Effect of slightly acidic electrolysed water on functional components, antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory ability of buckwheat sprouts

Abstract

SummaryThe effect of slightly acidic electrolysed water (SAEW) on the accumulation of total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), rutin, quercetin and D‐chiro‐inositol (DCI), the antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory abilities of germinated buckwheat was investigated. The buckwheat treated in low available chlorine concentration (ACC) of 10.94 mg L‐1 displayed the best accumulation of the bioactive substance, showing 63.0%, 113.07% and 128.1% higher TP, TF and rutin content on the 9th day, respectively, and 163.5% and 113.4% higher quercetin and DCI content on the 7th day, respectively, compared to control. Seven‐day sprouts treated with SAEW had markedly stronger ABTS radical scavenging and α‐glucosidase inhibitory capacities compared to the other treatments. SAEW with lower ACC had less adverse impact on the length and fresh weight of buckwheat than SAEW with higher ACC. Buckwheat sprouts should be treated by SAEW with lower ACC and harvested on the 7th day as for enhanced health‐promoting benefits.