Comparative study of the effects of Tartary buckwheat seed and sprout consumption on the physiological indices and gut microbiota of C57BL/6J mice

Tartary buckwheat(Fagopyrum tataricum)is a well-known pseudocereal for its health and economic value.However,abundant antinutritional factors(ANFs)reduces its health benefits.As reported,germination can improve the nutritional profile of grains.In this study,we systematically evaluate the safety of Tartary buckwheat seeds(TB)and Tartary buckwheat sprouts(TBS)used as high active ingredients.After evaluating nutrition levels,bioactive compounds and ANFs in TBS during germinating,5^(th)-day TBS were selected as the raw material.C57BL/6J mice were gavaged daily with distilled water,TB,or TBS for 6 weeks.The physiological indices related to ANFs were determined.Results showed that the TB intake tends to generate negative effects on the gut microbiota,and organs.Additionally,upon TB intake,the Fe^(3+)content in serum,trypsin activity in pancreas and jejunum decreased,while the cytokine,IgE,and histamine levels in serum,water content in faeces,cytokine levels in liver and jejunum increased.Conversely,TBS did not induce any obvious negative effects on the above relevant indices and showed better lipid-lowering effect.Altogether,TBS are safer and more effective as a raw material to produce the functional food for long-term consumption with the intention of preventing and treating hyperlipidaemia.

Preparation of Tartary Buckwheat Seed Coating Agent and Its Effect on Germination

To mitigate the wastage of seed resources and reduce the usage of pesticides and fertilizers, seed coating agentshave gained popularity. This study employs single-factor and multi-index orthogonal experimental design methodsto investigate the seed coating formula and physical properties of Tartary buckwheat. The specific effects ofeach component on Tartary buckwheat seed germination are analyzed. The findings reveal that the seed coatingagent formulated with 1.5% polyvinyl alcohol, 0.15% sodium alginate, 0.2% op-10, 0.1% polyacrylamide, 8% colorant,3% ammonium sulfate, 1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and 0.15% carbendazim exhibits the mosteffective coating. It demonstrates optimal physical properties and promotes seed germination efficiently. The suspensionrate of this seed coating agent reaches 91.12%, with a mere 2.13% coating shedding rate and 2.5% coatingseed rot rate. Furthermore, it achieves a germination percentage of 99.17%, which is 20.84% higher than the lowestgroup. The germination potential and index are also significantly higher than the lowest group, with anincrease of 20.84% and 26.56%, respectively. Additionally, the vitality index is 553.08, a 15.75% increase comparedto the lowest group. The application of seed coating agents helps reduce seed resource loss, increase plant numbers,and ultimately enhance agricultural yields. This finding holds practical significance in agriculturalproduction.

Silicon Mitigates Aluminum Toxicity of Tartary Buckwheat by Regulating Antioxidant Systems

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a considerable factor limiting crop yield and biomass in acidic soil. Tartary buckwheatgrowing in acidic soil may suffer from Al poisoning. Here, we investigated the influence of Al stress on the growthof tartary buckwheat seedling roots, and the alleviation of Al stress by silicon (Si), as has been demonstrated inmany crops. Under Al stress, root growth (total root length, primary root length, root tips, root surface area, androot volume) was significantly inhibited, and Al and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulated in the root tips. At thesame time, catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase activities, polyphenols, flavonoids, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) free-radical scavenging abilitywere significantly decreased. After the application of Si, root growth, Al accumulation, and oxidative damage wereimproved. Compared to Al-treated seedlings, the contents of ·O2− and MDA decreased by 29.39% and 25.22%,respectively. This was associated with Si-induced increases in peroxidase and CAT enzyme activity, flavonoidcompounds, and free-radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS). The application of Si therefore has positive effectson Al toxicity in tartary buckwheat roots by reducing Al accumulation in the roots and maintaining oxidationhomeostasis.

