Biological assay for thiamin of the "Carabao" variety of Philippine mango (Mangifera indica L.)

ABSTRACT

There are three varieties of mango commonly grown in the Philippines, namely the carabao, the pico and the pahutan mangoes. Other types like the cabayo, corazon, linoboy, marianas and senora are occassionally found, besides other mangifera species like the bauno, juani and paho, which are also propagated but on a comparatively limited number. Among these different varieties, the carabao variety is conceded to be the best, due to its exceptionally fine flavorGreen and ripe Philippine mangoes of the Carabao variety, were assayed respectively for Vitamin B1 potency in international units, using the rat growth method recommended by Bulletin No. 27 of the U.S.P. Vitamin Committee. The results of the assay showed that the green carabao variety of Philippine mango has a potency of 20 international units of Vitamin B1 while the ripe mango contains 45 international units per 100 Gm. (Summary and Conclusion)