Levels Of Polyphenolic Compounds Research Articles

Host plant suitability for the biological performance of Tetranychus urticae Koch and its predator, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot

The life table parameters provide the most extensive information on the biological features of pests and natural enemies, facilitating the potential employment of biological agents in pest management programs. This study investigated how cucumber, strawberry, eggplant, and tomato plants influence the reproduction and life-table parameters of Tetranychus urticae Koch and its predator, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot under laboratory conditions. It also explored the relationship between these parameters and leaf trichome density and the levels of polyphenol compounds. The mites’ biological properties varied based on the morphological and chemical differences in host plant leaves. Both T. urticae and P. persimilis exhibited higher development and reproduction rates on strawberry and cucumber leaves compared to eggplant and tomato plants. Eggplant leaves had the highest polyphenol content (3826.99 mg/kg), followed by tomato leaves (2406.86 mg/kg). The lowest total amount of polyphenol compounds was (704.34 mg/kg) and (273.743 mg/kg) in strawberry and cucumber leaves, respectively. The life table parameters of P. persimilis significantly differed when it fed on T. urticae that had been reared on strawberry, cucumber, eggplant, and tomato leaves. Overall, the results showed that the net (R0) and gross (GRR) reproductive rates were reduced when the predator preyed T. urticae that had been reared on eggplant and tomato leaves. Consequently, the intrinsic (rm) and finite (λ) rates of increase were affected. As a result, the performance of P. persimilis was negatively affected on these plants. The availability of information on the biological performance of P. persimilis is necessary for promoting biological control implementation.

Evaluation of the chemical composition and nutritional value of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) biofortified in hydroponics with iodine in the form of iodoquinolines

Iodine deficiency in the diet creates the need to search for innovative, more sustainable and more effective strategies for enriching food with this microelement. The adopted research hypothesis assumed that the use of organic forms of iodine for supplementation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), compared to mineral iodine, has a more favorable effect not only on the concentration of iodine, but also on the yield and the content of other chemical components determining its nutritional and health-promoting value. Lettuce was planted in a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic study in a greenhouse. The following application of iodine compounds (all in 5 µM molar mass equivalents) were tested in the studies: control (without of iodine application); potassium iodate (positive iodine control), 8-hydroxy-7-iodo-5-quinolinesulfonic acid, 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-quinolinol, 5,7-diiodo-8-quinolinol and 4-hydroxy-8-iodo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid. In this work, it was shown for the first time that iodoquinolines can be 1) a source of iodine for plants; 2) they have a biostimulating effect on their yielding and 3) they increase the resistance of crops to stress (due to a significant increase in the level of polyphenolic compounds). Lettuce with the addition of 8-hydroxy-7-iodo-5-quinolinesulfonic acid was characterized by the highest content of iodine, which was 221.7 times higher than in control plants. The weight gain of the whole plant was particularly visible in the case of lettuce enriched with 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-quinolinol and amounted to 26.48% compared to the control. Lettuce biofortified with iodine in the form of iodoquinolines can successfully become part of a sustainable diet based on plant products, which has a low impact on the environment and contributes to the long-term good health of an individual or community. Reducing iodine deficiency through the use of organoiodine compounds can help achieve the sustainability goal of eliminating hidden hunger, improving nutritional status and promoting sustainable agriculture.

