Kolanut (Cola nitida)

This study evaluated the effects of storage on nutrient contents of fresh and cured kolanuts (Cola nitida). The cured nuts were divided into two groups with first and second groups cured for one and two months, respectively before storage at room temperature (25-27 oC). The samples were then evaluated for their proximate, mineral and vitamin compositions. The results showed that the fresh nuts had higher moisture (68.22 g), copper (2.40 mg) and zinc (35.80 mg) contents than the cured nuts. However, the two-month cured nuts had high amounts of all nutrients but low copper (0.80 mg) and zinc (1.20 mg). The storage process did not significantly (p>0.05) cause any loss in the nutritional contents (crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash, carbohydrate, gross energy, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin C, caffeine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, iron, copper and zinc) of the stored kola nuts. This indicated that the kolanuts could be cured for up to two months and undergo storage at room temperature while maintaining the qualities like the fresh nuts. This would therefore, encourage the shunning of panic selling of the nuts and preservation of its extracts for the production of functional foods.

Determinants of Supply Response of Coconut Cultivation in Sri Lanka

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L) is a major plantation crop grown in Sri Lanka. The output has been mainly used for local consumption of fresh nuts, coconut-based industries within the country, and coconut exports. The instability of coconut supply seriously affects local as well as export market potentials. Identification of various factors and the extent to which those affected the current coconut supply have not been examined in the recent empirical work. This study examines the supply response of coconut in Sri Lanka, using Nerlovian Partial Adjustment model. The study used time series data of total coconut production, output price, rainfall, fertilizer amount, land extent, technology, and the presence of fertilizer subsidy for a period of 30 years (1985-2015) for the analysis. Among the different types of functional forms tested, the log-linear model was selected as the best fit model (R2=0.894). The model was tested for autocorrelation and heteroscedasticity using the Durbin-Watson statistic and the Breusch-pagan test, respectively. The results revealed that the variables, i.e.two years lagged price, one year lagged rainfall, and two years lagged fertilizer amount affect the coconut production significantly (p<0.05). The short-run and long-run price elasticities were estimated for two years lagged output price.The output price is the most influential factor in short run with the elasticity of 0.33 (two year lagged price variables were considered) while rainfall is the most important determinant of coconut production in Sri Lanka. The study concludes that coconut production in the country tends to change as a response to the changes in coconut price both in the short-run and long-run. Further, rainfall and amount of fertilizer applied are the two main factors that determine the coconut supply in Sri Lanka.

Hazelnut (Corylus domestica Kos. et Opal.) breeding results for anthropoadaptability

Aim. Hazelnut (Corylus domestica Kos. et Opal.) fruits are valuable raw materials for the confectionery industry, the production of biologically active additives to food products and feed, as well as for obtaining from hazelnut oil the liposomal nanoemulsions and nanodispersions, which are part of medicinal preparations. The domestic hazelnut production level is insufficient and unable to satisfy either the needs of the processing industry or the demand of the population of Ukraine for fresh nuts. This motivated the search for ways to improve the assortment of this nut-bearing crop, foremost the creation of new cultivars in possession of anthropoadaptive features complexes. Methods. Study of the alien and originating in the NDP "Sofiyivka" of the NAS of Ukraine Corylus spp. specimens. During hybridization, the sleeve cages made of dense FPP-15 (Petrianov filter linen) fabric were used to isolate branches with female flowers. Pollination was done without removing the cages, injecting pollen into the cage with insufflator MO-03. The parental pairs' selection for crossing, and growing, evaluation, and selection of hybrid seedlings was done using standard methods. Results. It turned out that the segregation spectra for economic and useful traits of the anthropoadaptive complex in the progeny of seedlings from controlled intraspecific crosses did not significantly differ from the seedlings obtained as a result of free cross-pollination of hazelnut cultivars of the NDP "Sofiyivka" collection. Instead, the involvement of specimens of C. chinensis and C. avellana 'Fuscorubra' in the hybridization contributed to obtaining a number of new hazelnut cultivars. At the same time, in contrast to literature data, hybrids from pollination of hazelnut cultivars with C. chinensis pollen were better than in reciprocal combinations. So new highly productive cultivar 'Sofiivskyi 15' was selected from the seedling population of ('Garibaldi'×C. chinensis). Conclusions. This discrepancy between the results of our crosses and the literature data can be explained by the fact that our C. chinensis specimens were introduced not from the initial natural area (China South-Central), but from the collection of Berlin Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten Berlin-Dahlem) where they could spontaneously be pollinated with some other Corylus spp. The advantages of our new hazelnut cultivars: 'Sofiyivsky 1'; "Sofiyivsky 2"; and 'Sofiyivsky 15', which have been included in the State register of plant varieties suitable for dissemination in Ukraine since 2019, testify to the effectiveness of hazelnut breeding for anthropoadaptability.

