Biochemical analysis of the allergenic pollen ofMadhuca indica Gmel. andSpathodea campanulata Beauv

Summary The present paper deals with the biochemical analysis in the form of quantitative estimation of carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, minerals, ash and moisture of the pollen of two allergenic plants, i.e.Manhuca indica andSpathodea campanulata. Carbohydrates constitute the major dry matter fractions in both the pollen types with highest amount inM. indica (25.37%). Soluble proteins were estimated along with lipid content.S. campanulata showed 12.74% protein andM. indica 11.58%. The estimation of nucleic acids revealed the presence of DNA from 0.36 to 0.72% and RNA from 0.28 to 1.03%. Minerals were found in very low amounts ranging from 0.14 to 0.19% for Calcium and 0.15 to 0.20% for Magnesium. The ash and moisture content were also found variable. The present findings revealed that these chemical constituents may be responsible for the control of the rate and type of allergic reaction caused by the pollen of these two plants.