Proximate composition and biological activity of Chilean Prosopis species
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Date
2000
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
WILEY
Abstract
The proximate and amino acid compositions of the leaves and pods of Prosopis chilensis and P tamarugo and the leaves of P alba have been assessed. The biological activity of the leaves and pods of the first two species as well as the leaves and exudate of P alba has been determined for free radical scavenging activity, xanthine oxidase inhibition and DNA binding. The best protein source among the forage trees was the leaves of P chilensis; P alba and P tamarugo leaves showed higher crude protein, fat and nitrogen-free extract values than reported in previous studies. According to their amino acid profiles, all species surveyed are deficient in essential amino acids. The alkaloids beta-phenethylamine and tryptamine were isolated from P chilensis, and phenethylamine was detected in P tamarugo. At 0.50 mg ml(-1), both compounds showed DNA binding activity, with values of 18.5 and 11% respectively. The exudate of P alba showed a strong fi ee radical scavenging effect. The activity was related with the total phenolics content, consisting mainly of catechin. (C) 2000 Society of Chemical Industry.
Description
Keywords
Prosopis chilensis, Prosopis tamarugo, Prosopis alba, proximate composition, free radical scavenging activity, catechin, alkaloids, XANTHINE-OXIDASE, AMINO-ACIDS, DERIVATIZATION, FLAVONOIDS, INHIBITOR, TANNINS