Current tasks of commodity assessment and examination of nuts in modern conditions

In domestic and international practice, documents for nuts require visual inspection and morphological assessment for quality identifi cation. In the case of applying diff erent degrees of thermal exposure to nuts, there is no exact instrumental method, the data of which can be interpreted unambiguously during their examination and commodity assessment. Most of the analytical methods are aimed at identifying nut allergens. The analysis of scientifi c and technical information did not reveal an exact offi cial method for identifying the diff erences between fresh nuts and nuts with varying degrees of heat exposure. Currently, the introduction of an eff ective method in the examination and evaluation of nuts is an urgent task of commodity science.

Almond (Prunus sp.) Growth and Morphological Properties Affected by Super Absorbent Polymers and Phosphorus and Iron Fertilization

Almond (Prunus sp.) is produced in large amounts in the province of ChaharMahal and Bakhtiari, Iran. The effects of super absorbent polymers (SAPs, potassium acrylamide, KC3H5NO) singly, or in combination with phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe), on the growth and morphological properties of 20-year old almond orchards were tested in a two-year field experiment. It was a three-way factorial on the basis of a complete randomized block design testing almond growth affected by SAPs (control and 100 g), P (control and 750 g) using triple super phosphate, and Fe (control and 250 g) using FeSO4, placed at 70 cm depth of each tree shadow zone. The plant samples were collected and measured in July, four months after flowering. The trees used for sampling were similar in terms of age and cultivar. The green and woody nuts were collected in August and September, respectively. The perimeter of trunk environment (PTT), branch length (BL), branch length after three months (BLT), difference of branch length (DBL), number of almond fruits (NAF), weight of green, woody, and fresh nuts (GWN), and weight of woody and fresh nuts (WN) were determined. The tested treatments singly or in combination significantly improved plant morphological properties including BL, BLT, and WN. The important conclusion about the present research is the gradual release of water by SAPs, which makes the plant roots absorb water along with the essential nutrients including the tested P and Fe at the right time for a higher tree branch and nut production.

OVERVIEW OF METHODS AND TOOLS FOR DRYING WALNUTS IN THE SHELL

The question of increasing the quality indicators of walnut in the process of storage and processing, due to the use of modern and progressive methods and means for its drying, is considered. It is noted that Ukraine has a significant potential in the cultivation of walnuts, but due to the lack of modern and highly efficient means for its processing, it is forced to sell them at low prices as raw materials to secondary markets. The increased moisture content of walnuts during harvesting at the level of 35-45% and the lack of modern highly efficient and energy-saving equipment in Ukraine leads to the storage of this product in natural conditions in specially covered and well-ventilated rooms. This process of drying the fruits is very long, since excess moisture constantly acts on the walnuts, creating conditions for the active development of microorganisms. When it rains, this method of drying often leads to complete spoilage of the fruits. Therefore, for highly efficient business related to walnuts, special drying equipment is simply indispensable. This equipment will help to significantly speed up the process, make it more efficient and economically profitable, and will allow to bring the moisture content of the walnut to the International Standard (no more than 10%) and technical requirements. It has been established that modern methods and means for drying prevent the appearance of mold, ensure high quality of valuable nut kernels and guarantee a long shelf life. Fresh nuts are dried to a residual moisture content of 6-12% in a stream of dry warm air at a temperature of 20 to 36 °C. The drying temperature of a walnut depends on its size and humidity. The drying process can be carried out both in professional drying cabinets and with the help of special heating devices for drying nuts. Modern efficient drying equipment from the time-tested brands Feucht-Obsttechnik, Amb Rousset and other companies were considered. The new highly efficient and resource-saving equipment is presented in the form of sectional structures, which works on an economical gas heat generator. In this equipment, whole nuts are dried for 1-3 days, as a result of which the humidity reaches 12-13 %. The productivity of such equipment, depending on the number of sections, is 1-4 tons of products per day. It is also stated that among the variety of existing technologies and means of drying raw materials, the most promising ways to intensify the process while ensuring high quality of the finished product and increasing production efficiency are devices that combine different modes and methods of drying.