RAPD Analysis for Genetic Diversity of Nineteen Common and Tartary Buckwheat Varieties

[Objective]The study aimed to carry out RAPD analysis of genetic diversity of common and tartary buckwheat varieties.[Method] The genetic diversity of 19 common and tartary buckwheat varieties including the tested varieties in Guizhou region during 1999-2010 and their parents were studied using 7 primers by means of random amplified polymorphic DNA（RAPD）.[Result]A total of 149 DNA bands were obtained.In which,141 bands were polymorphic,accounting for 94.89%.Polymorphism analysis and cluster analysis showed that all varieties had their own special bands different from each other.The varieties native to Weining were close to each other,and other common buckwheat varieties were obviously different from each other.The interspecific genetic variation was the greatest;the intraspecific genetic variation of common buckwheat varieties was greater than that of tartary buckwheat varieties.[Conclusion]The RAPD fingerprints of the 19 buckwheat varieties were established in present study.

Determination of total flavonoids content in buckwheat and inhibition of α-amylase activity

Diabetes is one of the most difficult chronic diseases to cure in the world,which seriously affects people’s health and quality of life.Flavonoids in buckwheat can regulate blood glucose levels by inhibitingα-amylase activity.Therefore,sweet buckwheat produced in Inner Mongolia was used as the research object,and buckwheat fl avonoids were extracted by ultrasonic-assisted extraction method.Total fl avonoids content was determined by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.With acarbose as the positive control,the inhibition test ofα-amylase was carried out by DNS colorimetry to study the inhibition behavior of fl avonoids onα-amylase activity.The results showed that the extraction process of flavonoids was stable and reliable,and the established method for the determination of flavonoids was simple,accurate and reproducible.The total flavonoids content of buckwheat samples was 2.706 mg/g,buckwheat total fl avonoids extraction solution had an inhibitory eff ect onα-amylase,and its median inhibition concentration(IC_(50))was 38.53 mg/mL.The results of this experiment provide a technical reference for the development and utilization of fl avonoids in Inner Mongolia sweet buckwheat,and provide a theoretical reference for the development and application of flavonoid-rich hypoglycemic food.

Variation of Protein Content in Tartary Buckwheat Seeds

[Objective]The aim was to select tartary buckwheat materials with high protein content.[Method]Used 35 kinds of tartary buckwheat as experimental material,and the protein content of seeds had been determined.[Result]The protein content of 35 kinds of tartary buckwheat will change in the range of 23.65-193.28 mg/g with an average of 111.85 mg/g.There was difference among different origins of tartary buckwheat.The seeds from Hezhang in Guizhou and Sichuan had highest protein content,while the seeds from Nayong had lowest protein content.[Conclusion]The study had provided theoretical basis for the further study on the genetic and variation law of protein content in different tartary buckwheat resources.

Variation of Glucose Content in Tartary Buckwheat Seeds

[Objective] This study aimed to finding out the difference in glucose content of tartary buckwheat seeds from different origins.[Method] Taking 35 kinds of tartary buckwheat from different origins as the test materials,the glucose content of seeds had been determined.[Result] The variation range of glucose content in 35 kinds of tartary buckwheat was from 0.055 6% to 0.840 2% with an average of 0.321 7%.There was a difference in glucose content of tartary buckwheat from different origins.The seeds T324 from Weining in Guizhou had the highest glucose content,while the seeds T398 also from Weining in Guizhou had the lowest glucose content.[Conclusion] This study provides a reference for the genetic variation law of glucose content in different tartary buckwheat resources.

Research on Variation in Sucrose Content among Different Tartary Buckwheat Genotypes

[Objective] The aim was to determine the difference in sucrose content of different tartary buckwheat sources,so as to screen low-sucrose buckwheat materials.[Method] The sucrose contents of 35 tartary buckwheat materials from different regions were measured.[Result] The sucrose content of the 35 tartary buckwheat materials varied from 0.007 7% to 0.208 9% with an average of 0.051 8%.There was some difference among the tartary buckwheat materials from different regions.The seeds from Hezhang in Guizhou had higher sucrose content,while the seeds from Nayong in Guizhou had lower sucrose content.[Conclusion] The content of sucrose was significantly low in tartary buckwheat,which could be popularized as a kind of low-sugar crop.

