Sprout Extract Research Articles

Inhibition of Urinary Bladder Carcinogenesis by Broccoli Sprouts

Isothiocyanates are a well-known class of cancer chemopreventive agents, and broccoli sprouts are a rich source of several isothiocyanates. We report herein that dietary administration to rats of a freeze-dried aqueous extract of broccoli sprouts significantly and dose-dependently inhibited bladder cancer development induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine. The incidence, multiplicity, size, and progression of bladder cancer were all inhibited by the extract, while the extract itself caused no histologic changes in the bladder. Moreover, inhibition of bladder carcinogenesis by the extract was associated with significant induction of glutathione S-transferase and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 in the bladder, enzymes that are important protectants against oxidants and carcinogens. Isothiocyanates are metabolized to dithiocarbamates in vivo, but dithiocarbamates readily dissociate to isothiocyanates. We found that >70% of the isothiocyanates present in the extract were excreted in the urine as isothiocyanate equivalents (isothiocyanates + dithiocarbamates) in 12 h after a single p.o. dose, indicating high bioavailability and rapid urinary excretion. In addition, the concentrations of isothiocyanate equivalents in the urine of extract-treated rats were 2 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than those in plasma, indicating that the bladder epithelium, the major site of bladder cancer development, is most exposed to p.o. dosed isothiocyanate. Indeed, tissue levels of isothiocyanate equivalents in the bladder were significantly higher than in the liver. In conclusion, broccoli sprout extract is a highly promising substance for bladder cancer prevention and the isothiocyanates in the extract are selectively delivered to the bladder epithelium through urinary excretion.

Synergy between broccoli sprout extract and selenium in the upregulation of thioredoxin reductase in human hepatocytes

Dietary isothiocyanates and selenium (Se) can up-regulate thioredoxin reductase 1 (TR1) in cultured human HepG2 and MCF-7 cells [Zhang et al. (2003). Synergy between sulforaphane and selenium in the induction of thioredoxin reductase 1 requires both transcriptional and translational modulation. Carcinogenesis, 24, 497–503; Wang et al. (2005). Sulforaphane, erucin and iberin up-regulate thioredoxin reductase expression in human MCF-7 cells. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 53, 1417–1421] at both the protein and mRNA levels. In this study, broccoli sprout extract (a rich source of the isothiocyanates sulforaphane and iberin) and Se interacted synergistically to induce TR1 in immortalised human hepatocytes. Broccoli sprout extracts containing 1.6, 4 and 8μM isothiocyanates were tested for their ability to induce TR1 at the protein and mRNA level. Although induction of TR1 mRNA by broccoli sprout extract (1.6–8μM) was only 1.7–2.2-fold, co-treatment with Se (0.2–1μM) enhanced the expression of TR1 mRNA (3.0–3.3-fold). Moreover, broccoli sprout extract induced the cellular concentration of TR1 and TR enzymatic activity, an induction that was augmented by Se addition. Thus, broccoli sprout extract (8μM) and Se induced cellular TR1 concentration and enzymatic activity 3.7- and 5-fold respectively, whereas, Se or broccoli sprout extract alone produced an induction of only approximately 2-fold. These data suggest that dietary isothiocyanates from broccoli sprouts and Se are important agents in the regulation of redox status in human liver cells. The synergistic effect between isothiocyanates and Se at physiologically-relevant concentrations on the induction of TR1 may play an important role in protection against oxidative stress.