An 8-week freeze-dried blueberry supplement impacts immune-related pathways: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundBlueberries contain high levels of polyphenolic compounds with high in vitro antioxidant capacities. Their consumption has been associated with improved vascular and metabolic health.PurposeThe objective was to examine the effects of blueberry supplement consumption on metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters and potential underlying mechanisms of action.MethodsA randomized double-blind placebo-controlled intervention trial was conducted in adults at risk of developing MetS. Participants consumed 50 g daily of either a freeze-dried highbush blueberry powder (BBP) or a placebo powder for 8 weeks (n = 49). MetS phenotypes were assessed at weeks 0, 4 and 8. Fasting blood gene expression profiles and plasma metabolomic profiles were examined at baseline and week 8 to assess metabolic changes occurring in response to the BBP. A per-protocol analysis was used.ResultsA significant treatment effect was observed for plasma triglyceride levels that was no longer significant after further adjustments for age, sex, BMI and baseline values. In addition, the treatment*time interactions were non-significant therefore suggesting that compared with the placebo, BBP had no statistically significant effect on body weight, blood pressure, fasting plasma lipid, insulin and glucose levels, insulin resistance (or sensitivity) or glycated hemoglobin concentrations. There were significant changes in the expression of 49 genes and in the abundance of 35 metabolites following BBP consumption. Differentially regulated genes were clustered in immune-related pathways.ConclusionAn 8-week BBP intervention did not significantly improve traditional markers of cardiometabolic health in adults at risk of developing MetS. However, changes in gene expression and metabolite abundance suggest that clinically significant cardiometabolic changes could take longer than 8 weeks to present and/or could result from whole blueberry consumption or a higher dosage. BBP may also have an effect on factors such as immunity even within a shorter 8-week timeframe.Clinical trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov, NCT03266055, 2017

Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics for the discovery of candidate markers of flavonoid and polyphenolic intake in adults

Robust biological markers of dietary exposure are essential in improving the understanding of the link between diet and health outcomes. Polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids, have been proposed to mitigate the risk of chronic diseases where oxidative stress and inflammation play a central role. Biomarkers can provide objective measurement of the levels of polyphenolic compounds. In this study, we provide methodology to identify potential candidate markers of polyphenol intake in human serum. Seventeen participants from the UK arm of the Global Allergy and Asthma Network of Excellence (GA2LEN) had their dietary intake estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and serum samples were assessed using mass spectrometry to identify potential candidate markers. 144 features were assigned identities, of these we identified four biologically relevant compounds (rhamnazin 3-rutinoside, 2-galloyl-1,4-galactarolactone methyl ester, 2″,32″-di-O-p-coumaroylafzelin and cyclocommunin), which were significantly increased in the serum of participants with high predicted level of fruit and vegetable intake. 2-galloyl-1,4-galactarolactone methyl ester was strongly correlated with total flavonoids (r = 0.62; P = 0.005), flavan-3-ols (r = 0.67; P = 0.002) as well as with other four subclasses. Rhamnazin 3-rutinoside showed strong correlation with pro-anthocyanidins (r = 0.68; P = 0.001), flavones (r = 0.62; P = 0.005). Our results suggest that serum profiling for these compounds might be an effective way of establishing the relative intake of flavonoids and could contribute to improve the accuracy of epidemiological methods to ascertain flavonoid intake.

Fertilizer micro-dosing and harvesting time of indigenous leafy vegetables affect in vitro antioxidant activities

Plant nutrient management can influence the type and level of polyphenolic compounds within leafy vegetables. Therefore, we investigated the effects of fertilizer micro-dosing and harvest time on antioxidant activities of aqueous polyphenolic extracts from Amaranthus cruentus, Ocimum gratissimum and Solanum macrocarpon. Plants were cultivated using urea alone or combined with cattle manure for three staggered harvest periods. Polyphenolics profile (RP-HPLC), DPPH, hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activities, ferric ion reducing power, ferrous ion chelation and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation were determined. Polyphenolic contents of A. cruentus (caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin and rutin) and O. gratissimum (catechin and gallic acid) as well as antioxidant activities of the vegetables extracts (except hydroxyl radical scavenging by A. cruentus) were fertilizer micro-dose and harvest timedependent. Thus, combination of both factors highlighted the screening of optimal farming conditions for these vegetables in order to get leaf extracts possessing higher polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activities.

Fertilizer micro-dosing and harvesting time of indigenous leafy vegetables affect in vitro antioxidant activities

Plant nutrient management can influence the type and level of polyphenolic compounds within leafy vegetables. Therefore, we investigated the effects of fertilizer micro-dosing and harvest time on antioxidant activities of aqueous polyphenolic extracts from Amaranthus cruentus, Ocimum gratissimum and Solanum macrocarpon. Plants were cultivated using urea alone or combined with cattle manure for three staggered harvest periods. Polyphenolics profile (RP-HPLC), DPPH, hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activities, ferric ion reducing power, ferrous ion chelation and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation were determined. Polyphenolic contents of A. cruentus (caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin and rutin) and O. gratissimum (catechin and gallic acid) as well as antioxidant activities of the vegetables extracts (except hydroxyl radical scavenging by A. cruentus) were fertilizer micro-dose and harvest time-dependent. Thus, combination of both factors highlighted the screening of optimal farming conditions for these vegetables in order to get leaf extracts possessing higher polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activities.

