Extract Galactomannan from Leucaena Leucocephala Plant Seeds

Abstract

This research paper describes how to extract galactomannan from Leucaena leucocephala plant seeds. A process for extracting the seed extract from the Leucaena leucocephala plant involves crushing five seeds, followed by solvent extraction. Leucaena leucocephala was used to isolate a water-soluble galactomannan that contains D-galactose (1 part) and D-mannose (3 parts). Three methylated sugars, in the molar ratios of 1.00:1.07:2.19, were produced by hydrolysis of methylated seed gum: 2, 3, 4, 6, tetra-o-methyl-D-galactose, 2, 3, 6, tri-o-methyl-D-mannose, and 2, 3 di-o-methyl-Dmannose. The seed gum was partially hydrolyzed by acid, releasing four oligosaccharides: mannotriose, galactosyl mannobiose, epimelebiose, and mannobiose. Studies on periodate methylation and oxidation both revealed 25% of end groups. Recent investigations have shown that galactose units exclusively occur in terminal positions in galactomannans.