Difference of nutritional components between Phyllostachys edulis seeds and main grain crops

Objective: Major nutritional components of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) seeds were compared with main grain crops to study their nutritional and utilization value. Methods: Older P. edulis seeds were harvested in autumn 2012 and stored at 4°C for 2 years, while fresh seeds were collected in autumn 2014. Starch, protein and fat contents of both old and fresh seeds were determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometer, Kjeldahl method, and acid hydrolysis method, respectively. The amino acid and fatty acid components of the old and fresh seeds were also analyzed with an auto-amino acid analyzer and a gas chromatograph, respectively. In addition, activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase in both old and fresh seeds were measured. Results: Starch was the main content of P. edulis seeds. Activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase in fresh P. edulis seeds were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those that had been stored at 4°C for two years. Similar decline was also observed in the nutritional content of seeds upon two years of storage. Conclusion: The seeds are starchy, containing high levels of protein, moderate fat levels and a wide range of amino acids. Notably, P. edulis seeds contain high levels of essential amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids and have great value for human nutrition and health. Its protein and essential amino acids contents were higher than that of main grain crops, while the fat content was low. Storage effect of two years on seeds and fresh grain was significant.