Incorporating detoxified Argania spinosa press cake into the diet of Alpine goats affects the antioxidant activity and levels of polyphenol compounds in their milk

ABSTRACT Goat’s milk is an excellent source of antioxidants that resist oxidative stress. This paper reports on a study of Alpine goats, showing that introducing detoxified Argane press cake (DAPC) into their diet affected the antioxidant activity and polyphenol compounds in their milk during lactation. The results showed that the bioactive compounds of goat milk vary significantly (p < 0.001) depending on both their feed and milk lactation stage. The milk samples obtained from goats fed DAPC ranked highest total phenolic content, flavonoids, and DPPH(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assays (367.91 ± 102.17 mg GAE/g of milk dry matter [DM], 120.76 ± 24.21 mg QE/g of milk DM, and 71.19 ± 2.84%, respectively) compared to milk samples collected from goats fed a diet including non-detoxified Argane press cake (289.03 ± 104.42 mg GAE/g of milk DM, 105.72 ± 13.60 mg QE/g of milk DM, and 64.22 ± 2.45%, respectively) and milk samples from goats fed a local diet (179.26 ± 81.28 mg GAE/g of milk DM, 89.86 ± 17.83 mg QE/g of milk DM, and 61.57 ± 5.08%, respectively). Additionally, the data revealed that including DAPC in the goat diet offers a good method for raising the amounts of total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids, with antioxidant activity in goat’s milk.

The Tannat genome: Unravelling its unique characteristics

Tannat (Vitis vinifera) is the most cultivated grapevine variety in Uruguay for the production of high quality red wines. Its berries have unusually high levels of polyphenolic compounds (anthocyanins and tannins), producing wines with intense purple colour and high antioxidant properties. Remarkably, more than 40% of its tannins are galloylated, which determines a greater antioxidant power. Technologies of massive sequencing allow the characterization of genomic variants between different clutivars. The Tannat genome was sequenced with a 134X coverage using the Illumina technology, and was annotated using transcriptomes (RNA-Seq) of different berry tissues. When comparing the genomes of Tannat with Pinot Noir PN40024 (reference genome) we found an expansion of the gene families related to the biosynthesis of polyphenols. A search base on the recently reported epicatechin galloyl transferase (ECGT) from tea leaves determined five putative genes encoding the ECGT in Tannat. Genetic analysis of one of the transcription factor that regulates the anthocyanin synthesis during berry ripening, VvMYBA1, shows the presence of Gret1 retrotransposon in one of the VvMYBA1 alleles in the Tannat clones analysed. This work makes original contributions about the molecular bases of the biosynthesis of anthocyanins and tannins during the development of the flagship grape of Uruguay.

Comparative studies on polyphenolic profile and antimicrobial activity of propolis samples selected from distinctive geographical areas of Hungary

The present paper reports about a comparative survey on the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and invitro antimicrobial activity of selected propolis samples collected in Hungary. The total levels of polyphenolic compounds including flavonoids in ethanolic extracts of propolis were assessed. The major constituents of ethanolic extracts of propolis were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. Total phenolic content was determined spectrophotometrically using a Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Free radical scavenging activities were evaluated by means of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. Invitro inhibitory activity was investigated against eight different bacterial strains by agar well diffusion assay. An extensive comparison was carried out regarding general parameters and specific polyphenolic components. The experimental data led to the observation that there is considerable variability in terms of the quality and the biological value of the distinctive propolis samples. These findings confirm the hypothesis of the study; versatile experimental results are required for proper, well-reasoned, balanced and standardised industrial applications. The major flavonoid components were found to be chrysin and pinocembrin; however, versatile minor components were also detected. The total polyphenol content of ethanolic extracts of propolis ranged between 104.6 mg/g and 286.9 mg/g (gallic acid equivalent). The radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extracts of propolis varied between 101.7 mg/g and 286.9 mg/g (ascorbic acid equivalent). As the quality of propolis depends on the season, vegetation and the area of collection, marked differences were found among the different products examined in terms of both composition and general characteristics. The studied samples exhibited significant differences in term of antimicrobial activities.

