Comparative analyses of phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, and color of cool season legumes and other selected food legumes

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to characterize the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of U.S.-produced cool season legumes. A total of 33 cool season legume samples were selected. Some common beans and soybeans were included for comparisons. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannin content (CTC) were analyzed. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) were used for analyzing antioxidant properties. Color of the legume flour and the seed coat was also analyzed. TPC, TFC, CTC, FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC values of legumes were significantly different not only between classes but also among samples within each class. Among cool season legume classes, lentils possessed the highest concentrations of the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities. Colored common beans and black soybeans exhibited higher TPC, TFC, CTC, FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC values than those of yellow peas, green peas, and chickpeas. Antioxidant activities (FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC) were strongly correlated ( r = 0.96, 0.94, and 0.89, respectively, P < 0.01) with TPC. TPC and ORAC were moderately correlated ( P < 0.01) with either the seed hull surface color or the flour color.     

Phenolics and antioxidative activities in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L)

Six bean cultivars grown in southern Manitoba for 2 years were evaluated for variability in yield of millstreams and phenolic constituents. The ethanolic extract of bean cultivars and millstreams was screened for antioxidant activity using the β‐carotene‐linoleate and the 1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in vitro model systems. Cultivar was the main source of variation for yield of millstreams, content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities. Phenolic compounds in cultivars varied from 3.3 to 16.6 mg catechin equivalent and from 0.15 to 0.32 mg cyanidin‐3‐glucoside equivalent g^?1 bean for total phenolic and anthocyanin contents, respectively. The bean cultivars exhibited antioxidant activity (AA) of 10–46% inhibition of lipid peroxidation in the linoleate and 0.4–1.3 trolox equivalent antioxidant capacities (TEAC) in the DPPH model systems. The hull millstream with maximum concentration of phenolic compounds exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity of 383 µM trolox equivalent g^?1 hull. Total phenolic content, alone or in combination with other phenolic constituents, is a potential candidate as a selection criterion for antioxidant activity in beans. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of legume processing on calcium,iron and zinc contents and dialysabilities

Legumes are a good source of calcium, iron and zinc, but are also a source of phytates and dietary fibre components that can negatively affect the bioavailability of these minerals. To estimate the latter, an in vitro dialysis method can be applied that gives the dialysability of a mineral as an estimate of its availability for absorption. Calcium, iron and zinc contents and dialysabilities in three legumes (beans, chickpeas and lentils) and the effects of cooking treatments and industrial processing on these parameters were studied. Beans had the highest calcium content (1.54 g kg^?1 dry matter (DM)) and chickpeas the lowest iron content (46.9 mg kg^?1 DM), whilst the zinc contents were similar in all three raw legumes (33.7–36.9 mg kg^?1 DM). Traditional and microwave cooking reduced the mineral contents by 9.7–36.4% for calcium, 14.2–31% for iron and 11.1–28.9% for zinc. The dialysabilities of calcium with respect to the values for the raw products were also reduced by these cooking techniques. Industrially processed legumes had higher dialysabilities of calcium, iron and zinc than traditionally or microwave cooked legumes. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparative studies on the antioxidant activities of nine common food legumes against copper-induced human low-density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro

ABSTRACT:  Epidemiological studies demonstrated that the consumption of dietary antioxidant was associated with the prevention of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activities of the hydrophilic extracts from 9 selected legumes based on copper-induced human LDL oxidation model in vitro . The antioxidant activities were assessed on the basis of the formation of conjugated dienes (lag time of oxidation) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as the early and later stage markers of LDL oxidation. The results showed that the extracts of black beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.), lentils ( Lens culinaris ), black soybeans ( Glycine max ), and red kidney beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) had significant ( P < 0.05) longer LDL oxidation lag times (128.8, 124.2, 107.7, and 111.1 min, respectively) than the LDL control group (94.9 min). No significant lag-time lengthening was observed in other tested legume extracts. On the other hand, black beans, lentils, black soybeans, red kidney beans, and pinto beans exhibited higher antioxidant capacities (Trolox equivalents) than yellow peas, green peas, chickpea, and yellow soybeans in both LDL-conjugated dienes assay and LDL-TBARS assay. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activities of these legumes against LDL-lipid peroxidation in the above assays were found to correlate very significantly ( P < 0.01) with their phenolic substances, and DPPH radical scavenging activity and ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity). These results suggest that consuming black beans, lentils, black soybeans, and red kidney beans may have potential in preventing the development of atherosclerosis from the perspective of inhibiting LDL oxidation.     