Research on Pb～(2+) Tolerance of Different Buckwheat Genotypes

[Objective]The research aimed to select the buckwheat accessions with higher Pb2＋ tolerance.[Method]Using 19 buckwheat accessions as materials,the Pb2＋ tolerance were studied by means of solution culture method.The length of root and the activity of root were used to evaluate the degree of Pb2＋ tolerance.[Result]Root growth and activity of root of T352,L2081,T308 and T393 were promoted under the low concentration of Pb2＋.However,with the concentration of Pb2＋ increasing,their root growth and activity decreased,indicating that these genotypes have the higher Pb2＋ tolerance.There were great variations of Pb2＋ tolerance of buckwheat in different areas.[Conclusion]There are different Pb2＋ tolerance in buckwheat,T352,T308,T442 and T393 which were originated from Weining had much higher Pb2＋ tolerance than the others,which can be used for researching on the buckwheat breeding and the mechanism of the buckwheat Pb2＋ tolerance.

Sedative and Hypnotic Effects of Tartary Buckwheat Ethanol Extract

[Objective]The aim was to study the sedative and hypnotic effects of Tartary Buckwheat ethanol extract and lay a foundation for further expanding the application of Tartary Buckwheat. [Method]The effects of Tartary Buckwheat ethanol extract on pentobarbital sodium and mice spontaneous action times were recorded. [Result]Ethanol extract of Tartary Buckwheat could prolong mice sleep duration caused by pentobarbital sodium （suprathreshold dosage）,increase mice sleep number caused by pentobarbital sodium （subthreshold dosage）,and obviously inhibit mice spontaneous action times. [Conclusion]Ethanol extract of Tartary Buckwheat has a function of sedation.

Study on Germplasm Resources of Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) in Shanxi Province

This study analyzed the tartary buckwheat recorded in the books Catalogue of Crop Germplasm Resources in Shanxi Province and Catalogue of Chinese Buckwheat Germplasm Resources by Excel 2003 and DPS 7.5 from the aspects of distribution areas,main agronomic traits and nutritional components,so as to lay a foundation for the selection of excellent buckwheat germplasm resources and improvement of buckwheat varieties.The results showed that different buckwheat varieties vary in plant height,node number of the main stem,grain weight per plant,grain weight per plant and kilo-grain weight.Compared with the national average values,buckwheat in Shanxi is higher in protein and fat,but lower in vitamin E and vitamin PP;it is rich in Ca,Mg,Cu,P,Se,Fe,Mn and Zn;and it contains 18 amino acids with the content of glutamic acid being the highest and the content of tryptophane being the lowest.After analyzing and classifying the tartary buckwheat germplasm resources recorded in Catalogue of Grop Germplasm Resources in Shanxi Province and Catalogue of Chinese Buckwheat Germplasm Resources,breeders could breed new varieties with high yield and quality and strong stress resistance by crossbreeding with these germplasm resources.

In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Golden Buckwheat Extract and Therapeutic Effect of its Preparation on Chicken Mycoplasma Infection

[Objective] This study aimed to identify the in vitro antibacterial activity of golden buckwheat extract and investigate the therapeutic effect of its preparation on mycoplasma infection. [Method] Through measuring the minimum inhibitory concentra-tion, the in vitro antibacterial activity of golden buckwheat water extract was deter-mined; meanwhile, the therapeutic effect of golden buckwheat oral solution on my-coplasma infection was determined by artificial y infecting chickens with Mycoplasma gal isepticum culture. [Results] The golden buckwheat water extract had obvious in-hibitory effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and a certain inhibitory effect on Salmonel a and Staphylococcus aureus; administration of golden buckwheat oral solution at the dose of 0.5%-1.0% continuously for 5 d had a good therapeutic effect against mycoplasma infection. [Conclusion] The study provides sci-entific bases for further study on the antibacterial activity of golden buckwheat and its application.

