Phytochemical composition of extracts from wheat grain fractions obtained by tangential abrasive dehulling

Abstract

This study examined the phytochemical content and composition of extracts from wheat bran fractions obtained by abrasive dehulling.Wheat grain was fractionated using a Tangential Abrasive Dehulling Device (TADD). The aqueous ethanol extracts of whole wheat, bran, TADD and commercial aleurone samples were analyzed for their total phenolic content (TPC), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity (DPPH). The fractions with the highest antioxidant capacity were further analyzed for their tocopherol, phenolic acid, carotenoid and organic acid contents. The correlations between chemical composition and antioxidant properties of wheat extracts were developed.All TADD samples had higher tocopherol contents than the bran from a quadrumat senior mill. Lutein was the primary carotenoid in all the samples. Ferulic and caffeic acids were the strongest contributor to DPPH and TPC of the extracts, respectively. Correlation between ORAC and tocols content of the samples was positive and strong (r = 0.75793, p < 0.0001). This study demonstrated that TADD was more effective than quadrumat senior mill to obtain wheat bran fractions enriched in health beneficial phytochemicals. The correlations between chemical composition and antioxidant properties of TADD bran extracts developed in this study are helpful to formulate products with desired efficacy.