Influence of industrial sterilisation,freezing and steam cooking on antioxidant properties of green peas and string beans

We found that peptides or amino acids constituted the main fractions of water‐soluble nitrogenous compounds in green peas and string beans (44% and 79%, respectively). Their proportion increased after processing, especially in frozen peas and beans (61% and 95%, respectively). The content of phenolic compounds was decreased more after industrial processing (by 40% in peas and 50–70% in beans) than after cooking (by 20% in peas and 0–35% in beans). Antiradical activity against ABTS^?+ (2,2′‐azino‐bis[3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid]) was much higher in aqueous extracts of peas and beans (33 and 45 μmol Trolox g^?1 d.m., respectively) than in aqueous acetone extracts (approximately 17 μmol Trolox g^?1 d.m. in both). In most cases, the activity decreased after processing. Both aqueous and acetone extracts of peas showed equal activity against DPPH^? (2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl), whereas in the case of beans this activity was four times lower in aqueous than in acetone extracts. Both reductions and increases of these activities were noted after processing.     

Phytochemicals and quality characteristics of candied paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) during storage

In this study, we prepared candied paprika from various coloured fresh paprika and compared the changes in phytochemicals and quality for 42 days by analysing carotenoids, ascorbic acids and total phenolic content, and by assessing sensory and instrumental qualities. We identified five types of carotenoids from candied red paprika (CRP) and three from candied orange paprika (COP) and candied yellow paprika (CYP). At 0‐day storage, capsanthin and β‐carotene in CRP were quantitatively analysed to 26.96 μg g^?1 fw and 3.81 μg g^?1 fw, zeaxanthin and β‐carotene in COP were 9.35 μg g^?1 fw and 4.16 μg g^?1 fw, and lutein and β‐carotene in CYP were 0.27 μg 100 g^?1 fw and 0.70 μg 100 g^?1 fw, respectively. After 42‐days storage, CRP retained approximately 68.6% carotenoids, COP retained 40%, and CYP retained 33%. Ascorbic acid and total phenolic content decreased during storage as carotenoids did. However, rates of decrease were different in different coloured paprika, especially, ascorbic acid in COP and phenolic acid in CRP were considerably conserved for 42 days. Hardness, springiness and chewiness in all samples were significantly increased by 14‐days storage and maintained until 42‐days storage, and all the sensory parameters, including colour, appearance, odour, texture, paprika flavour and overall consumer preference showed no differences until 28 days.     

Nutritional evaluation and bioactive microconstituents (phytosterols,tocopherols, polyphenols,triterpenic acids) in cooked dry legumes usually consumed in the Mediterranean countries

In the present study we report the crude composition and several bioactive microconstituents content in cooked dry legumes, usually consumed in Mediterranean countries. The legumes studied were broad beans, chickpeas, two split peas varieties, two lentils varieties, pinto beans, black-eyed beans, five white beans varieties and white lupines.     

EVALUATION OF EFFECTS OF SOAKING AND PRECOOKING CONDITIONS ON THE QUALITY OF PRECOOKED DEHYDRATED PEA, LENTIL AND CHICKPEA PRODUCTS