Biochemical Comparison of AAC1 Enriched Chicken Broth to Homemade Chicken Broth: Potential Benefits to Joint Health

ObjectiveTo investigate the differences in the level or activity of biochemical molecules contained in enriched AAC1 and traditional homemade chicken broth that are implicated in improving and maintaining good joint health.BackgroundChicken broth is a complex mixture containing extractives obtained from cooking of chicken parts or whole chickens. The method used to prepare the chicken broth can significantly alter the composition of the broth. Different chicken broths are likely to exhibit diverse compositions which may help to explain the varying nutritional and health benefits for different broths. The commercially available AAC1 both is prepared using a different process than traditional homemade chicken broth and thus, the biochemical properties would be expected to be distinctive.MethodsAAC1 and homemade chicken broths were dissolved in water to a final solids concentration (w/v) of 1%. The amount of hyrdoxyproline was determined by LC‐MS and chondroitin sulfate using enzymatic digestion and LC‐UV detection. The level of polyphenolic compounds was quantified using a modified Folin‐Ciocalteau method, while the activity of COX‐1 and COX‐2 enzymes was assessed using a commercially available COX inhibitor assay. All data are reported as mean ± standard error of the mean (significance at p &lt; 0.05).ResultsThe AAC1 broth was found to contain a higher percentage of collagen based on the levels of hydroxyproline (at least 8% hydroxyproline by weight of total amino acids in the composition) when compared to homemade broth. Similarly, AAC1 contained a higher amount of chondroitin sulfate (8.797% w/w) compared to homemade. While both chicken broths contained polyphenols, AAC1 broth exhibited approximately 7 times more Gallic acid equivalents (4828.8 μg/mL GAE) than homemade broth. Interestingly, AAC1 had a greater ratio of COX‐2 inhibition compared to COX‐1 inhibition (18.34) with over 40% inhibition of COX‐2 enzyme activity.ConclusionsWhen compared to homemade chicken broth, we found that AAC1 broth is enriched in biological molecules associated with joint health and decreasing inflammation. Thus, our findings support the notion that dietary inclusion of AAC1 should be beneficial in promoting and maintaining healthy joints.Support or Funding InformationInternational Dehydrated Food

Phenolic Compounds of Napek Leave (Zizyphus Spina-Christi L.) as Natural Antioxidants

Crude juices of Sidr (Zizyphus Spina-Christi L.) from leaves were obtained by hydraulic press. The levels of polyphenolic compounds in the (leaves) juice were 510.00 and 722.00ppm. Aliquots of the concentrated sidr juice (leaves), represent 200, 400, 800 and 1600ppm and butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT, 200ppm) were investigated by Rancimat method at 100oC and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method. These compounds were administrated to rats daily for 6 weeks by stomach tube. The liver (Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities) and kidney (bilirubin, uric acid and creatinine) function tests and serum contents (total lipids, total cholesterol and low and high-density lipoproteins) were measured to assess the safety limits of the phenolic compounds in the sidr juice (fruits and leaves). The data of the aforementioned measurements indicates that the administration of sidr juice (leaves) did not cause any changes in liver and kidney functions. On the contrary, BHT at 200ppm induced significant increases in the enzyme activities and the serum levels of total lipids, uric acid and creatinine.

Effects of Thermal and High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing and Storage on the Content of Polyphenols and Some Quality Attributes of Fruit Smoothies