Wheat sprout extract induces changes on 20S proteasomes functionality

Wheat sprouts contain a very high level of organic phosphates and a powerful cocktail of different molecules such as enzymes, reducing glycosides and polyphenols. The antioxidant properties of wheat sprouts have been widely documented and it has been shown that they are able to protect DNA against free-radicals mediated oxidative damage. Furthermore, we have recently reported on the effects of several polyphenols on 20S proteasomes, underlying the dual role of epigallocatechin-3-gallate as an antioxidant and a proteasome effector in cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of wheat sprout extracts on 20S proteasome functionality. Wheat sprout extracts have been analysed and characterized for their polyphenolic content using the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and RP-HPLC technique. Comparing our data with a polyphenol standard mixture we identified five different polyphenols: gallic acid, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, epigallocatechin, epicatechin and catechin. The treatment of isolated 20S proteasomes with the extract induced a gradual inhibition of all the tested components, ChT-L, T-L, PGPH and BrAAP, in both the complexes. At low extract concentration a slight activation of the enzyme was evident only for the BrAAP component of the constitutive enzyme and the ChT-L activity of the immunoproteasome. β-casein degradation rate decreased, particularly with the immunoproteasome. Human Colon adenocarcinoma (Caco) cells, stimulated with 12- O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, showed activation of the 20S proteasome activities at short incubation times and an increase in intracellular oxidative proteins. Cells treatment with wheat sprout extract led to proteasome inhibition in unstimulated cells and attenuated the effects mediated by TPA. Finally, exposure to the extract affected the expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins.

Antioxidant Activity of Tartary ( Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.) and Common ( Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) Buckwheat Sprouts

This study compared the differences of two types of buckwheat sprouts, namely, common buckwheat ( Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and tartary buckwheat ( Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.), in general composition, functional components, and antioxidant capacity. The ethanol extracts of tartary buckwheat sprouts (TBS) had higher reducing power, free radical scavenging activity, and superoxide anion scavenging activity than those of common buckwheat sprouts (CBS). As for chelating effects on ferrous ions, CBS had higher values than TBS. Rutin was the major flavonoid found in these two types of buckwheat sprouts, and TBS was 5 fold higher in rutin than CBS. The antioxidant effects of buckwheat sprouts on human hepatoma HepG2 cells revealed that both of TBS and CBS could decrease the production of intracellular peroxide and remove the intracellular superoxide anions in HepG2 cells, but TBS reduced the cellular oxidative stress more effectively than CBS, possibly because of its higher rutin (and quercetin) content.

메밀싹 추출물의 항산화 효과 및 유전독성억제 효과

메밀싹을 건조 후 세절하여 70% 에탄올을 가하여 추출한 추출물과 용매의 극성에 따라 분별분리를 행하여 핵산, 클로로포름, 에틸아세테이트, 부탄올 및 물 분획물로 조제하여 여섯 가지의 추출물 및 분획물을 얻었다. 이들 시료들에 대하여 항산화활성을 측정한 결과 에틸아세테이트 분획물에서 RC?? 값이 26.1 ㎍/mL의 강한 항산화활성을 나타내었다. 염색체 유발 물질인 MNNG(N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine)를 마우스에 50, 100, 150 그리고 200 ㎎/㎏으로 투여한 경우의 소핵생성은 각각 3.7±0.7, 4.3±0.6, 12.8±0.8 그리고 15.6±1.1로써 농도증가에 비례적으로 증가하였으며 대조군에서는 1.4±0.5의 소핵생성을 나타내었다. MNNG를 150 ㎎/㎏과 메밀싹 추출물을 각각 10, 20, 40 그리고 80 ㎎/㎏으로 동시에 투여한 경우 각각 23.4, 40.6, 56.3 그리고 73.4%의 소핵생성 억제효과를 나타내었다. 메밀싹 용매 분획물 실험에서는 핵산, 클로로포름, 에틸아세테이트, 부탄올 그리고 물 분획물이 시료농도 80 ㎎/㎏의 투여군에서 양성대조군에 비해 각각 64.1, 67.9, 75.8, 74.2 및 63.3%의 소핵생성 억제율을 나타내었다. 따라서 메밀싹은 건강식품으로서의 개발가능성을 가진 매우 유용한 원료임을 알 수 있었고, 추후 이러한 생리활성을 나타내는 부분만을 분리, 정제하여 추가적인 검색 및 활용방안에 대하여 충분한 연구가 이루어져야 한다고 사료된다.