English

Two traditional treatments for shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) butter processing namely storage of fresh nuts and duration of subsequent boiling were studied by using the response surface methodology (RSM) to determine best treatment. Experimental treatments influenced several kernel parameters, such as fat content (38-52% dw), redness (a* values between 6.3 and 11.7), and butter parameters, viz. yield (24 to 36% wet weight of kernel mass), brightness (L* values between 70-80), yellowness (b* values between 16-23), and free fatty acid (FFA) percentage (0.5-2%). On the other hand, the moisture content (6-8%) of the kernels and the peroxide values (2.3 - 3.8 meq O2/kg) of the butter were not affected. Storage for 3 days and boiling for 28 ± 3 min gave the best results,  that is, kernels with a moisture content of 7% and a fat content of 50% dw. Butter extracted by traditional technique from these kernels yielded 32% on wet weight of kernel mass with 0.8% of FFA, and 2.5 meq O2/kg of peroxide. This butter can be used for food and cosmetic purposes without refining. Furthermore, the microstructure of fresh shea nuts, studied with Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy, showed large and small fat globules with some free spaces inside.   Key words: Vitellaria paradoxa, kernels, storage, boiling, physico-chemical characteristics, shea butter.

Effect of biological treatment used before harvesting and storage methods on the quality, health and microbial characteristics of unripe hazelnut in the husk (Corylus avellana L.).

BackgroundThe hazelnut (Corylus avellana) is still one of the most profitable nut crop species. In recent years, however, there has been growing interest in this species in the form of “fresh nuts” that are picked before falling out of the fruit cover. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage conditions for hazelnuts protected with biological preparations on selected morphological features of the fruits, their health status and the count of bacteria and fungi colonizing the fruits.ResultsThe hazelnuts harvested from the trees protected with a preparation containing Pythium oligandrum and stored for 2 months under the controlled atmosphere conditions and in Xtend® bags (MAP) had the greatest weight and the highest percentage of the kernel. After 3 months of storage, the hazelnuts had reduced commercial value. Only a few hazelnuts displayed symptoms of infectious diseases caused by species of Botrytis and Monilia. The protection applied before the hazelnut harvesting contributed to a multiple increase in the bacterial and yeasts count on the husks and shells of the hazelnuts stored for 3 months. The bacterial count on the nuts stored under the controlled atmosphere (CA, 3%O2:3%CO2, a temperature of 0–1 °C, humidity of 85–95%) and under the controlled atmosphere conditions and in Xtend® bags (MAP) increased significantly. An analysis of the ITS region sequence revealed the presence of bacteria Arthrobacter luteolus and Pantoea agglomerans. A Koch test proved that both non-pathogenic bacteria and pathogenic fungi can cause the browning of the C. avellana leaf under conditions of high humidity. The application of a controlled atmosphere is recommended for a short-term storage of hazelnuts in the husk.ConclusionThis research showed that 2 months’ storage of hazelnuts under controlled atmosphere conditions and Xtend® bags (MAP) prevented a reduction in the weight of hazelnuts in the husk, without the husk, and of the kernel and prevented the nut separation from the husk. In general, the application of biopreparations for the protection of the hazelnut had a positive effect on the kernel weight and size.

A Roadmap for Participatory Chestnut Breeding for Nut Production in the Eastern United States.

