Sinigrin (2-Propenyl Glucosinolate) Content and Myrosinase Activity in BrassicaVegetables

Abstract

Cruciferous vegetables can contribute to a healthy human diet. This may be due to the presence of the phytochemical glucosinolate. The sinigrin (2-propenyl glucosinolate) content and the myrosinase activity were estimated in edible portions of five broccoli (B. oleraceaL. var. italicaPlenck), three white cabbage (B. oleraceavar. capitataL. f. alba1 DC), two each of Chinese cabbage [B. rapaL. subsp. pekinensis(Lour.) Olsson], and cauliflower (B. oleraceaL. var. botrytisL.), and one each of Brussels sprouts (B. oleraceaL. var. gemmiferaDC.), kohlrabi (B. oleraceaL. var. gongylodesL.), red cabbage [B. oleraceavar. capitataL. f. rubra(L.) Jhell], and Savoy cabbage (B. oleraceavar. sabaudaL.). Significant differences for sinigrin (2-propenyl glucosino-late) content and myrosinase activity were recorded between Brassicasubspecies. Broccoli (3.23 mg/100 g) and Brussels sprouts (2.10 mg/ 100 g) had higher sinigrin content as compared with other Brassica vegetables. The highest myrosinase specific activity was recorded in Brussels sprouts (0.343 units/mg protein), and broccoli (0.324 units/mg protein), and the lowest myrosinase activity was for Savoy cabbage (0.036 units/mg protein) and Chinese cabbage (0.041 units/mg protein). Levels of sinigrin and myrosinase activity are dependent on the subspecies. Significant intraspecific variability for sinigrin and myrosinase activity in some of the Brassicavegetables can be utilized for selecting genotypes for the genetic improvement of such vegetables for phytochemical content through conventional breeding.