Composition and Physicochemical Properties of Starch from Christ Thorn Seeds

Starch was extracted from seeds of Christ Thorn by hot water extraction method. The composition and physicochemical properties of the extracted starch were determined using standard methods. The results obtained from the analyses revealed that the % yield of starch was 43.2%, while moisture content, ash content, starch protein and starch lipid were 7.8%, 0.01%, 0.12% and 0.32% respectively. The results also showed amylose content of 24.6%; swelling power of 37.5g/g, solubility of 2.1%, amylose leaching of 3.7% and gelatinization temperature of 68oC. From the results, the paper concludes that with minor modifications, the seeds can be used as alternative sources of starch for industrial products.