Genome-wide scan for oil quality reveals a coregulation mechanism of tocopherols and fatty acids in soybean seeds

Tocopherols(vitamin E)play essential roles in human health because of their antioxidant activity,and plantderived oils are the richest sources of tocopherols in the human diet.Although soybean(Glycinemax)is one of themain sources of plant-derived oil and tocopherol in the world,the relationship between tocopherol and oil in soybean seeds remains unclear.Here,we focus on dissecting tocopherol metabolism with the longterm goal of increasing a-tocopherol content and soybean oil quality.We first collected tocopherol and fatty acid profiles in a soybean population(>800 soybean accessions)and found that tocopherol content increased during soybean domestication.A strong positive correlation between tocopherol and oil content was also detected.Five tocopherol pathway–related lociwere identified using a metabolite genome-wide association study strategy.Genetic variations in three tocopherol pathway genes were responsible for total tocopherol content and composition in the soybean population through effects on enzyme activity,mainly caused by non-conserved amino acid substitution or changes in gene transcription level.Moreover,the fatty acid regulatory transcription factor GmZF351 directly activated tocopherol pathway gene expression,increasing both fatty acid and tocopherol contents in soybean seeds.Our study reveals the functional differentiation of tocopherol pathway genes in soybean populations and provides a framework for development of new soybean varieties with high a-tocopherol content and oil quality in seeds.

Pumpkin seeds as nutraceutical and functional food ingredient for future:A review

Pumpkin belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae,which comprises several species that has economical as well as agronomical importance.All parts of pumpkin are edible and laden with beneficial neutraceutical compounds.Pumpkin seeds are valuable source protein which can help in eradicating protein malnutrition and lipids(rich in PUFAs)contains essential as well as non essential fatty acids which prevents from various ailments like cancer and other cardiovascular diseases.Since,seeds of pumpkin are abundant in macro(magnesium,phosphorous,potassium,sodium and calcium)and micro minerals(iron,copper,manganese,zinc and selenium),they can be used as an incredible dietary supplement which in turn helps in curbing various deficiency disorders.This review enlightens the characteristics of pumpkin seeds,process of valorization of pumpkin seeds and the effect of processing on their nutritional composition which have been studied currently with the aim to use this wonder seeds for human wellbeing.Pumpkin seeds possess many bioactive compounds like polyphenols,flavonoids,phytosterols and squalene which makes it a lucrative raw material for pharmacological and food industries.Pumpkin seeds work as anti-depressant and helps majorly in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia(BHP).Daily consumption of pumpkin seeds can reduce the chances of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.Pumpkin seeds are rich in tocopherols and can be used for oil extraction for edible purposes and utilized in other food formulations for future use.

Antioxidant status following postprandial challenge of two different doses of tocopherols and tocotrienols

Objective:Tocotrienols(T3s)have been hypothesized to have greater antioxidant capacity than tocopherols(Ts)due to differences in biokinetics that affect their absorption and function.The present trial compares the antioxidant effectiveness following postprandial challenge of two different doses ofα-T or palm T3-rich fraction(TRF)treatments and evaluates their dose-response effects on antioxidant status.Methods:Ten healthy volunteers were given four different doses of vitamin E formulations(268 mgα-T,537 mgα-T,263 mg TRF or 526 mg TRF)in a cross-over postprandial trial.Blood was sampled at 0,2,4,5,6 and 8 hours after meal consumption and plasma antioxidant status including total glutathione,superoxide dismutase,malondialdehyde(MDA),ferric reducing antioxidant potential and trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity,was analyzed.Results:Supplementation with the different doses of eitherα-T or TRF did not significantly improve overall antioxidant status.There was no significant difference in overall antioxidant status among treatments at the different doses compared.However,a significant dose-response effect was observed for plasma MDA throughout the 8-hour postprandial period.MDA was significantly lower after the 537 mgα-T treatment,compared to the 268 mgα-T treatment;it was also lower after the 526 mg TRF treatment compared to the 263 mg TRF treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:T3 andα-T demonstrated similar antioxidant capacity,despite markedly lower levels of T3 in blood and lipoproteins,compared toα-T.