Chestnut cultivation for nut production is increasing in the eastern half of the United States. Chinese chestnuts (Castanea mollissima Blume), or Chinese hybrids with European (C. sativa Mill.) and Japanese chestnuts (C. crenata Sieb. & Zucc.), are cultivated due to their high kernel quality, climatic adaptation, and disease resistance. Several hundred thousand pounds of high-quality fresh nuts are taken to market every fall, and several hundred additional orchards are entering bearing years. Grower-led on-farm improvement has largely facilitated this growth. A lack of significant investments in chestnut breeding in the region, paired with issues of graft incompatibility, has led many growers to cultivate seedlings of cultivars rather than grafted cultivars. After decades of evaluation, selection, and sharing of plant materials, growers have reached a threshold of improvement where commercial seedling orchards can be reliably established by planting offspring from elite selected parents. Growers recognize that if cooperation persists and university expertise and resources are enlisted, improvement can continue and accelerate. To this end, the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry (UMCA) and chestnut growers throughout the eastern United States are partnering to formalize a participatory breeding program – the Chestnut Improvement Network. This partnership entails the UMCA providing an organizational structure and leadership to coordinate on-farm improvement, implement strategic crossing schemes, and integrate genetic tools. Chestnut growers offer structural capacity by cultivating seedling production orchards that provide financial support for the grower but also house segregating populations with improved individuals, in situ repositories, and selection trials, creating great value for the industry.

Nutraceutical Properties of Water Chestnut

Trapa natans or Water chestnut is a significant plant because of its unconditional benefits it has great importance in Indian Ayurvedic medication that is being used in the issues of the stomach, genitourinary framework, liver, kidney, and spleen. It could be severe, astringent, stomachic, diuretic, febrifuge, and disinfectant. Synthetic investigation of the fresh fruits and nuts having a significant amount of water content citrus extract and new organic product which validates its significance as dietary food additionally detailed low unrefined lipid, and significant mineral present with affirming great measure of minerals as an iron and manganese potassium were contained in the natural fruit. In this paper, the ongoing reports on dietary, phytochemical, and pharmacological parts of Trapa natans, as a neutraceutical and nourishing food, are reviewed.

Roasting intervention for the volatile composition of three varieties of nuts originating from Torreya yunnanensis.

For the first time, the volatiles of three varieties of fresh and roasted Torreya yunnanensis nuts were investigated by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results indicated that roasting had the greatest effect on the volatiles of millet capsules. Fresh nuts had many terpenes, esters, and aldehydes, while roasting led to the formation of pyrazines and furans. In subsequent work, short-term low temperature and small sample area exposed to high temperature had a large effect on the increase in some volatiles and was characterized by a green flavor, such as α-pinene, while ultrahigh-temperature (200 and 230°C) resulted in a decrease in the total volatiles with the generation of unpleasant flavors. Finally, the combination of 170°C for 40min and slight crushing was found to be the best roasting conditions for samples by means of GC-MS and two-dimensional gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC/TOF-MS). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Torreya yunnanensis and its nuts have broad development prospects because of their wide use and rich nutrition. However, inappropriate processing and lack of attention to natural materials such as nuts and wood leads to their poor usage. In addition, volatile compounds make a major contribution to the nut aroma, which is an important indicator of their sensory quality. However, no one has applied roasting technology to Torreya yunnanensis nuts or studied the volatile compounds of the roasted nuts. This study revealed the changes in the composition and content of volatile compounds in Torreya yunnanensis nuts before and after roasting, and the influence of different process points, suggesting that they are key contributors to the development of the related products.

Genetic variability and correlation for nut and yield characters in arecanut (Areca catechu L.) germplasm

A study on genetic variability and correlation for nut and yield characters was carried out among 25 arecanut accessions of diverse geographic origins. High GCV and PCV values were observed for the number of female flowers/inflorescence/palm/year, the number of nut/inflorescence, the number of nuts/palm/year, dry weight of husk, fresh fruit weight, dry weight of nut, dry weight of kernel and fresh nut yield. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent mean (GAM) were observed for stem girth above the fixed mark, the number of female flowers/inflorescence/palm/year, fruit length, fruit breadth, fresh fruit weight, kernel length, kernel breadth, dry weight of nuts, dry weight of kernel, fresh nut yield, dry kernel yield and kernel recovery indicating amenability for phenotypic selection of these characters in early generations. The observations revealed that the palm height, kernel breadth and dry weight of kernel can be considered for improvement of arecanut as these characters had high positive direct effects on the dry weight of kernel. Key words: Genetic variability, Arecanut, Heritability, Genetic advance, Germplasm.