PERKECAMBAHAN BIJI KANTONG SEMAR ( Nepenthes gracilis Korth.) SECARA IN VITRO

Mature seeds of a pitcher plant (Nepenthes grocilis Korth.) were cultured in seven different media, namely half strength MS medium, half strength MS medium supplemented with BAP and NAA, 0.8 KC medium supplemented with coconut water + bean sprout extract, 0.8 KC + H 3 B0 3 + CuSO 3 + ZnSO 4 + coconut water + bean sprout extract, 0.25 KC + Vitamin (MS), HYPONeX + coconut water + sprout bean extract, and HYPONeX + potato extract. Each culture was incubated under light conditions. Young seedlings were subsequently transferred onto fresh media of 0.5 MS and 0.25 KC supplemented with 0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/I GA 3 after 15 weeks of sowing. Seed germination and seedling growth were observed weekly. It was noted that the seeds started to germinate in ten weeks after incubation and the highest seed germination was obtained in HYPONeX medium + potato extract. However, the appearance of the seedlings was better on MS media and KC media without organic compound than on the other media. Seedlings in all level of GA 3 in half strength MS media and 0.25 KC media grew faster than those in media without GA 3 .

Induction of the Phase 2 Response in Mouse and Human Skin by Sulforaphane-containing Broccoli Sprout Extracts

The isothiocyanate sulforaphane was isolated from broccoli extracts in a bioactivity-guided fractionation as the principal and very potent inducer of cytoprotective phase 2 enzymes and subsequently shown to inhibit tumor development in animal models that involve various carcinogens and target organs. Because broccoli and broccoli sprouts are widely consumed, extracts obtained from them are viewed as convenient vehicles for sulforaphane delivery to humans. In relation to our current interest in devising strategies for protection against UV light-induced skin cancer, it was necessary to examine the safety and efficacy of topical application of sulforaphane-containing broccoli sprout extracts as single and multiple doses in both mice and humans. Topical application of an extract delivering 100 nmol sulforaphane/cm(2) increased the protein levels of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), glutathione S-transferase A1, and heme oxygenase 1, three representative phase 2 enzymes, in mouse skin epidermis. Quantitative assessment of the activity of NQO1 24 h after dosing showed increases of 1.5- and 2.7-fold after application of single and multiple (thrice, every 24 h) doses, respectively. A dose-escalation safety study in healthy human subjects revealed no adverse reactions when doses as high as 340 nmol of sulforaphane in the form of broccoli sprout extracts were applied topically to the center of a 1-cm-diameter circle drawn on the volar forearm. A subsequent efficacy study showed that despite the interindividual differences in basal levels, the enzyme activity of NQO1 in homogenates of 3-mm full thickness skin punch biopsies increased in a dose-dependent manner, with maximum increases of 1.5- and 4.5-fold after application of 150 nmol doses, once or three times (at 24 h-intervals), respectively, thus providing direct evidence for induction of the phase 2 response in humans.

Antioxidant and Choleretic Properties ofRaphanus sativusL. Sprout (Kaiware Daikon) Extract

Brassica vegetables and glucosinolates contained therein are supposed to reduce the risk of cancer and to possess health-promoting properties. The benefits of a Brassica-based diet may be particularly expressed by eating sprouts, in which the glucosinolate content is higher than in mature vegetables. With this in mind, a first objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprouts (Kaiware Daikon) extract (KDE), in which the glucosinolate glucoraphasatin (GRH), showing some antioxidant activity, is present at 10.5% w/w. The contribution of GRH to KDE's antioxidant activity was considered in two chemical assays (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and Briggs-Rauscher methods). The total phenol assay by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was performed to quantify the reducing capacity of KDE. Finally, on the basis of the putative choleretic properties of antioxidant plant extracts, the effect on the bile flow of KDE administration was investigated in an animal experimental model. The findings showed that KDE has antioxidant properties and significantly induced bile flow in rats administered 1.5 g/kg of body weight for 4 consecutive days.

ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME RESPONSE STUDIES IN H2O2-STRESSED PORCINE MUSCLE TISSUE FOLLOWING TREATMENT WITH FAVA BEAN SPROUT EXTRACT AND L-DOPA

Readily absorbed fava bean sprout extract (FSE), rich in levo-dihydroxy phenylalanine (L-DOPA) and a high total phenolic content, as well as synthetic L-DOPA countered oxidative stress caused by H 2 O 2 through stimulation of an antioxidant enzyme response in porcine muscle tissue. Evidence suggests that the phenolic treatments such as FSE had a protective effect on the stressed porcine muscle by maintaining the cellular redox homeostasis, through modulation of the cellular antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and total peroxidase via enhanced pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) through stimulation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) resulting in higher NADPH (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). A marked increase in proline content was observed in the case of FSE and L-DOPA treatments both under stressed and unstressed conditions indicating an interface to proline-linked PPP. The major implication from this study is the evidence that FSE and L-DOPA have direct roles as quenchers of free radicals and also as potential modulators of the endogenous cellular antioxidant enzyme response with L-DOPA in a natural fava bean background being more protective and stable.

Safety, Tolerance, and Metabolism of Broccoli Sprout Glucosinolates and Isothiocyanates: A Clinical Phase I Study

: Broccoli sprouts are widely consumed in many parts of the world. There have been no reported concerns with respect to their tolerance and safety in humans. A formal phase I study of safety, tolerance, and pharmacokinetics appeared justified because these sprouts are being used as vehicles for the delivery of the glucosinolate glucoraphanin and its cognate isothiocyanate sulforaphane [1-isothiocyanato-(4R)-(methylsulfinyl)butane] in clinical trials. Such trials have been designed to evaluate protective efficacy against development of neoplastic and other diseases. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical study of sprout extracts containing either glucosinolates (principally glucoraphanin, the precursor of sulforaphane) or isothiocyanates (principally sulforaphane) was conducted on healthy volunteers who were in-patients on our clinical research unit. The subjects were studied in three cohorts, each comprising three treated individuals and one placebo recipient. Following a 5-day acclimatization period on a crucifer-free diet, the broccoli sprout extracts were administered orally at 8-h intervals for 7 days (21 doses), and the subjects were monitored during this period and for 3 days after the last treatment. Doses were 25 μmol of glucosinolate (cohort A), 100 μmol of glucosinolate (cohort B), or 25 μmol of isothiocyanate (cohort C). The mean cumulative excretion of dithiocarbamates as a fraction of dose was very similar in cohorts A and B (17.8 ± 8.6% and 19.6 ± 11.7% of dose, respectively) and very much higher and more consistent in cohort C (70.6 ± 2.0% of dose). Thirty-two types of hematology or chemistry tests were done before, during, and after the treatment period. Indicators of liver (transaminases) and thyroid [thyroid-stimulating hormone, total triiodothyronine (T3), and free thyroxine (T4)] function were examined in detail. No significant or consistent subjective or objective abnormal events (toxicities) associated with any of the sprout extract ingestions were observed.

Potent activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and arrest in S and M phases of cancer cells by a broccoli sprout extract

We have previously shown that broccoli sprouts are a rich source of chemopreventive isothiocyanates, which potently induce carcinogen-detoxifying enzymes and inhibit the development of mammary and skin tumors in rodents. However, the principal isothiocyanate present in broccoli sprout extracts, sulforaphane, not only induces carcinogen-detoxifying enzymes but also activates apoptosis and blocks cell cycle progression. In this article, we show that an aqueous extract of broccoli sprouts potently inhibits the growth of human bladder carcinoma cells in culture and that this inhibition is almost exclusively due to the isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates are present in broccoli sprouts as their glucosinolate precursors and blocking their conversion to isothiocyanates abolishes the antiproliferative activity of the extract. Moreover, the potency of isothiocyanates in the extract in inhibiting cancer cell growth was almost identical to that of synthetic sulforaphane, as judged by their IC50 values (6.6 versus 6.8 micromol/L), suggesting that other isothiocyanates in the extract may be biologically similar to sulforaphane and that nonisothiocyanate substances in the extract may not interfere with the antiproliferative activity of the isothiocyanates. Further study showed that the isothiocyanate extract of broccoli sprouts activated the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway and halted cells in S and M phases. Cell cycle arrest was associated with down-regulation of Cdc25C and disruption of mitotic spindles. These data show that broccoli sprout isothiocyanate extract is a highly promising substance for cancer prevention/treatment and that its antiproliferative activity is exclusively derived from isothiocyanates.

