Reduction of antiproliferative capacities,cell-based antioxidant capacities and phytochemical contents of common beans and soybeans upon thermal processing

The effects of boiling and steaming processes on the antiproliferative and cellular antioxidant properties, as well as phytochemicals, of two types of common beans (pinto and black beans) and two types of soybeans (yellow and black) were investigated. All thermal-processing methods caused significant (p < 0.05) decreases in total phenolic content (TPC), total saponin content (TSC) and phytic acid content (PAC) values in all bean types (except for TPC values in pressure-steamed yellow soybeans) as compared to those of the raw beans. All types of uncooked raw beans exhibited cellular antioxidant activities (CAA) in dose-dependent manners. Black soybeans exhibited the greatest CAA, followed by black beans, pinto beans and yellow soybeans. The CAA of cooked beans were generally diminished or eliminated by thermal processing. The hydrophilic extracts from raw pinto beans, black beans and black soybeans exhibited antiproliferation capacities against human gastric (AGS) and colorectal (SW480) cancer cells in dose-dependent manners. The raw yellow soybeans exhibited dose-dependent antiproliferation activities against the SW480 cells. Most of the cooked beans lost their antiproliferation capacities as observed in the raw beans. These results indicate that different processing methods may have various effects on phytochemical profiles and bioactivities. Overall, thermal processing caused a significant reduction of the health-promotion effects of beans.     

Enhancements of isoflavone aglycones, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of black soybean by solid-state fermentation with Rhizopus spp.

In the present study, a solid-state fermentation process of black soybean was developed. Three filamentous fungi including Rhizopus oligosporus (BCRC 31996), R. oligosporus (NTU-5), and Rhizopus oryzae (BCRC 30894) were cultivated with steam-cooked intact and dehulled black soybeans. It was found that fermentation enhanced the total phenolic and isoflavone aglycone content as well as antioxidant activity of the black soybean methanol [80 % (v/v)] extracts. Among the three candidates, R. oligosporus BCRC 31996 was chosen as the working strain, and dehulled Tainan NO.3 black soybeans were used as the substrate based on the relatively high total phenolic content, isoflavone aglycone accumulation, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging effect of the fermented extracts. In a 6-day fermentation, extracts of the fermented dehulled black soybeans yielded higher total phenolic content (2,876.2 μg/g) which was 1.16 times of the result from the intact soybean extracts. The DPPH scavenging effect of the fermented dehulled black soybean extract reached its maximum on the third day. The activity of β-glucosidase of dehulled black soybean samples increased with time and resulted in accumulation of isoflavone aglycones. The product of solid-state black soybean fermentation serves as a functional ingredient in the products of nutritional supplements and health foods.     

Soluble phenolics and antioxidant properties of soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivars with varying seed coat colours

This research was the first to investigate nutritional components, including soluble phenolics (isoflavones and anthocyanins), protein, oil, and fatty acid as well as antioxidant activities in different coloured seed coat soybeans (yellow, black, brown, and green) for two crop years. The soluble phenolics differed significantly with cultivars, crop years, and seed coat colours, while protein, oil, and fatty acid exhibited only slight variations. Especially, malonylgenistin and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside compositions had the most remarkable variations. Green soybeans had the highest average isoflavone content (3079.42 μg/g), followed by yellow (2393.41 μg/g), and black soybeans (2373.97 μg/g), with brown soybeans showing the lowest value (1821.82 μg/g). Anthocyanins showed only in black soybeans, with the average contents of the primary anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidine-3-O-glucoside, and petunidin-3-O-glucoside, quantified at 11.046, 1.971, and 0.557 mg/g, respectively. Additionally, Nogchae of green soybean and Geomjeongkong 2 of black soybean may be recommended as potential cultivars owing to the highest average isoflavone (4411.10 μg/g) and anthocyanin (21.537 mg/g) contents. The scavenging activities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radicals also differed remarkably, depending upon isoflavone and anthocyanin contents, with black soybeans exhibiting the highest antioxidant effects.     