Peas, lentils and chickpeas were blanched and soaked in water, then cooked with four different cooking methods and dehydrated in a convection tray dehydrator. Color, splitting and butterflying rate; firmness; and rehydration rate were evaluated. Dehydrated yellow and green peas produced by soaking at 22C for 9 h and 82C for 4 h in 0.07% NaHCO₃ solution, and followed by precooking at 110C for 10 min had the best quality with respect to firmness, splitting and butterflying rate. Dehydrated chickpeas produced by soaking at 22C for 9 h and 82C for 3 h in 0.07% NaHCO₃ solution, and followed by precooking at 110C for 10 min had the best quality. Dehydrated lentils produced by soaking at 22C for 2 h and 82C for 20 min in 0.07% NaHCO₃ solution, and followed by precooking at 106C for 10 min had the best quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Traditionally, soaking and cooking of peas, lentils and chickpeas (PLCs) takes one a long time. It is desirable to manufacture dehydrated precooked PLCs to provide convenience for the users. The objective of this study was to investigate the quality of precooked dehydrated PLCs as affected by processing. The fundamental cooking characteristics of PLCs obtained in this study are very useful for the food industry.     

α-Amylase inhibitor levels in seeds generally available in Europe

The α-amylase inhibitor (αAI) levels in 18 seeds, which are generally available throughout Europe, have been determined. Kidney beans, haricot beans, pinto beans and runner beans had high contents of αAI (2–4 g equivalent kg^?1 seed meal). Butter beans, blackeyed peas, chickpeas, field beans and sweet lupinseeds contained 0.1–0.2 g inhibitor equivalent kg^?1 seed meal. No αAI activity was detected in samples of adzuki bean, lentils, mung beans, peas, soya beans, sunflower seeds or winged beans. The αAI activity present in whole kidney beans was relatively heat-resistant. However, it could be completely abolished by aqueous heat treatment of fully imbibed beans at 100°C for 5–10 min.     

Identification of Food and Feed Legumes by RAPD-PCR

Sixty-two legume seed samples representing 25 species were selected to investigate the identification of food and feed legumes by random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR). Template DNA was extracted from defatted seed meal with SDS-containing buffer and purified by extraction with chloroform:isoamyl alcohol (24:1, v/v). Amplification was performed with Taq DNA polymerase and six commercially available 10-mer nucleotide primers using standard template dilutions for 12 species and optimum template concentrations ascertained by testing serial dilutions for the remaining species. Identification of 19 legume species, common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), runner beans (P. coccineus), lima beans (P. lunatus), soybeans (Glycine max), broadbeans (Vicia faba), green gram (Vigna radiata), black gram (V. mungo), moth beans (V. aconitifolia), peas (Pisum sativum), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan), grasspeas (Lathyrus sativus), broad-leaved peas (L. latifolius), lentils (Lens culinaris), blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), European yellow lupin (L. luteus), white lupin (L. albus), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and common sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), was achieved using four of the primers. The technique may also be suitable to identify the remaining species studied, jackbeans (Canavalia ensiformis), swordbeans (C. gladiata), horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum), Florida velvetbean (Mucuna deeringiana), sweet trefoil (Trigonella coerulea), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus).     

Unexploited Acacia cyanophylla seeds: potential food sources of ω6 fatty acids and antioxidants?

BACKGROUND: In order to investigate new sources of dietary phytochemicals, recent studies have focused on underexploited seeds. In this study the total lipid contents, fatty acid profiles and levels of soluble proteins, minerals and antioxidants in seeds from 12 Acacia cyanophylla ecotypes commonly grown in Tunisia were determined. RESULTS: Total lipids averaged 101.7 g kg^?1 on a dry weight basis. Linoleic (61.11–65.45% of total fatty acid content), oleic (19.67–22.85%) and palmitic (9.18–9.98%) acids were the principal fatty acids. Smaller proportions of stearic (1.49–1.82%), vaccenic (1.13–2.05%) and palmitoleic (0.34–0.58%) acids were also quantified. Proteins (by Kjeldahl assay) averaged 107.2 g kg^?1 on a dry weight basis. Total phenolics averaged 1.91 g gallic acid equivalent kg^?1 dry weight (DW) and total flavonoids averaged 0.40 g rutin equivalent kg^?1 DW. The free radical‐scavenging activity determined by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assay averaged 0.59 mmol L^?1 Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), while that determined by 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) assay averaged 0.28 mmol L^?1 TEAC. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study confirm the presence of ω6 fatty acids at high levels in A. cyanophylla seeds. These metabolites could be used as such and/or extracted for the formulation of supplements and/or ingredients to provide a ratio close to the ideal for the ω3/ω6 balance. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Carotenoids in yellow‐ and red‐fleshed papaya (Carica papaya L)

