Total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity profile of selected cereal sprouts and grasses

ABSTRACT

Quantitative profiling of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AOA) in seeds, sprouts, and grasses of corn (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were performed. TPC and AOA were strongly correlated and increased with days. Grasses between 10 and 13 days showed the highest TPCs and AOA. The AOA in sprouts and grasses were a fifth and two-thirds of ascorbic acid (AA) standard, respectively, which are higher than in several popular natural antioxidants. Further cell-based studies or in vivo studies could be considered in future to draw more valuable information related to human health.

KEYWORDS:

• Total phenol content
• antioxidant activity
• sprout
• cereal grass
• harvest time
• corn
• wheat
• barley

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Abhishek Niroula and Dr. Sushil Dhital for insightful discussions.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by National College of Food Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal [Internal grant].