CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TYLOSEMA-FASSOGLENSIS (KOTSCHY) TORRE AND HILLC OILSEED

Tylosema fassoglensis seeds contain high levels of lipids (240-300 g k g(-1)) and proteins (446 g kg(-1) dry weight). Major fatty acids conta ined in the oil are linoleic (36-42% of the total fatty acids) oleic ( 32-35%) and palmitic (11.5-15.7%) acids. The proteins are characterist ic with their high levels of lysine, proline and tyrosine. Due to thei r very low content, both methionine and cystine appear to be the limit ing amino acids. Tylosema fassoglensis defatted meal contains substant ial amounts of trypsin inhibitors and phytates 295 TUI mg(-1) and 35 g kg(-1) dry weight, respectively.