Dietary carnosic acid and seleno-compounds change concentrations of fatty acids, cholesterol, tocopherols and malondialdehyde in fat and heart of lambs

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of carnosic acid(CA),selenised yeast(^(Y)Se)and selenate(^(VI)Se)supplemented to diets,including fish oil(FO)and rapeseed oil(RO),on the content of fatty acids,total cholesterol(TCh),tocopherols and malondialdehyde in the fat located between the thigh muscles and the heart in lambs.Twenty-four male Corriedale lambs were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals.Animals were fed a diet with FO and RO(the control diet)or experimental diets containing RO,FO and CA with/without Se(as^(Y)Se or^(VI)Se).The experimental diets without/with^(Y)Se or^(VI)Se changed concentrations of fatty acids in the fat and heart compared to the control.All experimental diets increased the levels of c11c14C20:2,c5c8c11c14C20:4,c5c8c11c14c17C20:5 and the sums of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids(LPUFA)and conjugated linoleic acid isomers in the fat compared to the control.The experimental diet containing^(Y)Se or^(VI)Se increased the content of Se,TCh,c11c14C20:2,c8c11c14C20:3,c5c8c11c14C20:4,c5c8c11c14c17C20:5,c7c10c13c16c19C22:5,c4c7c10c13c16c19C22:6 and the concentration sum of n-3LPUFA,n-6LPUFA and tocopherols in the heart in comparison with the control diet and the diet containing only CA.Experimental diets reduced the concentration of malon-dialdehyde in the fat and heart in comparison with the control diet.Our dietary intervention has great potential for future practical and commercial implementations.

Mechanisms of prostate carcinogenesis and its prevention by a γ-tocopherolrich mixture of tocopherols in TRAMP mice

Tocopherols belong to a subgroup of the vitamin E family. Dietary feeding of a γ-tocopherol-rich mixture of tocopherols(γ-Tm T) inhibits prostate tumorigenesis in TRAMP mice. In this study, we aimed to investigate mechanisms of prostate carcinogenesis in TRAMP mice by identifying differentially expressed pathways and effects of γ-Tm T on these pathways. Eight-week-old TRAMP and age-matched C57BL/6 mice were administered either 600 mg/kg of γ-Tm T or a control vehicle via oral gavage. Twelve hours after dosing, prostate tissues were collected for RNA extraction. Whole genome mouse microarrays were used to examine gene expression profiles. The expression of the selected genes were validated using quantitative PCR. Thousands of genes and various pathways were altered in the prostates of TRAMP mice. Compared to C57BL/6 mice, TRAMP mice exhibited enhanced proliferation, suppressed expression of antioxidant and phase II detoxification enzymes, and metabolic reprogramming in the prostate. γ-Tm T differentially regulated the gene expression profiles of TRAMP and C57BL/6 mice, with only a small percentage of genes overlapping. γ-Tm T inhibited genes involved in proliferation and glucose metabolism and induced several antioxidant/phase II detoxification genes in TRAMP mice. γ-Tm T modulates multiple aberrant pathways in the prostate of TRAMP mice, which might represent important mechanisms for prostate cancer prevention.

Chemical composition of walnuts from three regions in China

To reveal the characteristic chemicals of walnuts from different origins, we analyzed fatty acid composition,tocopherols, phytosterols and total phenolic content (TPC) of walnuts from three main producing regions inChina. The results showed that walnuts were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the ratio of ω-6 to ω-3 fattyacids was close to the recommendation of Chinese Nutrition Society. Moreover, walnuts contain high contents oftocopherols (331.20–414.71 mg/kg), phytosterols (97.17–110.35 mg/100 g) and phenols (38.51–48.08 mg GAE/kg). Significant chemical differences exist among walnuts from three production regions. The highest content ofpolyunsaturated fatty acids was found in walnuts from the northern China, the highest content of tocopherols inwalnuts from southwest China, and the highest contents of phytosterol and TPC in walnuts from northwest China.However, there was no significant difference in the tocopherol, phytosterol and TPC content of walnuts betweenthe Northern China and Northwest China. The above results provide important references for manufacturers andconsumers to select suitable walnut scientifically and reasonably.