Antimicrobial Activities of Phenolic Extracts Derived from Seed Coats of Selected Soybean Varieties

Soybean hulls or seed coats consist of complex carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and polyphenols such as anthocyanidins, proanthocyanidins, and isoflavones. The polyphenolics in the seed coats give them various colors such as black, brown, green, yellow, or even a mottled appearance. In this study, the antimicrobial effects of phenolic extracts from the seed coats of different colored soybeans (yellow, dark brown, brown, and black) were evaluated against foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Campylobacter jejuni in broth‐cultures as well as on chicken skin. The highest total phenolic content was observed for the phenolic extract from soybean variety (R07‐1927) with black colored seed coat (74.1 ± 2.1 mg chlorogenic acid equivalent [CAE]/g extract) and was significantly different (P <0.0001) from the extract of the conventional soybean variety (R08‐4004) with yellow colored seed coat (7.4 ± 1.2 mg CAE/g extract). The extract from black colored soybean produced reductions of 2.10 ± 0.08 to 2.20 ± 0.08‐log CFU/mL for both E. coli O157:H7 and C. jejuni after 3 d when incubated in broth‐culture having 4‐log CFU/mL of bacteria, whereas a 6 d incubation was found to reduce S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 at 2.03 ± 0.05 and 3.3 ± 0.08‐log CFU/mL, respectively. The extract also reduced S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 attached to chicken skin by 1.39 ± 0.03 and 1.24 ± 0.06‐log CFU/g, respectively, upon incubation for 6 d. Soybean seed coat extracts may have a potency as antimicrobial agents to reduce foodborne bacteria contaminating poultry products.     

Characterization and quantification of saponins and flavonoids in sprouts,seed coats and cotyledons of germinated black beans

Saponins, flavonols and isoflavones were quantified in sprouts, cotyledons and seed coats of black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) subjected to germination over five days. Sprouts had a higher concentration of saponins compared to cotyledons or seed coats (p < 0.05). The saponins concentration in hilum increased 2.3-fold after soaking. After the first day of germination, the saponin concentration in sprouts and cotyledons increased 1.9 and 2.1-fold, respectively. Additional germination days decreased the amount of the most abundant soyasaponins in black bean sprouts. Flavonols and isoflavones were associated with seed coats and less than one third of the initial amount remained after the soaking process. The concentrations of flavonols were also reduced during germination process. Aglycones were detected only after soaking and their concentration remained unchanged during germination. Genistein was detected only after three days of germination. In general, one-day germinated black beans could be recommended for increasing the concentration of saponins and non-glycosylated flavonols in sprouts and seed coats, respectively.     

豆类种子及其芽苗菜的营养品质、功能性成分及抗氧化性研究

为阐明萌发对黑大豆(Glycine max)、红小豆(Vigna angularis)和豌豆(Pisum sativum L)的影响,研究了其种子及萌发后形成芽苗菜的生长特性(总质量、可食部分鲜重、可食率、苗长、含水量)、营养品质(粗蛋白和可溶性糖含量)、功能性成分(总酚、总黄酮含量)和抗氧化性(DPPH自由基清除力、ABTS自由基清除力、FRAP亚铁还原力)。结果表明,3个豆类种子中,黑大豆的营养品质、酚类含量和抗氧化性显著高于红小豆和豌豆。3个豆类芽苗菜以豌豆苗的总质量(12.83 g/10株)、苗长(16.02 cm)和含水量(93.82%)最高;黑大豆芽苗菜的可食部分鲜重(5.87 g/10株)和可食率(71.03%)最高;豌豆苗的可溶性糖含量(0.75 mg/g)、总黄酮含量(7.09 mg/g DW)最高;黑大豆芽苗菜的总酚含量(4.28 mg/g DW)最高、ABTS自由基清除力(110.39μmol/g DW)和FRAP亚铁还原力(75.52 mmol/g DW)最强。萌发显著降低了3个豆类的可溶性糖含量,提高了粗蛋白含量;黑大豆萌发以后酚类含量和抗氧化性显著降低,而红小豆和豌豆萌发后显著提高了其酚类含量和抗氧化性。此外,酚类含量与抗氧化性之间存在着显著的正相关性。因此,黑大豆种子、红小豆芽苗菜和豌豆芽苗菜具有较高的营养价值,含有丰富的酚类物质和抗氧化性。     

