Effect of Soaking and Cooking on Mimosine Content of Leucaena Seeds

Abstract

Leucaena leucocephala seed is a rich source of protein, calcium, phosphorus and iron. The seeds have good amino acid availability and are rich in β carotene and other vitamins. However, the seeds apart from trypsin inhibitor and tanin, contains a toxic amino acid mimosine, (B - N. (3 hydroxy-4-oxopyridyl) amino propionic acid), which limits the use of seeds as a supplement of protein.