Comparative advantages of chemical compositions of specific edible vegetable oils

As important supplementary to major edible oils, comparative chemical advantages of minor edible oils decidetheir development and usage. In this study, chemical composition of 13 kinds of specific edible vegetable oilswere investigated. The comparative advantages of chemical compositions of these edible oils were obtained asfollows: (1) camellia, tiger nut and almond oil were rich in oleic acid, the contents of which accounted for79.43%, 69.16% and 66.26%, respectively;(2) safflower oil contained the highest content of linoleic acid(76.69%), followed by grape seed (66.85%) and walnut oil (57.30%);(3) perilla seed, siritch, peony seed andherbaceous peony seed oil were rich in α-linolenic acid (59.61%, 43.74%, 40.83% and 30.84%, respectively);(4)the total phytosterol contents of these oils ranged from 91.46 mg/100 g (camellia oil) to 506.46 mg/100 g (siritchoil);and (5) The best source of tocopherols was sacha inchi oil (122.74 mg/100 g), followed by perilla seed oil(55.89 mg/100 g), peony seed oil (53.73 mg/100 g) and herbaceous peony seed oil (47.17 mg/100 g). Thecomparative advantages of these specific edible oils indicated that they possess the high potential nutritionalvalues and health care functions.

Vitamin E in the management of pancreatic cancer: A scoping review

Pancreatic cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide.Research investigating effective management strategies for pancreatic cancer is ongoing.Vitamin E,consisting of both tocopherol and tocotrienol,has demonstrated debatable effects on pancreatic cancer cells.Therefore,this scoping review aims to summarize the effects of vitamin E on pancreatic cancer.In October 2022,a literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus since their inception.Original studies on the effects of vitamin E on pancreatic cancer,including cell cultures,animal models and human clinical trials,were considered for this review.The literature search found 75 articles on this topic,but only 24 articles met the inclusion criteria.The available evidence showed that vitamin E modulated proliferation,cell death,angiogenesis,metastasis and inflammation in pancreatic cancer cells.However,the safety and bioavailability concerns remain to be answered with more extensive preclinical and clinical studies.More in-depth analysis is necessary to investigate further the role of vitamin E in the management of pancreatic cancers.

Lack of Tocopherol Inhibits Rice Growth by Triggering an Ectopic Stress Response and the Accumulation of DELLA Protein

Although tocopherols are essential for rice development,the molecular details by which their absence affects development remain to be determined.To study how tocopherols function during rice development,we performed a transcriptome deep sequencing(RNA-seq)analysis of the rice cultivar Nipponbare(Nip)and the tocopherol-deficient mutant small grain and dwarf 1-2(sgd1-2).We identified 563 differentially expressed genes that were enriched in Gene Ontology categories associated with metabolism,stress,cellular responses,and transcriptional regulation.We determined that the total fatty acid composition of Nip and sgd1-2 was comparable,although cell membrane penetrability in sgd1-2 was significantly higher than in Nip under optimal growth conditions,indicating that tocopherol deficiency induces cell membrane damage.The expression levels of dehydration-responsive element binding 1(DREB1)genes and free proline content in sgd1-2 were also higher than those in Nip.We also showed that the DELLA protein SLENDER RICE1(SLR1)accumulated in sgd1-2,resulting in significant changes in the global transcriptome.Our study confirms that the lack of tocopherol accumulation in rice induced ectopic stress responses and limited growth by enhancing SLR1 abundance through increasing SLR1 transcript levels.These results provide new insights into tocopherol during rice development.

