Pectinesterase inhibitor in jelly fig (Ficus awkeotsang Makino) achenes

Intact and crushed jelly fig (Ficus awkeotsang Makino) achenes were extract ed for various periods of time, and the changes in pectinesterase (PE) acti vities were determined. The activity of crude PE solution from intact achen es increased gradually, reaching a maximum (12 U/mL) at approximately 12 h, while the PE from crushed achenes was maintained at about 0.2 to 0.3 U/mL throughout the extraction. However, a sharp decline in PE activity (0.3 U/m L) of crude PE solution from intact achenes was observed when extract from crushed achenes was added. Heating in 100 degreesC water did not affect the inhibition (95% to 97%) of crude extract from crushed achenes (PE Inhibito r extract) on pea-pod (Pisum sativum L.) shell PE activity.