Effects of baking on cyanidin-3-glucoside content and antioxidant properties of black and yellow soybean crackers

Black soybean is a potential functional food ingredient with high anthocyanin content, but the ability to maintain anthocyanin content under dry heat processing has not been reported. This study investigated the effects of soybean seed coat colour and baking time–temperature combinations on the extractable antioxidant properties of a soy cracker food model. Crackers prepared with black soybeans had significantly higher TPC, total isoflavones, and peroxyl, hydroxyl, and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging abilities than their yellow counterparts, at all time–temperature combinations. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) was detected only in black soybean crackers, and all baking treatments significantly decreased C3G. The greatest losses occurred at the low temperature × long time and high temperature × short time, the smallest loss with moderate temperature × short/medium time. The high temperature treatment altered phenolic acid and isoflavone profiles; however, total isoflavones were unaffected. Overall results suggest that moderate baking temperature at minimal time may best preserve anthocyanin and other phenolics in baked black soybean crackers.     

Enhancement of antioxidant activity,total phenolic and flavonoid content of black soybeans by solid state fermentation with Bacillus subtilis BCRC 14715

In the present study, a solid state fermentation of black soybeans with Bacillus subtilis BCRC 14715 was performed. The effect of fermentation on the changes of total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activities including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging effect, and Fe²⁺-chelating ability exerted by various solvent (water, 80% methanol, 80% ethanol, 80% acetone) extracts of black soybeans was examined. It was found that fermentation enhanced the total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as antioxidant activity of the black soybean extract. Among the various extracts examined, the acetone extract of fermented black soybeans showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content. The acetone extract and the methanol extract of fermented black soybeans showed the highest DPPH free radical-scavenging effect and Fe²⁺-chelating ability, respectively. Analysis of extraction yields showed that the active principle associated with the DPPH radical-scavenging effect was most efficiently extracted from black soybeans using water, regardless of fermentation. Water and methanol effectively extract the Fe²⁺-chelating principles from non-fermented and fermented black soybeans, respectively.     

Biological activities of cheonggukjang prepared with several soybean cultivars

To select proper soybean cultivars for producing functional cheonggukjang, a comparison was made of the physiological activities of different cheonggukjang prepared with 30 different soybean cultivars. The isoflavone content was highest in the cheonggukjang made from ‘Daepung’ soybeans at 208.75 mg%. In general, the contents of glycone types (and derivatives) of isoflavone, specifically daidzin, glycitin, genistin, and malonylgenistin, were higher than that of aglycone types. The polyphenol contents ranged from 30.62 to 80.32 mg%. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity of the cheonggukjang made from yellow soybeans had a higher activity than those of black soybeans. Although there are no consistent tendencies in the functional activity of cheonggukjang according to soybean color and size, the antioxidative activity is highest in the cheonggukjang made of yellow soybeans. Additionally, the fibrinolytic and inhibitory activities against angiotensin I-converting enzyme are highest in the cheonggukjang made of black soybeans. From these results, it can be concluded that the DPPH free radical scavenging activity and SOD-like activity in cheonggukjang depends on the phenolic compound content in soybean.     

Phytochemical profiles of black and yellow soybeans as affected by roasting

The current research aimed to compare the changes of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and anti-nutritional factors of yellow and black soybeans upon roasting. Yellow soybean was roasted at 210°C for 35 min and 230°C for 25 min, and black soybean was roasted at 210°C for 30 min and 230°C for 25 min. Isoflavones were significantly increased after the roasting process, while trypsin inhibitor was significantly decreased. The roasting process combined with the soaking process led to decrease in anthocyanin, soyasaponin, and antioxidant capacities. Black soybeans had more apparent variations in compounds than the yellow soybeans. For black soybeans, the processing under 230°C for 25 min presented more decrease in trypsin inhibitor and anthocyanin content. The roasting at a high temperature and short time produced products with a light color. Roasting combined with the soaking process had negative impacts on both yellow and black soybeans, but there were slight differences in the resultant compounds between different roasting temperatures.     

