Neurotoxin and Other Anti-nutrients of Khesari (Lathyrus sativus) Genotypes and Their Reduction by Water Soaking and Dehusking

The neurotoxin (β-N-oxalyl amino-L-alanine) content of different genotypes of Lathyrus seeds was present in the range of 0.46 to 1.14 mg g⁻¹ having lower values in Ratan, Prateek, Mahateora and Pusa 24 genotypes. The soaking of unprocessed grain in water removed 12.99% of total BOAA, whereas dehusking resulted in an increase of 33.77% in BOAA content. The oxalate content in seeds of lathyrus genotypes was observed in the range of 1.39 to 1.67 mg g⁻¹. The seed oxalate reduced drastically (55.56%) on dehusking of grain. Phytates in seeds of lathyrus was present in the range of 15.36 to 16.53 mg g⁻¹. The phytates of seeds also decreased on soaking of grain in water or dehusking of grain. The tannins in the seeds of lathyrus were present in the range of 4.27 to 5.78 mg g⁻¹. Soaking of grains in water or dehusking of grain caused a reduction of 15.76 and 50.50%, respectively of tannins of grain. The protein content of unprocessed seeds of lathyrus genotypes was 22.52 to 26.39%, whereas the dehusked grains of lathyrus contain very high soluble protein. The mean soluble protein in dehusked grains of lathyrus was 28.29%. The dehusking caused an increase of 15.28% in soluble protein of lathyrus. The starch in seeds of lathyrus genotypes was found in the range of 50.36 to 55.79%.