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Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) seed processing and potential utilization.
Rogers E Harry-O'kuru1, Y Victor Wu, Roque Evangelista
1New Crops and Processing Technology Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604, USA. harryore@ncaur.usda.gov
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|June 9, 2005
Summary
Sicklepod seeds, a soybean field pest, contain toxic anthraquinones but also valuable proteins and carbohydrates. This study details a method to separate these components, creating potential food and pet food ingredients.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Food Chemistry
- Phytochemistry
Background:
- Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) infests soybean fields, contaminating harvests with toxic anthraquinones.
- This contamination lowers soybean oil quality and poses an economic burden on farmers.
- Sicklepod seeds also contain valuable edible components like proteins and carbohydrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for separating toxic anthraquinones from edible components in sicklepod seeds.
- To explore the potential of utilizing the extracted edible components in food and pet food industries.
- To spectroscopically identify the isolated compounds.
Main Methods:
- Sicklepod seeds were dehulled and the endosperm defatted.
- Sequential solvent extraction was used to isolate anthraquinones, carbohydrates, and proteins.
- Spectroscopic methods were employed for identification of each isolated class.
Main Results:
- A process was established to effectively separate anthraquinones from carbohydrates and proteins.
- The edible fractions, rich in protein and galactomannan polysaccharides, were isolated.
- Spectroscopic analysis confirmed the identity of the isolated anthraquinone, carbohydrate, and protein classes.
Conclusions:
- Sicklepod seeds can be processed to remove toxic compounds and yield valuable protein and carbohydrate fractions.
- These edible components have potential applications in the pet food and human food industries.
- This approach offers a strategy for managing sicklepod infestations while creating value-added products.