A comparative assessment of total phenolic content,ferric reducing-anti-oxidative power,free radical-scavenging activity,vitamin C and isoflavones content in soybean with varying seed coat colour

Reports concerning anti-oxidative properties of yellow, green and black soybean seeds available in the literature are insufficient and limiting. In the present investigation, mature seeds of 18 genotypes, 6 from each type of soybean i.e. yellow, green and black, were assessed for total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing-anti-oxidative power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) free radical-scavenging activities (FRSA). Isoflavones and vitamin C, the antioxidants, were also determined in all the soybean genotypes. Significant genotypic variation was observed for TPC, FRAP, FRSA, isoflavones and vitamin C within each type of soybean. Maximum genotypic variation (7.27-fold) was observed for TPC in black soybean. Average FRAP value of yellow soybean was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than black and green soybeans. Average FRSA in black soybean was significantly higher than yellow and green soybean group. Average total phenolic content and isoflavones levels were not significant across different types of soybean. Correlation studies indicated significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation between FRSA and TPC in black soybean. Our results suggest that antioxidant constituents other than isoflavones contribute significantly to the FRSA in black soybean genotypes.     

不同大豆种质种皮黄酮类色素的差异分析

为探究大豆种皮中黄酮类色素的含量和分布规律,选取167份大豆种质资源为实验材料,利用高效液相色谱(HPLC)法对大豆种皮黄酮类色素含量进行测定。结果表明：大豆种皮花色苷组分中矢车菊素-3-O-葡萄糖苷含量最多,异黄酮组分中大豆苷含量最高。花色苷组分在野生和半野生大豆种皮中高于栽培大豆。异黄酮组分中染料木苷在野生大豆中最高,黄豆黄苷在半野生大豆中最高,其他组分在栽培大豆中最高。栽培大豆黑色种皮花色苷组分、染料木苷和大豆苷元含量最高,青色种皮大豆苷和黄豆黄苷含量最高,双色种皮黄豆黄素含量最高。相关分析表明3类结合型糖苷内部、3类游离型苷元内部、3种花色苷组分内部两两相关极显著。大豆苷与游离型苷元、矢车菊素-3-O-葡萄糖苷相关显著。聚类分析将大豆材料划分为三大类群,第一类群除黄豆黄苷和飞燕草素-3-O-葡萄糖苷外,其他色素组分含量均最高,为黄酮类色素的研究和利用提供参考。     

Effects of Dehulling on Phytic Acid, Polyphenols, and Enzyme Inhibitors of Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Effects of dehulling on phytic acid; trypsin, chymotrypsin, and α-amylase inhibitory activities; and tannins of ten cultivars of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were investigated. Phytic acid content of whole beans ranged from 1.16-2.93%. Dehulling significantly increased the phytic acid content of beans (range 1.63-3.67%). Dehulling also increased trypsin, chymotrypsin, and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the beans. Tannin contents of whole and dehulled beans ranged from 33.7-282.8 and 10.0-28.7 me. catechin equivalent/100g beans, respectively. Removal of seed coats lowered the tannin content of beans by 68–95%. Tannins were not detected in white seeded cultivars of Sanilac, Great Northern, and Small White. Dehulling significantly improved the in vitro digestibility of bean proteins.     

