Twoalbumin fractions were extracted from defatted flours of seeds of Amaranthm hypochondriacus and A. cruentus. One fraction (Alb-1) was extracted with 0.5 m NaCl or water when used as the first solvent. Another fraction (Alb-2) was extracted with water after removing Alb-1 and globulin. Apparent p/s of Alb-1 and Alb-2 were 4.5-7.5 and 5-6, respectively. Alb-2 was precipitated by various metal ions (i mM), while Alb-1 was not. Alb-2 contained four major components {Mr-56, 36, 26, 22 kD), although Alb-1 had no particular major proteins. Pronase treatment of amaranth flour before protein extraction decomposed Alb-1, but not Alb-2, as seen by SDS-PAGEanalysis. The findings that Alb-2 was protected from the Pronase treatment and it could not be extracted until Alb-1 and globulin were removed suggests that Alb-2 might be associated with protein bodies [Irving et al., J. Food ScL, 46, 1170 (1981)]. Amaranth (genus Amaranthus) is a fast growing C4 plant that produces high yields of seeds, comparable to those of conventional cereals.1} The seeds contain 13-17% protein with a well-balanced amino acid composi

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SummaryIn amaranth grains (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. and Amaranthus cruentus L.), there were two albumin (Alb) fractions, Alb-1 and Alb-2; Alb-1 was extracted with water or 0.5M NaCl, and Alb-2 was extracted with water after extracting Alb-1 and globulin. The amount of Alb-2 comprised about 30% of the total albumin and globulin content. Little or no measurable protein corresponding to the amaranth Alb-2 was extracted from seeds of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.), or barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv Sekitorisai-1). That the globulin/albumin ratio (G/A) in amaranth grains has been conflicting among investigatiors probably accounts for the consideration of Alb-2 during extraction. We here report the revised G/ A ratio of 0.3-0.4.