Research on Physical and Chemical Properties of Different Tartary Buckwheat Resources

[Objective]The aim of this study was to select tartary buckwheat material with better health function.[Method]Used 35 kinds of tartary buckwheat as experimental materials,and the water holding capacity and expansion capacity had been determined.[Result] The water holding capacity of 35 kinds of tartary buckwheat will change in the range of 248.5%-341.4% with an average of 283.0%（the holding capacity of T324 was the highest）,while the change of expansion capacity changed between 0.50 and 1.50 ml/g with an average of 1.05 ml/g（the expansion capacity of T463 was the highest）.[Conclusion]This study had provided theoretical basis for screening better tartary buckwheat variety and its application.

Effect of Seed Soaking with Rare Earth on the Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Tartary Buckwheat under Different Water Conditions

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effect of soaked seed with rare earth on the seed germination and seedling growth of tartary buckwheat under different water conditions. [Method] A hydroponic experiment was carried out with the seeds of tartary buckwheat variety ＂Heifeng No.1＂ in the year 2012. [Result] ①In the normal irrigation, suitable concentration of rare earth increased the germination rate, vital index, germination index and sprouting index of tartary buckwheat seed; at the same time, the leaf area, stem thickness, total root length, root weight,leaf relative water content, proline content, soluble sugar content, soluble protein content, root activity, SOD activity and POD activity of seedling were significantly enhanced, while the relative conductivity and MDA content of tartary buckwheat were decreased obviously. ② Compared with water stress and normal irrigation, the indices of germination potential, germination rate, vital index, germination index, the leaf area, stem thickness, total root length, root weight, leaf relative water content,proline content, chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content, root activity, SOD and POD activity were reduced, while relative conductivity and MDA content were increased, and the extents differed in the treatment of different chemical regulators,and the varied range increased with the higher severity of soil water stress. ③ Under water stress, soaking seeds with suitable concentration（200 mg/L） of rare earth could significantly improve the SOD and POD activity, leaf area, total root length,chlorophyll content and root activity compared with CK. They could increase leaf relative water content by 8.9% and 10.8%, proline content by 7.5% and 8.2%, TTC activity by 13.8% and 16.7%, and soluble sugar content by 10.4% and 7.9% under mild and severe water stress, separately. [Conclusion] The appropriate concentration of rare earth was 200 mg/L.

Effect of Different Fertilization Patterns on Buckwheat Seed Quality

[Objective] This study aimed to improve the taste and quality of buckwheat（Fagopyrum esculentum） seeds. [Method] Buckwheat seeds were fertilized by using a quadratic orthogonal rotation combination design to establish quaternary quadratic regression equations between N, P, K, organic fertilizers and soluble sugar, protein contents in buckwheat seeds. [Result] According to the regression equations, appropriately increasing the application amount of P fertilizer and maintaining the ratio of N fertilizer to organic fertilizer at 1：140 could improve soluble sugar and protein contents in buckwheat seeds. By simulation optimization using a computer,in order to ensure high soluble sugar and protein contents in buckwheat seeds, the optimal fertilization patterns of each fertilizer were： N, 535.35-581.10 kg/hm^2; P2O5,69.511 5-71.359 5 kg/hm^2; K2 O, 249.525-270.975 kg/hm^2; organic fertilizer, 76 590-80 514 kg/hm^2. The optimal fertilization ratio of N, P, K and organic fertilizers was8：1：4：1 114. [Conclusion] This study provided scientific basis for producing buckwheat products with good taste, high nutrition value and excellent quality.

Effects of Different-concentration EMS on Germination of Tarary Buckwheat [Fagopyrum tataricum(L.) Gaertn] Seeds

