Gujarat University: Anand Agricultural University (AAU) has successfully isolated protein powder from tobacco leaf protein concentrate (LPC) which is normally injurious to human health. The protein powder is being developed by AAU's Bidi Tobacco Research Centre.
According to AD Patel, scientist at AAU who heads the experiment, the protein powder extracted is white in colour and does not contain nicotine or its typical smell. The scientists were inspired to conduct this researchto formulate alternative sources of protein as natural protein sources like pulses are going beyond the reach of the middle-class.
Patel said, "The powder could be used to make biscuits and bakery items which are popular among kids." He added that the main purpose of the experiment was to develop healthy alternate products from tobacco.
For the experiment, scientists used tobacco leaves which are 70-90 days old. They were then purified and developed white colour using bio-mass. Old chewing tobacco crop (3,00,000 plants/ha) yields about one tonne of pure protein. Tobacco leaf protein is rich in amino acids (lysine 7.4%, methionine 1.8% and tryptophan 1.2%).
The researchers tested this protein on laboratory rats. It was used as a supplementary source ofnormal protein to study its effect on growth, reproduction and histo-pathology in albino rats.
Protein efficiency ratio values were comparable to normal diet and its effects on the brain, reproductive tract tissues, visceral organs and glands and the circulatory system was mapped. Patel claimed, that according to results obtained, none of the tissues had any pathological changes. "This shows that the tobac protein preparation was free from any toxic component," he said.
Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_gujarat-university-makes-protein-from-the-poison_1549814
According to AD Patel, scientist at AAU who heads the experiment, the protein powder extracted is white in colour and does not contain nicotine or its typical smell. The scientists were inspired to conduct this researchto formulate alternative sources of protein as natural protein sources like pulses are going beyond the reach of the middle-class.
Patel said, "The powder could be used to make biscuits and bakery items which are popular among kids." He added that the main purpose of the experiment was to develop healthy alternate products from tobacco.
For the experiment, scientists used tobacco leaves which are 70-90 days old. They were then purified and developed white colour using bio-mass. Old chewing tobacco crop (3,00,000 plants/ha) yields about one tonne of pure protein. Tobacco leaf protein is rich in amino acids (lysine 7.4%, methionine 1.8% and tryptophan 1.2%).
The researchers tested this protein on laboratory rats. It was used as a supplementary source ofnormal protein to study its effect on growth, reproduction and histo-pathology in albino rats.
Protein efficiency ratio values were comparable to normal diet and its effects on the brain, reproductive tract tissues, visceral organs and glands and the circulatory system was mapped. Patel claimed, that according to results obtained, none of the tissues had any pathological changes. "This shows that the tobac protein preparation was free from any toxic component," he said.
Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_gujarat-university-makes-protein-from-the-poison_1549814
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