by Ya-Ju Wang, Hong-Yan Zeng, Xiao-Shan Liao, Lian-Hui Cai, and Kui Xia
Volume 8, Issue 4 (Winter 2009/2010)
The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a fresh-water plant that grows in semitropical climates. It is cultivated extensively in Asian countries, particularly in China. Besides its popularity as an ornamental flower, it is also used as an herbal medicine, mainly in China, Japan, and India, and it displays strong antipyretic, cooling, astringent, and demulcent properties. Lotus seed is widely used as a food in China. Lotus seed is rich in protein, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and has adequate amounts of essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, without heavy metal contamination. As a protein source, the crude protein of lotus seed is higher than parboiled rice (7.70%) and wheat (8.55%). Unlike legumes, lotus seed possesses adequate sulfuric amino acids (methionine + cysteine), comparable to the FAO/WHO and soybean reference patterns. The high content and high quality of protein in lotus seeds emphasizes their value as a vital source of nutrients…
Citation:
Wang Y, Zeng H, Liao X, Cai L, Xia K. Optimized Protein Yields from Lotus Seed Utilizing CO2 Pressure Preparation and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction. BioProcess J, 2009; 8(4): 42-46. http://dx.doi.org/10.12665/J84.Zeng