Evaluation of the Nutritive Importance of Fresh and Dry Cyperus esculentus (Tiger nut) Available in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria

Fresh and dried Cyperus esculentus nuts were obtained from a local market (Sabo market) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. These nuts are chew, serve as snacks and used as sources of food and medicine in Nigeria. In this study; proximate, mineral content (using AAS), vitamins and sugar compositions were determined using standard methods [1] The results of the proximate composition revealed that the dry nuts contained higher amount of the nutrients present (fat 35.43 %, protein 9.70 % and ash 4.25 %) than the fresh nuts (32.13 %, 7.15 % and 3.97 %). The result of the mineral content shows that, calcium, iron and manganese were higher in the dry nut than the fresh nut.Sugar composition result shows that sucrose and glucose were the prominent sugar present and were higher in the dried nut than in the fresh nut.The result of the vitamin compositions revealed that vitamin A was equally present in both fresh and dried nut, while fresh nut contained higher amount of vitamin B 1 (2.25 mg/100g) and B 3 (3.47 mg/100g) other vitamins were in traces in both nuts.The result of this study showed that both fresh and dried nuts of C. esculentus are of high nutritional value based on their proximate, mineral, vitamin and sugar contents. Keywords: Proximate, mineral, vitamin, sugar, nuts DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-16-05 Publication date: August 31 st 2021

Improvement of suboptimal soil productivity to growth and production of groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)

Increasing suboptimal soil productivity in agricultural land to increase food production needs to be encouraged. A proper land management design is necessary to overcome the various obstacles and problems faced to increase suboptimal soil productivity. The purpose of this research, which was conducted at ex rice field of suboptimal soil, was to improve suboptimal soil productivity for plantation peasants by developing soil management recommendations, mainly through a combination of inputs needed to optimize the growth and productivity of potato plants based on soil conditions. A combination of lime dosage and organic matter (Petroganic) dosage with basic fertilizer (urea, N-P-K, and dolomite) were applied by using a Randomized Completely Design (RCD) for 8 (eight) treatments with three replication. The results showed that P4, treatment with the highest lime dosage, and Petroganic produced the highest fresh groundnut pod. It can increase production as high as 89% as compared to control. All treatment combinations of lime and Petroganic increased fresh nut pod between 46% to 89% compared to control. The use of basic fertilizer only increases production by 32% as compared to control. To achieve higher fresh nut pod yield, watering or irrigation should be included in soil management.

Eating habits among the Omsk Oblast population and poor nutrition in association with cardiovascular diseases according to the ESSE-RF2 study

Aim. To assess the prevalence of eating habits among the Omsk Oblast population and their association with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) according to the ESSERF2 study.Material and methods. In the ESSE-RF2 study with persons aged 25-64 years (random sample, n=1648), the dietary habits of 21 food groups were assessed using the questionnaire method. Results. Insufficient consumption of vegetables and fruits was revealed in 60,0% and 68,7% of the region’s population, which is 1,5-2,2 times higher than amongRussians. The daily intake of cereals is 2,3 times higher than that of pasta, especially in those with CVDs. In the region, poultry is preferred. Poultry at least once a week is consumed by 91,7% of Omsk residents, red meat — 74,8%, and fish — only 35,2% (vs 84,7%, 83,1% and 65,1% in Russians, respectively). The daily intake of liquid dairy products is low. Cheese and cottage cheese is consumed significantly lower than the national average, while legumes — 4 times lower. The presence of confectionery in the daily diet of 40,3% of Omsk residents looks more favorable than the average among Russians. In addition, 50% of the population eat pickles only 1-2 times a month (significantly less than in Russia). On the contrary, 60,9% of Omsk residents regularly (daily-weekly) consume meat and sausages (56,0% in Russia, p=0,000). Omsk residents with CVDs refrain from excessive consumption of sugar, other sweets, meat and sausages, pickles and marinades. They are almost 2 times more likely to exclude red meat from the diet or reduce its daily consumption than people without CVDs. Salting of cooked food, consumption of vegetables and fruits, fish, seafood and dairy products practically did not depend on CVDs.Conclusion. The food habits of Omsk residents differs from the national one in many products. People with CVDs have unfavorable eating habits: reduced consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, seafood, legumes and nuts. Patients do not change their diet in favor of cardioprotective products and decrease in adding more salt. Although, they more often refuse meat and sausages, pickles, marinades, sweets, and pasta, and increase the consumption of cereals.

