Simplified
Qualitative Method for Canavanine in Seeds and Sprouts
Research Note:Simplified
Qualitative Method for Canavanine in Seeds and Sprouts
Kathleen T. Rajkowskia
Journal of Food Protection: Vol. 67, No. 1, pp. 212–214.
aU.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, Food Safety Intervention Technologies Research Unit, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038-8598, USA
The major stored nitrogen compound
in alfalfa seeds is canavanine. To identify this nonprotein amino acid from seed
extract and sprout water, a qualitative micro–thin-layer chromatography method
was developed. Successful separation and identification was achieved using
microsilica plates, a 70:30 ethyl alcohol–water solvent system, and 1% ammonium
disodium pentacyanoammineferrate II for color development. This quick method was
used to identify canavanine (sensitivity 50 
g)
from irradiated and nonirradiated alfalfa and clover seed extracts and alfalfa
sprout water. Broccoli and radish seed extracts were negative for canavanine.
This simple method is useful to track the release and decrease of canavanine in
the sprout water.