Vitamin A deficiency is a disorder of public health importance in Sri Lanka. A recent national survey revealed that 36% of preschool children in Sri Lanka have vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol <0.2 µg ml^?1). In view of its well‐established association with child morbidity and mortality, this is a reason for concern. One of the main fruits which has been recommended for prevention of vitamin A deficiency in Sri Lanka is papaya (Carica papaya L). In this study the carotenoid profiles of yellow‐ and red‐fleshed papaya were analysed by medium‐pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) and UV‐vis spectrophotometry. A section of yellow‐fleshed papaya showed small carotenoid globules dispersed all over the cell, whereas in red‐fleshed papaya the carotenoids were accumulated in one large globule. The major carotenoids of yellow‐fleshed papaya were the provitamin A carotenoids β‐carotene (1.4 ± 0.4 µg g^?1 dry weight (DW)) and β‐cryptoxanthin (15.4 ± 3.3 µg g^?1 DW) and the non‐provitamin A carotenoid ζ‐carotene (15.1 ± 3.4 µg g^?1 DW), corresponding theoretically to 1516 ± 342 µg kg^?1 DW mean retinol equivalent (RE). Red‐fleshed papaya contained the provitamin A carotenoids β‐carotene (7.0 ± 0.7 µg g^?1 DW), β‐cryptoxanthin (16.9 ± 2.9 µg g^?1 DW) and β‐carotene‐5,6‐epoxide (2.9 ± 0.6 µg g^?1 DW), and the non‐provitamin A carotenoids lycopene (11.5 ± 1.8 µg g^?1 DW) and ζ‐carotene (9.9 ± 1.1 µg g^?1 DW), corresponding theoretically to 2815 ± 305 µg kg^?1 DW mean RE. Thus the carotenoid profile and organisation of carotenoids in the cell differ in the two varieties of papaya. This study demonstrates that carotenoids can be successfully separated, identified and quantified using the novel technique of MPLC. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Characterisation and variation of antioxidant micronutrients in lettuce (Lactuca sativa folium)

The main phenolic compound in six studied lettuce cultivars (five green and one red) was identified as dicaffeoyl tartaric acid. Quantitative but not qualitative differences were found in the phenolic profiles among green cultivars. The red oak leaf cultivar contained twofold more dicaffeoyl tartaric acid and 10‐fold more chlorogenic acid than the green cultivars. Total phenolics ranged from 8.4 to 12.9 mg g^?1 dry weight in green varieties and reached 27.8 mg g^?1 dry weight in red oak leaf. Carotenoids and vitamins E and C were also quantified. Lutein was the main carotenoid found in all cultivars, together with another xanthophyll. The period of harvesting had only a marginal influence on total phenolic levels, whereas carotenoid and vitamin E levels were higher at the second period of harvesting. Vitamin C levels ranged between 6.1 and 9.9 mg per 100 g fresh weight. We investigated the total antioxidant power in lettuce. Total phenolics accounted for more than 60% of the total antioxidant capacity. Dicaffeoyl tartaric acid accounted for 55%. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory potential of phenolics from purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves induced by jasmonic,arachidonic and β‐aminobutyric acid elicitation

The study presents changes in the phenolic levels, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory potential of purple basil leaves caused by different chemical elicitors: arachidonic acid (AA), jasmonic acid (JA) and β‐aminobutyric acid (BABA). The application of the all tested elicitors increased the concentration of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids; especially, in comparison with control (457.62 μg g^?1 FW), the rosmarinic acid level significantly increased after AA and JA treatment ‐ 705.0 and 596.5 μg g^?1 FW, respectively. Phenolics from AA‐elicited plants showed the highest anti‐inflammatory activities designated as lipoxygenase (EC₅₀ = 1.67 mg FW mL^?1) and cyclooxygenase inhibition (EC₅₀ = 0.31 mg FW mL^?1). Elicitors' treatments (especially AA and JA) may be a very useful biochemical tool for improving the production of phenolic compounds in purple basil leaves.     