Induction of Quinone Reductase, The Phase 2 Anticarcinogenic Marker Enzyme, in Hepa1c1c7 Cells by Radish Sprouts, Raphanus sativus L.

ABSTRACTThe activity of a methanol extract of radish sprouts for the induction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) NAD(P)H/quinone reductase (QR), which plays critical roles in protection against chemical carcinogens and other toxic xenobiotics, was examined in murine Hepa1c1c7 cells. The methanol extract induced QR activity in a dose‐dependent manner in the concentration range of 0.2 to 1.6 mg/mL with a maximum of a 3.5‐fold increase in induction. The induction of QR by the extract was regulated at the transcriptional level. Using a Western blotting analysis and Ah‐receptor‐defective mutant of Hepa1c1c7 cells (BPrc1 cells), the extracts at a concentration of 0.8 mg/mL or lower was found to be a monofunctional inducer and caused no elevation in cytochrome P‐450 level that may activate carcinogens. The dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) fraction of the extract showed the highest induction potency while the other fractions were less potent. These results indicate that radish sprouts can be regarded as a safe and promising new dietary source for decreasing the risk of developing cancer.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity and Inhibitory Effect on Nitric Oxide Production of Some Common Vegetables

The objectives of this study were to study the antioxidant activities and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging effects of vegetables in vitro systems and to study the inhibitory effects of vegetables on the NO production and NO-induced DNA damage in RAW 264.7 macrophage. The results indicated that water extracts from Indian lotus, Jew's ear, shiitake, eggplant, and winter mushroom showed stronger antioxidant activity and free-radical-scavenging ability than that of other vegetable extracts. The scavenging effects of vegetable extracts on NO derived from sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were in decreasing order of water spinach > Indian lotus > eggplant and garland chrysanthemum. In the macrophage model system, the water extracts from fresh daylily flower, sponge gourd, pea sprout, and eggplant exhibited over 80% inhibition on NO generation stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. The extract from fresh daylily flower that expressed the strongest inhibition on NO production was attributed to the ability to reduce the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induction. However, the extracts from pea sprout and eggplant suppressed the NO production by scavenging on NO and inactivating toward iNOS enzyme. In addition, the water extracts from fresh daylily flower, sponge gourd, pea sprout, and eggplant also showed over 40% inhibitory effect on DNA damage induced by SNP in RAW 264.7 macrophage. The data also indicated that eggplant and pea sprout extracts contained higher total phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acids and appeared to be responsible for their antioxidant activities and scavenging effects on NO derived from SNP.

INHIBITION OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI BY PHENOLIC EXTRACTS OF SPROUTED PEAS (PISUM SATIVUM L.)