Characterization of fermented black soybean natto inoculated with Bacillus natto during fermentation

BACKGROUND: To make nutrients more accessible and further increase biological activity, cooked black soybeans were inoculatedwith Bacillus natto and fermented at 37 °C for 48 h. The changes in physiochemical properties of fermented black soybean natto were investigated. RESULTS: The inoculation procedure significantly increased moisture, viscosity, color, polyphenol compounds and anthocyanin, and significantly decreased hardness after 48 h fermentation. Fibrinolytic and caseinolytic protease, β‐glucosidase activities, TCA‐soluble nitrogen, and ammonia nitrogen contents in the inoculated samples significantly increased as fermentation time increased. Genistin and daidzin concentrations gradually decreased with increased fermentation time. However, genistein and daidzein increased with fermentation time, which reached 316.8 and 305.2 µg g^?1 during 48 h fermentation, respectively. DPPH radical scavenging activities of the fermented black soybeans increased linearly with fermentation time and concentration. Compared with the soaked black soybeans and cooked black soybeans, the fermented black soybeans with B. natto resulted in higher scavenging activity towards DPPH radicals, which correlated well with the content of total phenols (r = 0.9254, P < 0.05) and aglycone isoflavone (r = 0.9861, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Black soybean natto fermented by B. natto has the potential to become a functional food because of its high antioxidant activity. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of extracted saponins and flavonols from germinated black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Flavonoids and saponins from common beans have been widely studied due to their bioactivity. This research evaluated the effect of germination of black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on the antioxidant capacity and antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines of saponins and flavonoids extracted from seed coats, cotyledons and sprouts. Principal component analysis was performed to achieve punctual associations between the black bean saponins and flavonoids concentrations to the antioxidant capacity and the antiproliferative activities. Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of extracts were higher when obtained from seed coats, mainly from the 3rd germination day. The extracts obtained from seed coats after 3 and 5 germination days inhibited all cancer cell lines proliferation with no cytotoxicity against control cells. Genistein was related with the activity against mammary cancer cells but flavonols and group B saponins were more related with hepatic and colon cancers. Non-glycosilated flavonols were related with antioxidant capacity.     

Effect of soaking,dehulling, cooking and fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus on the oligosaccharides,trypsin inhibitor,phytic acid and tannins of soybean (Glycine max Merr.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) and groundbean (Macrotyloma geocarpa Harms)

Soybean, cowpea and groundbean, three locally grown legumes in West Africa, were processed into tempe, an Indonesian-type fermented food. Changes in oligosaccharides, trypsin inhibitor, phytic acid and tannins were monitored during the pretreatments (soaking and soaking–dehulling–washing–cooking) and fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus. About 50% of raffinose and more than 55–60% of sucrose and stachyose were lost during the pretreatments of the beans. Stachyose decreased during fermentation with a reduction of 83.9%, 91.5% and 85.5% respectively for soybean, cowpea and groundbean while raffinose remained fairly constant. Galactose, the predominant sugar, glucose, fructose, maltose and melibiose increased during the first 30 and 36 h of fermentation of cowpea and groundbean, but decreased thereafter. Soaking the beans for 12–14 h had no effect on the level of trypsin inhibitor of the beans while it increased the phytic acid content to 1.7% in soybean and to 0.8% and 0.7% in groundbean and cowpea. Cooking soaked and dehulled soybean, cowpea and groundbean for 30, 7 and 15 min respectively resulted in 82.2%, 86.6% and 76.2% in trypsin inhibitor. However, a slight increase in trypsin inhibitor was observed during soybean fermentation. Phytic acid decreased during fermentation by 30.7%, 32.6% and 29.1% respectively in soybean, cowpea and groundbean at the harvesting time. Tannins mainly located in seed coat were removed as a result of pretreatments mainly dehulling. These changes are beneficial especially in infant feeding based on cereal and legume-based foods.     

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.     

