Abstract
In this study, we investigated changes in the isoflavone content, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS), and anti-inflammatory activities of small-seeded and large-seeded soybean cultivars during germination (light/dark conditions). Total isoflavone content was higher at the seed stage in large-seeded soybeans, while it increased after 7 days of germination in small-seeded soybeans, particularly in response to light conditions, under which they had high TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities. In large-seeded soybeans, the germination environment did not significantly affect TFC or DPPH inhibition, whereas TPC and ABTS inhibition were high under dark germination conditions. Extracts of sprouts exhibited superior anti-inflammatory activities. Nitric oxide production was slightly lower in small-seeded and large-seeded soybeans germinated under light and dark conditions, respectively. Our findings indicate that germinated soybeans improved nutritionally, and that enhancement of bioactivity under different germination environments could contribute to the selection of appropriate soybean cultivars.
Highlights
Soybeans are important nutrient-rich leguminous crops that are grown worldwide, in Southeast Asia
Total isoflavone content was found to be significantly higher in soybean sprouts (300–385 μg/gDW) germinated under light conditions than in those germinated under dark conditions (128–211 μg/ gDW) (p < 0.001; Fig 2)
We found that total isoflavones were higher in the seeds of large-seeded soybeans, whereas that they had increased in small-seeded soybeans after 7 days of germination, those germinated under light conditions
Summary
Soybeans are important nutrient-rich leguminous crops that are grown worldwide, in Southeast Asia. In South Korea, where the supply of protein and fat is insufficient, soybean has been used as a primary source for several traditional fermented foods, which represent significant sources of nutrients for the indigenous population. On the basis of their use, Korean soybeans are classified as baektae [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], seoritae (Glycine max L.), and seomoktae (Rhynchosia nolubilis) [1]. Baektae cultivars have a white and yellow seed coat and are among the most highly cultivated soybeans in South Korea. The seed coat of seoritae cultivars is black, while its cotyledon is greenish in color and contains a range of functional substances, notably B vitamins, including niacin.
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