Buckwheat storage protein (includes 13S globulin and 8S vicilin-like globulin as principal representatives) (None in use; sometimes abbreviated by fraction type, e.g., “13S globulin”)

Buckwheat storage proteins comprise primarily 13S globulin (a legumin-like hexameric globulin comprising acidic and basic polypeptides), 8S vicilin-like globulin (related to vicilin proteins in other seeds), and minor fractions such as albumin. These proteins supply essential amino acids—including methionine—to the growing seed. The 13S globulin is the major storage protein, with structural and biochemical characteristics similar to legumin in legumes, while 8S globulin belongs to the vicilin-like storage protein family and is expressed earlier in seed development[2][3][6]. Buckwheat storage proteins contribute antioxidant potential, influence food processing qualities, and, for sensitive individuals, represent clinically important allergens capable of provoking IgE-mediated allergy symptoms[7]. Modifications through glycosylation can enhance their solubility, digestibility, and physicochemical properties for use in food matrices[1]. These storage proteins are not involved in signal transduction, enzymatic activity, or cellular regulation—they function exclusively as nutritional reserves within seeds.

Other names

13S globulin8S vicilin-like globulinlegumin-like proteinvicilin-like proteinmethionine-rich legumin