Pericarp chemical components

The large cardamom pericarp (husk) yielded 0.18% volatile oil by the Clevenger hydrodistillation method. This oil was analysed for physical parameters, e.g. specific gravity (0.9148), refractive index (1.4733) and optical rotation (-7.700). The volatile oil was subjected to GC-MS analysis and 37 compounds were identified, constituting > 98% of the total oil. The major compounds characterized were 1,8-cineole (38.7%), [3-pinene (13.6%), a-terpineol (12.6%), spathulenol (8.3%), 4-terpineol (4.5%), ger-macrene D (3.0%), a-pinene (2.8%) and (3-selinene (2.7%). GC and GC-MS data revealed that 1,8-cineole content was less than 50% when compared with the seed oil. Table 4.5 shows the major constituents separated by GC-MS (Rout et al., 2003). Figure 4.1 gives the structures of the major chemical components in the volatile oil from seeds. 

The pericarp or hull of the corn kernel is a thin outer covering made up of two layers. Removal of this part of the corn kernel results in corn bran. The endosperm, which comprises up to 82% of the kernel s dry weight, is the source of energy for the germinating seed. In all field corn, the endosperm is comprised of two types of starch vitreous and floury. The proportion of these starches is controlled genetically. The floury endosperm is the softer starch, and as the kernel matures, this type of starch dries down to create the dent in the top of the kernel. The major chemical component of the maize... 

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