PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND SEED LIPID COMPONENTS OF SOME PROSOPIS (LEGUMINOSAE) FROM ARGENTINA

Abstract

Seeds of Prosopis chilensis, P argentina, P nigra P flexuosa, P caldenia and P alba were analysed for proximate composition, fatty acids and sterols. Protein content varied between 242 and 356 g kg(-1) (DW), and oil content from 107 to 172 g kg(-1) (DW). The seed lipids contained a relatively large proportion of unsaturated fatty acids with linoleic and oleic acids as the predominant fatty acids. beta-Stitosterol was the major component in all species studied.