Abstract
Millet is a rich source of micro-nutrients and phytochemicals. However, literature on Sri Lankan millet varieties is limited. The present study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant activity (AOA), Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Bound Phenolic Content of two varieties of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and three varieties of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) prominently grown in Sri Lanka. The finger millet varieties tested were Wadimal Kurakkan and Bala Kurakkan whereas foxial millet varieties were Ran Thana Haal, Kaha Thana Haal and Kalu Thana Haal. AOA was screened using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). Folin−Ciocalteu method was used to determine the TPC of both soluble and bound contents. According to the results, AOA showed a significant correlation with TPC while a moderate correlation was observed with FRAP and DPPH. Therefore, a distinct content of PC has contributed to the AOA in the evaluated millet varieties. Finger millet varieties showed the strongest antioxidant activities compared to the foxtail varieties in all the assays performed. The total and bound phenolic contents were observed to be higher in finger millet varieties than those in the foxtail millet varieties.
Highlights
The oxidative stress caused by the imbalance between antioxidant defense mechanisms and increased production of free radical is considered to be a leading cause in the development of chronic degenerative diseases (Chandrasekara et al, 2010)
Wadimal Kurakkan exhibited the highest phenolic content while the lowest was observed in Kaha kurakkan.The results obtained from the estimation of insoluble bound forms of phenolics are illustrated in the Figure 1
The highest bound phenolic content was observed in Ran variety while the lowest was observed in Kaha variety of foxtail millet
Summary
The oxidative stress caused by the imbalance between antioxidant defense mechanisms and increased production of free radical is considered to be a leading cause in the development of chronic degenerative diseases (Chandrasekara et al, 2010). Numerous phytochemicals have been identified in plant sources, more than half remains to be unidentified in their antioxidant capacities. It is important to explore the bioactive components of natural food crops such as fruits, vegetables, grains and spices. Grains contribute a significant supply of antioxidants which repair the damage of free radicals by donating electrons and hydrogen atoms. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that regular consumption of whole grain cereals and their products can protect against the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, gastrointestinal cancers, and a range of other disorders (McKeown et al, 2002). Millet is so important because of its uniquely high content of nutrients, including impressive starch levels, very high B-vitamin
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