Natural Taurine Extraction of Escolar (Lepidocybium flavobrunneum) As Deep Sea Fish from Southern Java Ocean

Abstract

This study aimed to determine chemical composition and natural taurine content of escolar (Lepidocybium flavobrunneum). The proximate analysis was carried out using methods of AOAC. Results showed that escolar’s flesh and viscera contained protein at 16,40% and 12,11%, moisture at 63,38% and 76,78%, ash content at 0,59% and 2,52%, and fat content at 18,34% and 7,51%. Extraction of escolar using boiling and steaming method was conducted to produce crude taurine extract. Analysis of taurine content using HPLC method showed that fresh escolar’s flesh and viscera contained 44,201 mg/100g and 43,915 mg/100 g taurine. The concentration of taurine obtained by steaming treatment of escolar’s flesh and viscera was 112,203 and 128,918 mg/100 g. The concentration of taurine obtained by boiling treatment of escolar’s flesh and viscera was 103,324 mg/100 g and 105,230 mg/100 g. Taurine content of crude taurine extract which obtained by steaming method was higher than boiling method. Based on the results, the deep sea fishes have potential as a natural source of taurine.