Evaluation of Secondary Metabolites in Wheat Grain (Triticum Sp.) Grown in Humid South Eastern Plain Zone of Rajasthan (India)

Abstract

Cereal crops such as wheat, rice and barley underpin the staple diet for human consumption, globally. In India, wheat is qualitatively a major source of macromolecule, energy and fiber for human community nutrition since long time hence, preferably used as a staple food grain for society and also used as major source of fodder for animal feeding. The health benefits of whole grains are linked to the existence of secondary bioactive metabolites including phenolic acids, flavonoids and phytosterols. Flavonoids have the properties like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiallergic, antithrombotic, antiviral and anticarcinogenic activities. Quercetin is one with an average of daily consumption of 25 mg to 40 mg. Kaempferol used as an antioxidant. Quantification data revealed that the total flavonoid content (free + bound) was observed highest and lowest in durum genotypes of HD 4728 (1.75 mg/gdw) and Raj 6560 (0.92 mg/gdw), respectively and in aestivum genotypes Raj 4037 (1.38 mg/gdw) and HI 1544 (0.72 mg/gdw) gave similar trend. Regular daily intakes of whole grain products are associated with reduced risk of several diseases. The objective of this study was identification and characterization of secondary metabolites i.e. flavonoids in Triticum sp.