Studies on protein characteristics and toxic constituents of Simarouba glauca oilseed meal

In order to exploit the protein rich (47.7 g/100 g) simarouba meal in food/feed, studies were conducted on its chemical composition with emphasis on protein characteristics and toxic constituents. Simarouba meal contained high calcium (143 mg/100 g) and sodium (79 mg/100 g). Saponins with triterpenoid aglycone (3.7 g/100 g), alkaloids (1.01 g/100 g), phenolics (0.95 g/100 g) and phytic acid (0.73 g/100 g) were the major toxic constituents identified in simarouba meal. TLC and HPLC results indicated that among different fractions of simarouba saponins, one dominant fraction accounted for about 28%. Proteins of simarouba recorded high in vitro digestibility (88%). SDS-PAGE revealed four major protein bands in molecular weight ranges of 20-24, 36-45 and 55-66 kDa. Apart from, glutamic acid (23.43 g/100 g protein) and arginine (10.75 g/100 g protein), simarouba protein contained high essential amino acids like leucine (7.76 g/100 g protein), lysine (5.62 g/100 g protein) and valine (6.12 g/100 g protein). Among nutritional indices, simarouba meal recorded a good EAA Index (75.02), C-PER (1.90) and PDCAAS (1.0-Adult group).