Biochemical Analysis of Gastropod Babylonia spirata. L

Abstract

Introduction:  Babylonia spirata. L, common name the Spiral Babylon, is a species of sea snail, a        marine gastropod mollusk, in the family Babyloniidae. In the present work, B. spirata was assessed for its proximate composition and biochemical profile to gain the related knowledge. The results of the study emphazised   that B. spirata is a nutritionally rich gastropod with high protein content, balanced amino acid composition, beneficial fatty acids, and significant amounts of vitamins and minerals. Compared to other marine molluscs, the nutritional profile of B. spirata suggested its potential as a valuable seafood resource.

Objectives: To evaluate the biochemical composition of B. spirata by analyzing its protein, carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, fatty acid, vitamin, and mineral contents. To assess its nutritional value and potential as a valuable marine food resource.

Methods: The gastropod B. spirata was collected from trash fish at Kanyakumari coast landing centers and transported on ice to the laboratory, where shells were broken, edible portions removed, washed with deionised water, oven-dried at 50–55°C, powdered, and used for biochemical analyses. Moisture content was determined using AOAC (1980), protein by Lowry’s method (1951), carbohydrate by the phenol-sulphuric acid method of Dubois et al. (1956), total lipid by Folch et al. (1957), and ash content by Velayutham and Indira (1996). Amino acid composition was analyzed following Ammu et al. (1994) and Sastry and Tummuru (1985), fatty acid profile by gas chromatography as per Kashiwa et al. (1997), vitamins using HPLC (Merck Hitachi L-74000) following Sadasivam and Manickam (1996), and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, lead, and copper) according to APHA (1998).

Results: B. spirata showed high moisture and protein content, with low carbohydrate and fat, indicating it is a nutritious and low-fat seafood. It contains a good balance of essential and non-essential amino acids, improving its protein quality. Fatty acid analysis showed the presence of healthy fatty acids, including beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids. The species also contains important vitamins such as A, B-complex, B12, and C, supporting overall health. Essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and copper were present. Trace levels of lead suggest the need for monitoring environmental safety.

Conclusions: B. spirata can be considered a promising new food source due to its high protein and rich nutritional composition. Its content of essential amino acids, healthy fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals makes it valuable for human nutrition.