[Objective] This study aimed to determine the optimum ethyl methane sulfonate（EMS） concentration for germination of tarary buckwheat seeds so as to lay a solid foundation for obtaining excellent traits of tarary buckwheat and breeding new varieties that meet the requirements by EMS mutation breeding. [Method] The seeds of Jinqiaomai No.4, a local tarary buckwheat variety [Fagopyrum tataricum（L.） Gaertn] in Shanxi Province, were used as the material. They were mutagenized by different concentrations（0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 1.7%） of EMS for different times（4, 8, 12 h）. Then the germination rate and germination vigor were analyzed. [Result] With the increase of EMS mutagenic agent concentration, the germination vigor, relative germination vigor, germination rate and relative germination rate are all trended to be decreased. When the EMS concentrations ranged from 0.3%to 1.0%, there were no significant differences between treatment and control groups（P〉0.05）. When the EMS concentrations were 1.5% and 1.7%, significant differences were shown between treatment and control groups（P〈0.01）. The 4 and 8 h treatment of EMS all had no significant effects on germination rate and relative germination rate of Jinqiaomai No.4, but the 12 h treatment of EMS showed significant effects. Among the three treatment times, there were still no significant differences in germination vigor and relative germination vigor between treatment and control groups. [Conclusion] The optimum median lethal dose and treatment time of EMS for mutagenizing Jinqiaomai No.4 were 1.7% and 12 h, respectively.

Research on Se Content of Different Tartary Buckwheat Genotypes

[Objective]The aim was to screening the tartary buckwheat resources with higher Se content.[Method]35 accessions of tartary buckwheat resources were used as experimental materials,and the Se content of seeds were determined.[Result]The Se content of 35 kinds of tartary buckwheat will change in a range of 0.009 9 to 0.120 8 mg/g with an average of 0.040 6 mg/g.There was difference among tartary buckwheat from different origins.The seeds from Gansu had the highest content of Se,while the seeds from Nayong in Guizhou and Shaanxi had a lowest content of Se.[Conclusion]The study had important significance for further study on the genetic and variation law of Se content between different tartary buckwheat resources.

Research on Al^(3+) Tolerance among Different Buckwheat Genotypes

[Objective] The research aimed to select the buckwheat accessions with higher Al3＋ tolerance.[Method]25 buckwheat accessions were used as materials,the Al3＋ tolerance were studied by means of solution culture method in this research.The length of root was used to evaluate the degree of Al3＋ tolerance.[Result]The root growth of some buckwheat accessions were significantly promoted under the concentration of 500 μmol/L,while high concentration of Al3＋（1 000 μmol/L）inhibited the buckwheat roots growth.There were great variations of Al3＋ tolerance among the different buckwheat genotypes.[Conclusion]Among the 25 buckwheat genotypes,L2081 and T442 had much higher Al3＋ tolerance than the others,which could be used for research on the buckwheat breeding and the mechanism of the buckwheat Al3＋ tolerance.

Effects of Induced Concentration and Time of EMS on Seed Germination of Common Buckwheat

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of induced concen- tration and time of EMS on seed germination of common buckwheat. [Method] The seeds of Jinqiaomai No.3, a common buckwheat cultivar, were used as the test material, and their germination was induced by different concentrations of EMS un- der different induced times. The germination rate, germination vigor, relative germi- nation rate and relative germination vigor of Jinqiaomai No.3 were measured. [Re- sult] With increased induced concentration and time of EMS, the germination rate, germination vigor, relative germination rate and relative germination vigor of Jinqiao- mai No.3 were all trended to be decreased. For Jinqiaomai No.3, the optima in- duced concentration and time of EMS was 1.0% and 4 h, respectively, and the lethal concentration was 1.7%. [Conclusion] The induced concentration and time of EMS all showed significant effects on seed germination of Jinqiaomai No.3.

HPLC Fingerprint - Antioxidant Properties Study of Buckwheat

For quality control of buckwheat, fingerprint-efficacy study of buckwheat was carried out in this work. 2,2＇-Bipyridyl,2,2- diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl radical （DPPH） scavenging activity of the buckwheat was measured using UV spectrometer. Chemical fingerprints of tartary buckwheat from 29 different sources were determined by HPLC-UV and investigated by similarity analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis. The fingerprint-efficacy relationship between chemical fingerprint and DPPH radical scavenging activity of tartary buckwheat were established by multi-linear regression analysis. The results showed that the sources of buckwheat had some important influence on the chemical fingerprints and DPPH radical scavenging activity. DPPH radical scavenging activity of tartary buckwheat was stronger than that of common buckwheat, rutin, and kaempferol and some unknown compound might be the major effective components for quality control of tartary buckwheat for its antioxidant activity.