SOME BIOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF FLUTED PUMPKIN SEED

Abstract

Analysis of fluted pumpkin seed Telfairia occidentalis Hook f. gave protein of 31.1% and oil 47%. The protein is markedly deficient in the sulphur-containing amino acids (methionine and cystine) followed by lysine, valine, isoleucine and phenylalanine. The oil could be useful for cooking purposes, and the high degree of unsaturation might enable it to be used as a drying oil for paints and varnishes.