Chemical composition of Leucaena leucocephala seeds

Abstract

Studies on two varieties of Leucaena leucocephala, K8 and K28, whole seeds and seed fractions (kernel and hull), revealed that it is primarily the seed kernel portion of the seed that is a potential source of protein. Trypsin inhibitors, amylase inhibitors and cyanogenetic glycosides were found to be absent, while urease activity, amylase activity, saponins and haemagglutinins were present in the seeds. Reduction in urease activity on heating L. leucocephala seeds could be taken as an index of the reduction in mimosine content, particularly when the seeds were given high temperature treatments (e.g. autoclaving).