Vol. 7, Issue 1 (2018)

Author(s):
Shlini P and KR Siddalinga Murthy

Abstract:
Legume seeds are valuable source of protein, oil, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. They are playing an important role in human nutrition mainly in developing countries. Tamarind is an economically important species. India exports tamarind products to Pakistan, Arab countries, Europe and North America. Other Asian countries also produce and export tamarind, but on a much smaller scale. Tamarind trade has expanded over the last decade and is continuing to do so. Proteins of Tamarind seed kernel are of a higher biological value than those of wheat and corn, and lower only than those of millets. In the present investigation tamarind seed protein were isolated using different solvents. The studies indicate that maximum amount of protein can be extracted with NaOH and in a one – step process both proteins and polysaccharide can be separated very easily. Further, tamarind seed polysaccharide was extracted and its viscosity was determined to be 800cps. The germinated seeds were studied for their cellulase activity. Seeds of 16-17 days indicated maximum activity and can be used for the production of cellulases.