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) leaf extracts as ingredient for the formulation of functional beverages with biological activity

The biological activity of mango leaf extracts from different mango varieties was evaluated in terms of total phenolic content, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Leaf extract-based beverages were formulated and evaluated for some physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties. Results indicated that the extract from 'Tommy Atkins' mango leaves had the highest total phenols content (137.08 mg of GAE g⁻¹) and antioxidant activity (DDPH = 38.26 mg TEAC 100 g⁻¹; ABTS = 59.13 mg TEAC 100 g⁻¹). The beverage formulated with 20% leaf extract presented the highest percentage of antioxidant activity (38.63%) and inhibition of enzymes α-amylase (41.9%) and α-glucosidase (37.53%). All beverages presented a yellow hue and consumers rated it with a degree of liking between 4.8 and 7.3 according to a hedonic scale. Results showed that the biological properties of beverages could be an alternative for the control of free radicals and glucose levels.     

Species Identification of Beans, Peas and Other Legumes by RAPD-PCR after DNA Isolation using Membrane Columns

Forty legume seed samples representing 11 species were selected to investigate the identification of food legume species by random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR). Template DNA was extracted from seed meal and purified using a commercial membrane column kit. Amplification was performed with commercial RAPD analysis beads and six commercially available decamer nucleotide primers. Electrophoresis of the amplicons on polyacrylamide gels and subsequent silver staining resulted in RAPD profiles from all samples of one species with a given primer that differed from those of the other species studied. Unambiguous identification of six food legume species, common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), soybeans (Glycine max), peas (Pisum sativum), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), lentils (Lens culinaris), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa), was obtained applying three of the primers. The technique may also be suitable to identify the remaining five species investigated, scarlet runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus), lima beans (P. lunatus), green gram (Vigna radiata), broadbeans (Vicia faba), and blue lupin seeds (Lupinus angustifolius). Using a standard protocol, amplification with Taq DNA polymerase instead of RAPD beads generated RAPD profiles only from soybeans, peas, two of four chickpea samples, green gram, and lupin seeds.     

Antioxidant actions and phenolic and vitamin C contents of common Mauritian exotic fruits

Seventeen commonly consumed exotic fruits from Mauritius were analysed for their antioxidant capacity, total phenolics, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and vitamin C content. Two independent methods were used to evaluate the antioxidant potential of total fruit extracts. The antioxidant activities of the fruits ranged from 1 to 47 µmol Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) g^?1 fresh weight and from 0.3 to 34 micro/mol g fresh weight (FRAP) g^?1 fresh weight. Total phenolics in the fruits ranged from 118 to 5638 µg g^?1 fresh weight, proanthocyanidins from 7 to 2561 µg g^?1 fresh weight, flavonoids from 21 to 712 µg g^?1 fresh weight and vitamin C content from 8 to 1426 µg g^?1 fresh weight. There were strong correlations between antioxidant activity (assessed by both TEAC and FRAP) and total phenolics and proanthocyanidins. Flavonoids seemed to contribute less to the antioxidant potential of the fruits, while very poor correlations were observed between ascorbate content and antioxidant activity. The highest antioxidant capacities were observed in red and yellow Psidium cattleianum Sabine ‘Chinese guava’, sweet and acid Averrhoa carambola L ‘starfruit’, Syzygium cumini L Skeels ‘jamblon’ and white Psidium guajava L ‘guava’. These fruits were also characterised by high levels of total phenolics. Mauritian exotic fruits are thus a significant source of phenolic antioxidants, which may have potential beneficial effects on health. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Characteristics of fibre‐rich powder and antioxidant activity of pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) peels

