Page 88 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)
P. 88
Yeast
Yeast consists of unicellular fungi belonging to the genus Saccharomyces as S. cerevisae, family
Saccharomycetaceae.
Compressed or Bakers’ Yeast:
It contains about 73 % moisture, 13 % proteins, 0.27 % oil, enzymes (as zymase, invertase, maltase,
diastase, endocryptase,etc.), carbohydrates ( glycogen ), fats, sterols, vitamin B complex ( B1, B2, B6,
nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid ).
Dried Yeast:
It is a buff or brownish powder obtained by drying at a temperature not exceeding 30oC. It is used for
making tablets consists of dead cells. Some varieties consist of dead cells and others in the resting
stage which may resume growth when placed under suitable conditions.
It contains about 9 % moisture, 46 % proteins, 36 % carbohydrates, vitamins as fresh yeast.
Action and Uses:
The chief use of yeast is as a source of vitamin B, enzymes and proteins.
82