Nutritional composition, microbial load and consumer acceptability of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus), date (Phoenix dactylifera l.) and ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) blended beverage

Beverage consumption is increasing but rarely used to promote micronutrient intakes in Nigeria. Diversifying the crops in local beverage production could improve dietary diversification and increase nutrients intake. This study determined the nutritional composition, microbial load and consumer acceptability of tiger nut, date and ginger blended beverage. Fresh tiger nuts, date and ginger were processed to formulate four beverage blends in these ratios 100:0:0; 85:10:5; 70:20:10; and 55:30:15. Samples were analysed for proximate, vitamins, minerals, anti-nutrients content and microbiological attributes using standard procedures. Consumer acceptability was determined using a 9-point hedonic scale by 30 untrained panelists. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test and ANOVA at p ≤ 0.05. Moisture, protein, fat, fibre, ash, carbohydrate (mg 100 g–1) and metabolizable energy composition (kCal 100 ml–1) ranged from 80.33-84.78, 0.71-0.8, 2.96-4.94, 0.20-1.63, 0.34-0.44, 9.10-13.63 and 78.2-101.5, respectively. Thiamin, niacin, ascorbic acid and tocopherol composition (mg 100 g–1) ranged from 0.30-0.68, 0.08-0.17, 4.73-8.40, and 7.20-15.31, respectively. Calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron contents (mg 100 g–1) ranged from 1.07-6.79, 164.8-259.3, 43.86-47.1, and 6.88-9.26, respectively. Saponin ranged from 0.01-0.05 mg 100 g–1. Number of colonies were negligible after refrigeration for 10 days. Sensory properties ranged from 6.40-6.63, 4.93-6.40, 4.70-7.20, 5.93-6.90, and 5.27-7.17 for appearance, aroma, taste, consistency and general acceptability, respectively. Date and ginger substitution enhance fibre, ash, carbohydrate, and calcium composition, the shelf life and sensory properties of tiger nut beverage, the blends are generally acceptable to consumers and considered safe up to day 10 when refrigerated.

The Evidence for Native Coconuts Growing in Australia

The coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is not considered to be a native species in Australia due to the belief that the early European sea captains and botanists did not find coconut trees. A search of their reports shows that they regularly found evidence of coconuts including green and fresh nuts. Mature coconut trees were found from 1848 onwards. The indigenous knowledge, linguistics and oral history about coconuts is evidence that they grew in Australia prior to European colonization in 1788. A fossil coconut and fossils of Cocos pollen are evidence that they may have been in Australia for millions of years.

Effect of Dormancy Breaking Treatments on Germination of Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.)

Studies were carried to find out the effect of pre-sowing seed treatments to alleviate the dormancy of Palmyrah. A total of ten pre- sowing treatments viz., soaking in water for 24 h, soaking in 1% cow dung solution for 24 h and control (dry seeds) were given to fresh nuts of Palmyrah. At 4, 7, 12, 18 and 24 months after planting in the field, performance of seedlings were evaluated for field emergence, seedling height and the results revealed that seeds soaked in 1% cow dung solution followed by seeds soaked in 1% CaOCl2 (103 days). Seven months after sowing the seeds soaked in 1% CaOCl2 recorded the highest field emergence of 56% with high leave production per seedling (2.1) when compared to control. This study also confirms the effect of pre-sowing treatments on field emergence and frond production of Palmyrah nut which has dormancy.