Infection by Helicobacter pylori is associated with gastric and duodenal ulcers. Conventional treatments to eradicate it have side-effects such as diarrhea and dizziness. The excessive use of antibiotics could also lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The use of plant phenolic phytochemicals can be an alternative because of their health benefits due to both antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity. The pea (Pisum sativum), the world's second most important pulse crop, produces phenolic phytochemicals with antimicrobial potential. Because the synthesis of phenolic compounds increases with stress, we investigated the anti-H. pylori effectiveness of extracts from pea sprouts, germinated in the dark condition following treatment with either distilled water or acetyl salicylic acid. The peas were germinated for 8 days and the sprouted samples were measured for total soluble phenolic content, antioxidant and guaiacol peroxidase activity. Subsequently, the sprout extracts were tested for anti-H. pylori activity using the agar diffusion method and the effective dose was determined based on phenolic content. The results showed that both acetyl salicylic acid-treated and untreated pea sprouts at days 5 and 8 had anti-H. pylori activity. The minimum volume for inhibition was 50 μL of extracts. The inhibitory effects were dose dependent. From this study, the potential to use natural phenolic phytochemicals from pea sprouts to control H. pylori was found to be promising. This provides a strategy and foundation to design legume phenolics as functional ingredients against H. pylori.

Protection against UV-light-induced skin carcinogenesis by topical or dietary administration of broccoli sprout extracts as a source of sulforaphane in SKH-1 high-risk mice

Protection against UV-light-induced skin carcinogenesis by topical or dietary administration of broccoli sprout extracts as a source of sulforaphane in SKH-1 high-risk mice

Protection against UV-light-induced skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 high-risk mice by sulforaphane-containing broccoli sprout extracts

Aerobic life, UV solar radiation, genetic susceptibility, and immune status contribute collectively to the development of human skin cancers. In addition to direct DNA damage, UV radiation promotes the generation of reactive oxygen intermediates that can cause oxidative damage and inflammation, and ultimately lead to tumor formation. Treatment of murine and human keratinocytes with the isothiocyanate sulforaphane elevated phase 2 enzymes and glutathione and protected against oxidant toxicity. Topical application of sulforaphane-containing broccoli sprouts extracts induced the phase 2 response in mouse skin in vivo. Sulforaphane inhibited cytokine-dependent (γ-interferon or lipopolysaccharide) induction of iNOS in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The UV-radiation-induced skin carcinogenesis in ‘initiated high-risk mice’ was substantially inhibited by broccoli sprout extracts containing sulforaphane. After completion of the UV irradiation schedule (30 mJ/cm 2/session twice a week for 20 weeks), groups of ∼30 mice were treated topically on their backs (5 days a week for 11 weeks) with broccoli sprout extract containing either the equivalent to 0.3 μmol (low dose) or 1.0 μmol (high dose) sulforaphane, respectively. At this time point, the tumor incidence had reached 100% in the control mice. Tumor burden, incidence, and multiplicity were reduced by 50% in the animals that received the high dose of protector. Tumor incidence and multiplicity did not differ between the low dose-treated and the control groups, but the low dose treatment resulted in a substantial reduction of the overall tumor burden. Thus, topical application of sulforaphane-containing broccoli sprout extracts is a promising strategy for protecting against skin tumor formation after exposure to UV radiation.

Aging reversibility: from thymus graft to vegetable extract treatment-- application to cure an age-associated pathology.

Neonatal thymus graft and thymus calf extract (TME) in vivo treatment exert similar corrective actions on different mouse age-related alterations. The aim of the present paper is to investigate whether a vegetal extract, wheat sprout extract (WESPRE), could mimic the thymus action on recovering age-related alterations and if this extract can cure an age-associated pathology, the cataract in dogs. Present experiments were carried out by using WESPRE and TME in vivo in old mice to check their ability to recover the altered DNA synthesis in hepatocyte primary cultures. Old mice treated with WESPRE and TME showed a recovery of hepatocyte DNA synthesis levels when compared with the old untreated ones. The increase of DNA and protein contents observed in aged animals is reduced by WESPRE treatments to levels observed in young mice hepatocytes. We measured also WESPRE phosphorylation activity by endogenous kinase: it was from 10 to 40 times higher with respect to wheat seeds. Old dogs were orally treated for a month and the lens opacity analysed before and after the treatment. Results showed a reduction from 25 to 40% of lens opacity. The efficacy of wheat sprouts in the recovery of age-related alterations and in treating age-associated pathologies could be due to the contemporary presence of small regulatory acid peptides, a remarkable level of highly energetic phosphoric radicals and antioxidant molecules, peculiarities that may be, to some extent, related to the aging process regulation.

