PROXIMATE ANALYSIS, FATTY-ACID AND AMINO-ACID COMPOSITION OF NIGELLA-SATIVA L SEEDS

Abstract

Proximate analysis of Nigella sativa L. seeds showed a composition of 21% protein, 35.5% fat, 5.5% moisture, 3.7% ash and the rest being total carbohydrate. Fatty acid analysis of the extracted oil was determined using gas-liquid chromatography; it showed 56% linoleic acid, 24.6% oleic acid, 12% palmitic acid, 3% stearic acid, 2.5% eicosadienoic acid, 0.7% linolenic acid and 0.16% myristic acid. Traces of few unidentified fatty acids were also found. Amino acid analysis of the seed protein hydrolysate by gas chromatography of the n-propyl, N-acetyl derivatives showed the presence of 15 amino acids including 9 essential amino acids. Given the significant content of fat, protein and minerals in the seeds, it should be investigated as a source of these nutrients and its potential applications in flavoring various types of foods.