Study of the phytochemical profile of hydroponically cultivated buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) at different phenological stages

Abstract

Common buckwheat is considered a functional food due to its tremendous health benefits. In the present study, the total content of phenols, flavonoids and tannins, as well as the chlorophyll and carotenoid content of leaves of the species at different phenological stages in hydroponic cultivation were evaluated. The antiradical activity was also determined through the DPPH test. In order to verify the effects of hydroponic cultivation on the phytochemical profile of the seed, the contents of rutin, quercetin, gallic acid, ferulic acid and vanillic acid were determined by UPLC-DAD analysis in seeds from the experimental cultivation and in those commercially available. It has been observed that the maximum content of phenols and flavonoids is obtained during the harvesting phase while the antiradical activity appeared to be maximum in the flowering phase. The UPLC-DAD analyses pointed out that the content of most phenols was higher in hydroponically grown seeds than in commercial varieties. The acquired data suggest that the cultivation of common buckwheat in hydroponics can benefit the content in bioactive compounds.