The aim of the present study was the evaluation of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing on the levels of polyphenolic compounds and selected quality attributes of fruit smoothies compared to fresh and mild conventional pasteurization processing. Fruit smoothie samples were thermally (P(70) > 10 min) or HHP processed (450 MPa/1, 3, or 5 min/20 °C) (HHP1, HHP3, and HHP5, respectively). The polyphenolic content, color difference (ΔE), sensory acceptability, and rheological (G'; G''; G*) properties of the smoothies were assessed over a storage period of 30 days at 4 °C. Processing had a significant effect (p < 0.001) on the levels of polyphenolic compounds in smoothies. However, this effect was not consistent for all compound types. HHP processed samples (HHP1 and HHP3) had higher (p < 0.001) levels of phenolic compounds, for example, procyanidin B1 and hesperidin, than HHP5 samples. Levels of flavanones and hydroxycinnamic acid compounds decreased (p < 0.001) after 30 days of storage at 2-4 °C). Decreases were particularly notable between days 10 and 20 (hesperidin) and days 20 and 30 (chlorogenic acid) (p < 0.001). There was a wide variation in ΔE values recorded over the 30 day storage period (p < 0.001), with fresh and thermally processed smoothies exhibiting lower color change than their HHP counterparts (p < 0.001). No effect was observed for the type of process on complex modulus (G*) data, but all smoothies became less rigid during the storage period (p < 0.001). Despite minor product deterioration during storage (p < 0.001), sensory acceptability scores showed no preference for either fresh or processed (thermal/HHP) smoothies, which were deemed acceptable (>3) by panelists.

Effect of storage on antioxidant activity of freeze-dried potato peels

A study was undertaken with the objective of evaluating the storage stability of the polyphenols and the antioxidant activity in the peel from two varieties of potatoes, Penta and Marcy, grown in Ontario, Canada. Samples were stored at −20, 4 and 25°C for 0, 2, 4 and 8weeks. Peel from Penta variety contained higher levels of total polyphenolic compounds, 2.4mg/g of peel d.w. compare to Marcy, 1.14mg/g of peel d.w. Chlorogenic and caffeic acids were the major polyphenolic compounds present in both verities. Levels of polyphenolic compounds in the peel were influenced by storage temperature with maximum loss observed at 25°C. Storage time caused a decline in the levels of polyphenolic compounds up to 4weeks at all temperatures followed by a significant increase at the end of week 8. There was a parallel increase in the antioxidant activity of the peel samples during storage and until the end of 8weeks of storage. At all temperatures of storage, there was a significant relationship (r=0.43, P≤0.05) between the amount of polyphenolic compound in the peel samples and their antioxidant capacity. Results suggest potato peel as a valuable source of polyphenolic compounds requiring proper storage condition to maintain their antioxidant properties.

Alginate Coating as Carrier of Oligofructose and Inulin and to Maintain the Quality of Fresh‐Cut Apples

The aim of this study was to apply an edible coating containing prebiotics such as oligofructose and inulin to fresh-cut apple wedges. An assessment of the quality, sensory, polyphenol, and volatile attributes of coated and uncoated fresh-cut apple wedges was also undertaken. Fructan analysis showed that all prebiotics remained stable over the 14-d storage period and an intake of 100 g of apple supplies 1 to 3 g of prebiotics. Browning index, firmness, acidity remained stable throughout the 14 d compared to the control while applying prebiotic coatings resulted in an increase in soluble solids. Sensory and visual assessment indicated acceptable quality of apple wedges coated with prebiotics. HPLC analysis showed that levels of polyphenolic compounds were more stable in coated apple wedges (without prebiotic inclusions) than in uncoated control apples. No difference was found between O(2) and CO(2) headspace concentration of coated and uncoated samples. Significant differences (P < 0.001) were found for headspace volatile production between the samples. Most coated samples showed lower volatile production in the headspace than uncoated samples.

Effect of air-drying temperature on antioxidant capacity and stability of polyphenolic compounds in mulberry ( Morus alba L.) leaves

The mulberry ( Morus alba L.) leaf is a promising dietary source of antioxidants such as quercetin due to its relatively high content of that compound. We investigated effects of an air-drying process on the antioxidant capacity and stability of antioxidant polyphenolic compounds in mulberry leaves. Main compounds playing a central role in antioxidant activities in mulberry leaves are quercetin glycosides and chlorogenic acid. Raw mulberry leaves were air-dried at various temperatures, and antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging assay and levels of antioxidant compounds were measured. DPPH radical scavenging activity and levels of polyphenolic compounds in mulberry leaves air-dried at 60 °C or below were not significantly different from those of freeze-dried mulberry leaves, whereas both values in mulberry leaves air-dried at 70 °C and over decreased significantly. These results indicate that strict temperature control is important in the production of mulberry leaf products to maintain antioxidant activity and levels of polyphenolic compounds.