The contents of total dietary fibre (TDF), soluble dietary fibre (SDF), insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) and functional properties of fibre‐rich powders (FRP) from pitaya peels with different particle size (FRP80, FRP140 and FRP250) were determined. Results showed that FRP140 had higher TDF (79.37%) and SDF (33.07%) with a balanced ratio of SDF/IDF (1:1.32) and higher water‐holding capacity (54.20 g g^?1), swelling capacity (50.63 mL g^?1), oil‐holding capacity (2.65 g g^?1) and glucose dialysis retardation index (62.83% at 60 min), compared with FRP80 and FRP250. Therefore, physiochemical properties of FRP140 were further investigated. SDF of FRP140 mainly contained rhamnose (4.95%) and galactose (1.98%), with 9.45% galacturonic acid, while IDF dominantly contained xylose (4.76%) and galactose (3.42%), with 18.54% klason lignin. Total phenolic content was 7.75 mg g^?1 and mainly composed of salicylic acid (0.98 mg g^?1) and protocatechuic acid (0.45 mg g^?1). Furthermore, FRP140 showed significant reducing power, DPPH‐scavenging activity and nitrite‐scavenging ability.     

Assessment of nutritional compounds and antinutritional factors in pea (Pisum sativum) seeds

The nutrient and antinutritional factor content of 18 pea lines was studied. The following levels were found: non‐protein nitrogen 5.2–10.2 g kg^?1 DM, protein nitrogen 35.3–42.4 g kg^?1 DM, lysine 50.7–76.3 g kg^?1 protein DM, histidine 17.8–24.8 g kg^?1 protein DM, tyrosine 22.6–30.0 g kg^?1 protein DM, protein 25.9–31.9% DM, in vitro protein digestibility 89.3–95.6%, vitamin B₁ 5.9–10.3 mg kg^?1 DM, vitamin B₂ 1.1–3.7 mg kg^?1 DM, sucrose 11.6–25.4 g kg^?1 DM, raffinose 4.1–10.3 g kg^?1 DM, stachyose 10.7–26.7 g kg^?1 DM, verbascose 0.0–26.7 g kg^?1 DM, total α‐galactosides 22.6–63.4 g kg^?1 DM, trypsin inhibitor activity 0.8–8.4 TIU mg^?1 DM, inositol hexaphosphate 2.3–6.5 g kg^?1 DM, inositol pentaphosphate 0.1–1.8 g kg^?1 DM and total inositol phosphates 2.8–7.1 g kg^?1 DM. Peas with yellow cotyledons had the highest trypsin inhibitor activities, those with light green cotyledons had the highest lysine contents, and those with dark green cotyledons were the richest in vitamins B₁ and B₂. Peas with brown testae had the lowest verbascose and sucrose contents, while they were the richest in inositol hexaphosphate. Smaller peas were characterised by the highest protein nitrogen contents as well as the highest contents of vitamins B₁ and B₂, verbascose and inositol pentaphosphate. Peas of medium size showed the lowest verbascose, α‐galactoside and vitamin B₂ contents. Bigger peas showed the lowest inositol pentaphosphate contents. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Non-isoflavone phytoestrogenic compound contents of various legumes

Widely consumed legumes including chickpeas, red kidney beans, haricot beans, yellow lentils, red lentils and green lentils were analysed to determine the content of non-isoflavone phytoestrogenic compounds such as quercetin, rutin, apigenin, coumestrol and lignan (matairesinol and secoisolariciresinol). Methanolic extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction were analysed by the triple quadrupole LC–MS/MS. Red kidney beans were the best source of quercetin (603.2 ± 307.2 μg/kg) and rutin (73.4 ± 14.0 μg/kg). Apigenin and secoisolariciresinol contents were the highest in yellow lentils (18.5 ± 0.84 μg/kg) and haricot beans (451.9 ± 192.2 μg/kg), respectively. Coumestrol contents of haricot beans (18.5 ± 1.45 μg/kg) and red kidney beans (18.5 ± 1.26 μg/kg) were equal to each other, and these were determined as the highest coumestrol content values. The best sources of matairesinol occurred in green lentils (28.2 ± 0.18 μg/kg) and chickpeas (27.7 ± 1.83 μg/kg). Differences between contents of each sample of the same legume were significant and remarkable, especially for quercetin and secoisolariciresinol.