Mutagenic Flavonol Aglycones in Infusions and in Fresh and Pickled Vegetables

Abstract

ABSTRACTFree flavonol aglycones, potentially mutagenic, were determined in vegetable infusions, in fresh and pickled vegetables and in vegetables exposed to mold growth. None of the infusions tested contained any considerable amount of free mutagenic aglycones, but some vegetables, such as red onions and cucumbers, had appreciable amounts of free flavonol aglycones, especially in the external layers. The treatment used in the production of pickled vegetables did not change the quality and quantity of the flavonols but the presence of molds altered the quantity of flavonol aglycones and glycosides.