Use of plant growth regulators to increase polyphenolic compounds in the wild blueberry

With increasing awareness of the antioxidant properties of the wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.), more emphasis has been placed on d eveloping cultural management practices to enhance fruit polyphenolic levels and the use of processing byproducts as potential polyphenolic sources for the nutraceutical market. Trials were initiated in 2004 and 2005, with four plant growth regulators (methyl jasmonate, abscisic acid, riboflavin and Retain®) applied to maturing berries of the select clone Fundy at the Wild Blueberry Research Centre (Debert, NS). Berries were harvested 3 wk after treatment applications, with collections of green leaf tissues at harvest and red leaf tissues two weeks after harvest in 2005. Assessment of polyphenolic and anthocyanin levels within the berry and leaf tissues followed the Folin-Ciocalteu and pH differential methods, respectively. Overall, substantially higher levels of polyphenolic compounds were found within the leaf tissues, although anthocyanin content was highest in the berries. The application of methyl jasmonate resulted in a minor elevation in levels of bioactives within the harvested berry and red leaf tissues. This increase in bioactives occurred, however, at the expense of harvestable yields, with lower yield in plots treated with methyl jasmonate in 2004. Results thus suggest that the use of some plant growth regulators (PGR) may serve to increase bioactives, but their value must be assessed against a possible yield reduction. In addition, these studies indicate that leaf debris may provide a superior polyphenolic source for the nutraceutical market. Key words: Wild blueberry, plant growth regulator, anthocyanins, polyphenolics

Modulation of the biosynthesis of some phenolic compounds in Olea europaea L. fruits: their influence on olive oil quality.

The phenolic composition of olive fruits (Olea europaea L.) (cv. Picual, Villalonga, Alfafarenca, and Cornicabra) grown in different areas of Spain was studied by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Different levels of tyrosol, catechin, p-coumaric acid, rutin, luteolin, and oleuropein were observed in the different varieties analyzed. Treating the fruit with 0.3% Brotomax 50 days after anthesis had a beneficial effect on fruit size, oil content, levels of polyphenolic compounds, and Trolox-equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) in all the varieties analyzed.

Protein quality evaluation ofAmaranthus wholemeal flours and protein concentrates

Based on the amino acid composition, Amaranthus seed protein is known to be of higher quality than most of the major cereal grains. However, protein quality does not solely depend on amino acid profile but also on its digestibility. In this study we determined amino acid composition and in vitro protein digestibility of wholemeal and isoelectric protein concentrates (IPC) from five Amaranthus genotypes. Factors most likely to influence protein digestibility such as heating and presence of antinutrients were studied. Heating increased protein digestibility in wholemeals but slightly decreased it in IPCs. Trypsin inhibitor level was negatively but weakly correlated to protein digestibility, and the level of polyphenolic compounds was negatively and significantly correlated to protein digestibility. A slight deficiency in leucine was noted for wholemeals and in lysine for IPCs. However, based on both in vitro digestibility and amino acid profile, Amaranthus proteins were confirmed to be of better quality than those of other cereals. © 1998 SCI.

Studies on Desi and Kabull Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Cultivars: Levels of Protease Inhibitors, Levels of Polyphenolic Compounds and in vitro Protein Digestibility

ABSTRACTThe levels of trypsin inhibitor activity were higher in both kabuli and desi seeds of chickpea than their chymotrypsin inhibitor activity. Mean values for the trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor units in dhal and seed samples of desi were higher as compared with kabuli cultivars. The presence of seed coat reduced the protein extraction. Mean values of polyphenolic compounds in seed samples of desi were more than twice that of kabuli and these differences disappeared in dhal samples indicating the distribution of these compounds mainly in the seed coat. The in vitro protein digestibility studies showed larger differences between desi seed and dhal samples when compared with kabuli seed and dhal samples. Polyphenolic compounds exhibited a highly significant and negative corretation (r = 0.872**) with in vitro digestibility of protein and a significant positive correlation with trypsin (r = 0.612*) and chymotrypsin (r = 0.507*) inhibitor activities.