Germination of Peanut Kernels to Enhance Resveratrol Biosynthesis and Prepare Sprouts as a Functional Vegetable

Bioactive benefits of resveratrol in the diets have attracted extensive interests of the public. Peanut is one of the potent natural sources of resveratrol. In this study, germination of peanut kernels to enhance resveratrol biosynthesis and preparation of sprouts as a functional vegetable was conducted. When the rehydrated kernels of three peanut cultivars were germinated at 25 degrees C and relative humidity 95% in dark for 9 days, resveratrol contents increased significantly from the range of 2.3 to 4.5 microg/g up to the range of 11.7 to 25.7 mug/g depending upon peanut cultivar. In comparison with the sprout components, resveratrol contents were highest in the cotyledons, slightly lower in the roots, and not detected in the stems. When the sprouts were heated in boiling water for 2 min, resveratrol contents varied in a limited range. Methanol extracts of the freeze-dried sprouts exhibited potent 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl scavenging activity and antioxidative potency against linoleic acid oxidation. These activities increased with an increase of germination time. After 9 days of germination, total free amino acid, sucrose, and glucose contents increased significantly while crude protein contents decreased and the large sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis protein molecules of the kernels were extensively degraded. From a practical viewpoint, it is of potency to prepare peanut sprouts as a functional vegetable.

Synthesis of antioxidants in wheat sprouts.

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts from wheat (Triticum aestivum) sprout powder were analyzed to determine its reduction and antioxidant activities. Mean and standard deviation of five independent samples were reported. The results showed that the micromoles of potassium ferricyanide reduced by aqueous and ethanolic extracts corresponding to 1 g of sprout powder (80.6 +/- 11.2 and 9.7 +/- 1.8, respectively) were higher than that reduced by 1 mg of other reducing compounds: ascorbic acid, rutin, quercetin, and reduced gluthatione (4.8 +/- 0.7, 3.8 +/- 1.2, 4.8 +/- 1.7, and 1.6 +/- 0.4, respectively). In addition, the oxygen superoxide scavenging activity performed by sprout extracts (from 1 g of powder) is comparable to that shown by 10 mg of antioxidant pure compounds (rutin and quercetin). Biochemical analysis of the sprout extracts shows that the antioxidant activity is mainly due to reducing glycoside and polyphenolic compounds.

The Effect of Cruciferous and Leguminous Sprouts on Genotoxicity, In vitro and In vivo

Abstract Vegetable consumption is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, which is the second most common cancer after lung/breast cancer within Europe. Some putative protective phytochemicals are found in higher amounts in young sprouts than in mature plants. The effect of an extract of mixed cruciferous and legume sprouts on DNA damage induced by H2O2 was measured in HT29 cells using single cell microgelelectrophoresis (comet). Significant antigenotoxic effect (P ≤ 0.05) was observed when HT29 cells were pre-incubated with the extract (100 and 200 μL/mL) for 24 hours and then challenged with H2O2. A parallel design intervention study was carried out on 10 male and 10 female healthy adult volunteers (mean age = 25.5 years) fed 113 g of cruciferous and legume sprouts daily for 14 days. The effect of the supplementation was measured on a range of parameters, including DNA damage in lymphocytes (comet), the activity of various detoxifying enzymes (glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase), antioxidant status using the ferric reducing ability of plasma assay, plasma antioxidants (uric acid, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol), blood lipids, plasma levels of lutein, and lycopene. A significant antigenotoxic effect against H2O2-induced DNA damage was shown in peripheral blood lymphocytes of volunteers who consumed the supplemented diet when compared with the control diet (P = 0.04). No significant induction of detoxifying enzymes was observed during the study, neither were plasma antioxidant levels or activity altered. The results support the theory that consumption of cruciferous vegetables is linked to a reduced risk of cancer via decreased damage to DNA.