Chemical composition of seeds of two okra cultivars

Abstract

These findings support the hypothesis that the principal cause for the observed vigor and higher yield in fresh weight of the tobacco plants that were treated with aldicarb is its effect on the carbohydrate (increase) and protein (decrease) content of the plant. Other things being equal, the higher concentration of water-soluble sugars in the treated plants may have developed a higher osmotic pressure that increases the absorption and/or retention of water in the plant tissue. This is reflected in the whole plant as an apparently higher yield and enhanced plant vigor.In a biological system, such as the tobacco plant, the presence of a bioactive compound like aldicarb in its tissue could result in complex phenomena of interactions. Investigations regarding such interactions are very complicated and the interpretation is difficult. Further research would be necessary to elucidate the mechanisms involved in such complex phenomena.Chemical compositions of the whole mature seeds of two okra varieties were investigated. The results of amino acid analyses indicated okra seed as a potential high-protein source which due to its high lysine level may serve as a supplement to cereal-based diets in which lysine is generally the first limiting amino acid. The most limiting amino acids in the Emerald variety were found to be valine (chemical score, 54.05), isoleucine (54.31), and threonine (60.0), while in the Ibtaira variety, tryptophan, isoleucine, and valine were the most limiting amino acids with chemical scores of 56.67, 57.41, and 67.03, respectively. The results of fatty acid analyses indicaed okra seed oil is akin to other high oleic acid oils and thus is of low essential fatty acid content. The most predominant elements in okra seed were found to be K, Na, Mg, and Ca. The elements Fe, Zn, Mn, and Ni were also present in abundant amounts. Gossypol was found only as traces, while Halphen-positive cyclopropenoid compounds were detected in an amount equal to 2.5 times less than that present in crude cotton oil.In response to the present deficit and the predicted world shortage of foods, considerable research is being directed toward expanding present supplies and exploring new sources. Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench], appears to have potential as a high-protein crop when

Processing, Functional, and Nutritional Properties of Okra Seed Products

“…Overall, these data suggested two possible trends; increased processing appeared to decrease cystine and increase proline. Previously reported amino acid values for whole okra seeds (Al-Wandawi, 1983) and okra FFF (Yang et al, 1985) appear to be similar to the values reported from this investigation for whole okra seeds and okra FFF, except that glutamic acid, glycine and leucine values obtained in this study were lower than previously reported values. All five okra products were limiting in threonine, isoleucine, leucine, and valine.…”

Effect of blanching, dehydration method and temperature on the ascorbic acid, colour, sliminess and other constituents of okra fruit

“…Protein was, however, found to be less in dehydrated okra than in fresh samples. Whole mature okra pods are rich in lysine and methionine (Al-Wandawi, 1983: Savello et al 1980. The decrease in protein content of dehydrated okra samples could be due to Maillard reaction with loss of water and carbon dioxide.…”

Total Phenol Content and Antioxidant Activity of Okra Seeds from Different Genotypes

“…Okra seeds, like soyabean, is a rich protein source and has a high lysine level and is therefore used as a supplement to cereal-based diet that have lysine as a limiting amino acid [11]. The rare combination of seed protein rich and balanced in tryptophan, lysine and sulphur-containing amino acids (unlike cereal proteins) makes okra seeds exceptionally useful in diet.…”