Storage effects on the content of anthocyanin, mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of black soybean koji

Black soybean koji, possessing antimutagenicity, has been suggested as a potential ingredient for the preparation of healthy food. The objective of this research was to determine the potential mutagenicity and the changes of antimutagenicity of the extract of Aspergillus awamori-fermented black soybeans (koji) held at 4 and 25 °C with or without deoxidant and desiccant for a period of 120 days. It was found that no mutagenic compound formed during the storage period. Depending upon storage temperature and packaging condition, the antimutagenicity of the extract of koji reduced and was associated with a reduction in anthocyanin content during the storage period. Generally, koji stored at 4 °C with both deoxidant and desiccant retained the highest antimutagenicity among the various storage conditions examined. At the end of storage, the extract of black soybean stored at 4 °C with both deoxidant and desiccant retained 79.74 and 87.80% of its original antimutagenicity against 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide in Salmonella Typhimurium TA98 and TA100, respectively. An extract of black soybean koji stored under similar storage condition showed an antimugenicity residual of 88.23 and 79.34% against benzo[a]pyrene in S. Typhimurium TA98 and TA100, respectively.     

INHIBITORY EFFECT OF ANTHOCYANIN EXTRACT FROM SEED COAT OF BLACK BEAN ON PERICARP BROWNING AND LIPID PEROXIDATION OF LITCHI FRUIT DURING STORAGE

ABSTRACT

Anthocyanins were extracted from seed coats of black beans (Glycine max[L.]) and the inhibitory effects of anthocyanin extract on pericarp browning and lipid peroxidation of litchi fruit were investigated. Litchi fruit were infiltrated for 3 min with 0 (control) or 50 mg/L of anthocyanin extract at a reduced pressure of 53 kPa, then packed in 0.03 mm thick polyethylene bags, and finally stored at 28C for 6 days. Changes in browning index, contents of anthocyanins and total phenol, peroxidase (POD) activity, levels of relative leakage rate and lipid peroxidation, α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazy (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and reducing power were evaluated. Application of anthocyanin extract from black bean delayed pericarp browning of litchi fruit during storage, which was associated with reduced POD activity and higher contents of anthocyanins and total phenol. Moreover, the anthocyanin extract was found to have a direct inhibition on the POD activity in vitro. Furthermore, application of the anthocyanin extract apparently reduced lipid peroxidation and relatively maintained membrane integrity, which may account for browning inhibition to an extent. Finally, higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power of the fruits treated with the anthocyanin extract than control fruits possibly benefited in scavenging free radicals and reducing lipid peroxidation. It is, therefore, suggested that inhibited POD activity and reduced lipid peroxidation by the anthocyanin extract from seed coats of black beans were responsible for the inhibition of pericarp browning of litchi fruits.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Lipid peroxidation is a major cause of quality deterioration of postharvest fruits and vegetables. Some synthetic antioxidants are beneficial in inhibiting lipid peroxidation. However, considering that synthetic antioxidants, such as butylhydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), have potential toxicity, the use of natural extracts to extend the shelf life of postharvest fruits and vegetables is a tendency. In our previous study, it has been found that anthocyanin extract from litchi pericarp has stronger antioxidant activities or free radical scavenging activities than BHT and ascorbic acid ( Duan et al. 2007 ). In this study, the application of anthocyanin extract from seed coat of black soybean showed reduced lipid peroxidation and pericarp browning. It could be used potentially as a postharvest technology for reducing or replacing the use of other chemicals, but it requires further investigation.     

Antioxidant properties of legumes and their morphological fractions as affected by cooking

The antioxidant properties of 6 legumes: green gram (Vigna radiate), red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), chickpea (Cicer arietinum), red lentil (Lens esculenta), soybean (Glycine max), and moth beans (V. aconitifolia), and their morphological fractions were evaluated before and after cooking. Kidney beans had the highest total phenolic content (8.9 mg ferulic acid equivalents/g), DPPH free radical scavenging activity (38.1%), reducing power (85.5 μmol ascorbic acid equivalents/g), and total flavonoid content (0.9 mg catechin equivalents/g). Highest metal chelating activity was observed for moth beans (93.3%). The antioxidant properties of the seed coat in all the legumes were manifold higher as compared to the whole legume or its respective endosperm and removal of the seed coat significantly reduced the antioxidant activity. Although cooking brought about a reduction in the antioxidant activity of the legumes in majority of the legumes and their fractions, an increase in the metal chelating activity was observed.