Abstract:
Legumes are the major source of plant protein. The presence of anti-nutritional factors in
legumes, limits the availability of nutrients. The aim of this study is primarily to find the best
use of legumes to alleviate the problem of protein energy malnutrition, most prevalent in
developing countries and fulfil the protein requirement of the global population.
The quality of protein in cotyledons and radicles (shoot) was separately investigated in
selected legumes, namely Pisum sativum (Terno, Xantos, Svit, Achat), Glycine max, Lupinus
albus (Amiga), Pisum sativum var. arvense (Arkta), Faba vulgaris (Piestansky) after
germinating for 48 hours and compared with the respective raw seeds. All samples were
analysed for crude protein, amino acids with ion exchange chromatography with post column
ninhydrin-based detection and in vitro protein digestibility.
Crude protein content was ranged from 21.5-34.4% in raw seeds. It was increased in all
cotyledons ranged from 23.1 to 48.0%, and in radicles 32.9 to 64.9% after germinating raw
seeds for 48 hours. The highest content of amino acid in cotyledons and radicles were noted
in P. sativum (Xantos) and its phenylalanine was the highest increased essential amino acid in
radicles 7.4 g/16 g N with respective raw seeds 4.6 g/16 g N. The in vitro protein digestibility
of cotyledons and radicles increased significantly (P < 0.05) of all legumes under study. It is
ranged from 79.1% to 86.4% in cotyledons, 86.7% to 93.4% in radicles and 54.1% to 75.0%
in respective raw seeds.
Results revealed that all the legumes under study are a rich source of protein. The quality of
protein in cotyledons and radicles obtained after germinating raw seeds for 48 hours increases
significantly in comparison with their respective raw seeds of legumes under study.
Germination is an inexpensive and simplest method of processing of legumes, in comparison
with other methods of processing to improve the quality of protein of legumes.