Nutritional and Antioxidant Study of Seeds of A Folk Plant - Gnetum ula Brongn

Journal of Ayurveda Medical Sciences,2019,4,1,467-469.DOI:10.5530/jams.2019.4.4Published:December 2020Type:Short CommunicationAuthors:Ramya Krishna Koliyat Valappil, Tandrady Shridhara Bairy, Koppala Narayana Sunil Kumar, and Sudhakar Author(s) affiliations:Ramya Krishna Koliyat Valappil, Tandrady Shridhara Bairy1, Koppala Narayana Sunil Kumar2, Sudhakar3 Department of Dravyaguna, Government Ayurveda College, Kannur, Pariyaram - 670503, Kerala, INDIA. 1Department of PG Studies in Dravyaguna, SDM College of Ayurveda, Kuthpady, Udupi - 574118, Karnataka, INDIA. 2Department of Pharmacognosy, Siddha Central Research Institute, Siddha Central Research Institute (CCRS, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India), Chennai - 600106, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. 3SDM Center for Research in Ayurveda and Allied Sciences, Kuthpady, Udupi - 574118, Karnataka, INDIA. Abstract:Background: Ayurveda opines that every plant has its own medicinal values, but there are many less explored plants which are not popular though beneficial either as food or as medicine. But this knowledge is passed from tradition to tradition in folklore practices but within a few groups of a society. One such plant from gymnosperm group is Gnetum ula Brongn. (Gnetaceae) found commonly in and around Udupi. Locally known as Kumti beeja. Seeds are roasted or boiled and consumed as food and the seed oil is used in rheumatism and also as krimighna by folk practitioners. The present work aimed in such less explored plants for its nutritional assessment and antioxidant study. Methods: The study conducted was to reveal preliminary nutritional value of seeds of G.ula in which total fat was done in Soxhlet apparatus, total protein taking Bovine serum as standard and total carbohydrates, taking glucose as standard. Antioxidant study was done comparing between aqueous extract of fresh nuts and roasted nuts of G. ula taking Vitamin C as standard by DPPH method. Results: Study revealed seeds of G.ula in which total fat was 2.15%, total protein was 1.26% and total carbohydrates was 0.057% and seeds proved to be nutritious. Antioxidant activity comparing between fresh and roasted seeds revealed that fresh seeds are having more antioxidant property. Conclusion: Folklore medicine has tremendous source of information regarding the utility of locally available plants for both as food and as medicines. Such plants have to be properly explored and scientifically documented before putting it into use. Keywords:Folklore, Gnetum ula, Kumti beejaView:PDF (679.44 KB)

Nutritional diversity in accessions of African walnut (Plukenetia conophora L.) sourced from southwestern Nigeria as influenced by collection center and processing

Nut collection expeditions of Plukenetia conophora L. were made to 10 locations in southwestern Nigeria. Seeds extracted were cooked or not and were assayed for phytochemical and mineral contents. Data obtained were statistically analyzed. Omuwo-Oke accession had highest phenol and tannin whereas Ijan had highest phytate; alkaloids and glycosides were higher in Ara accession than others. Accession obtained from Aramoko gave highest iron concentration while the lowest was in Ogotun accession. The concentrations of K, Mg and Na were higher in Ogotun accession while the lowest was found in Alafe, Agbado and Aba-Oyo, respectively. Alafe accession had highest concentration of phosphorus but lower concentration was obtained in Ogotun. Zinc was highest in collection from Aramoko while Abgado accession had the lowest. Phenol, phytate, alkaloids and glycosides were higher in boiled nuts than fresh nuts but tannin was higher in fresh nuts. K, Mg, Zn and Na were higher in fresh nuts than boiled nuts. Higher concentration of Fe and P were recorded in boiled nuts. Genotype x traits biplot analysis revealed that cooked nuts from Agbado, Alafe, and Aramoko had higher values for glycosides. Alkaloid was more pronounced in fresh nut from Ara. Fresh nuts from Aba-Oyo and Agbado gave higher values for phytate. Tannin was highest in fresh nuts from Omuo-Oke and boiled nuts from Igbara-Odo while phenol was higher in boiled nut from Omuo-Oke. Biplot analysis for minerals revealed higher concentration of Zn, NFE, Na and P in boiled nuts from Aramoko, Omuo- Oke, Igbara-Odo, Ogotun and Ijan. Mg was highest in fresh nuts from Ara and Igbara-Odo. Tannin and alkaloids had negative significant relationship (r = –0.581*) but the relationship between glycosides and alkaloids was positive and significant (r = 0.520*). Zn had significant relationships with Mg and P (r = 0.590* and –0.551*, respectively). Similarly, Na had positive relationships with K and Mg (r = 0.599** and 0.491*, respectively). Mg and K had an r-value of 0.502*. Inter-correlative responses between the phytochemicals and minerals revealed that only glycosides had significant relationships with K, Mg and Zn (which were negative) as well as with P (which was positive). Data obtained suggested sufficient genetic diversity in nuts of Plukenetia sourced from southwestern Nigeria, indicating posibility for selection. Besides, cooking had signifcant (in some cases, positive) effect on the phytochemicals and minerals assayed.
 Key words: African walnut, accessions, phytochemical, minerals, processing