The role of antioxidants and pro-oxidants in colon cancer

This review focuses on the roles antioxidants and prooxidants in colorectal cancer(CRC).Considerable evidence suggests that environmental factors play key roles in the incidence of sporadic CRC.If pro-oxidant factors play an etiological role in CRC it is reasonable to expect causal interconnections between the wellcharacterized risk factors for CRC,oxidative stress and genotoxicity.Cigarette smoking,a high dietary consumption of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and alcohol intake are all associated with increased CRC risk.These risk factors are all pro-oxidant stressors and their connections to oxidative stress,the intestinal microbiome,intestinal microfold cells,cyclooxygenase-2 and CRCare detailed in this review.While a strong case can be made for pro-oxidant stressors in causing CRC,the role of food antioxidants in preventing CRC is less certain.It is clear that not every micronutrient with antioxidant activity can prevent CRC.It is plausible,however,that the optimal food antioxidants for preventing CRC have not yet been critically evaluated.Increasing evidence suggests that RRR-gamma-tocopherol(the primary dietary form of vitamin E)or other"non-alpha-tocopherol"forms of vitamin E(e.g.,tocotrienols)might be effective.Aspirin is an antioxidant and its consumption is linked to a decreased risk of CRC.

Fatty Acid, Total Phenol and Tocopherol Profiles of Some Walnut Cultivars: A Comparative Study

As a member of nuts, walnut is consumed from snacks to salads and desserts to entrees and an importantpart of human diet for centuries. Walnut biological and nutritional value is also enhanced by its valuable protein and rich in nutrient composition such as vitamins and minerals. The most important characteristic of walnut oil is the abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which makes it a unique food because of high amount of linoleic acid. Due to having valuable protein, vitamins and minerals it enhances biological and nourishment value, also. Recent epidemiological studies showed that consumption of walnut reduce cardiovascular diseases due to the rich in antioxidant properties, valuable fatty acids and tochopherols contents. In Turkey, walnut production and consumption increases year by year. The kernel of walnut genotypes shows variability in terms of their fat, fatty acid and tocopherol profiles. In this paper, it was aimed to characterize 10 walnut (Juglans regia L.) cultivars (Bilecik, Chandler, Hartley, Howard, Maras 12, Maras 18, Midland, Pedro, Sen and Serr) based on their fatty acid profiles using GC (Gas Chromatography), tocopherol and its isomers by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and total phenol content with spectrometric methods. Among the walnut cultivars “Hartley” was the highest linoleic acid (64.56%) and “Howard” was the α-linolenic acid 13.26 (%). The highest values of α (38.76 μg/g), β + γ (312.19 μg/g) and δ-tocopherol (40.77 μg/g) and total phenol (349 mg GAE/100 g ext) content were detected in “Sen” cultivar. Obtained results might be significant for further breeding programme to improve rich in especially γ-tocopherol linoleic acids and total phenolic compounds.

Comparison of the Physicochemical Characteristics of Pinus koraiensis L. Nut Oils from Different Extraction Technologies

In this study, the physicochemical properties, fatty acid profiles, and tocopherol compositions of Pinus koraiensis L.nut oils were evaluated, and the impact of different extraction technologies on the overall quality of pine nut oil was assessed. All the pine nut oils had pleasant and characteristic odor and flavor of the pine nuts and the flavor of the oil from hot-pressing was strongest. The oils obtained by hexane extraction and sub-critical extraction had less deterioration, indicating hexane extraction and sub-critical extraction preserve the oil quality well. Gas chromatography showed that the predominant fatty acid was linoleic acid(45.36%–45.91%), followed by oleic acid(26.91%–27.10%), and pinolenic acid(13.33%–13.63%), respectively. The oils from hexane extraction of cold-pressed cake and sub-critical extraction were richer in tocopherols and tocotrienols, namely, 37.52 and 36.18 mg/100 g, respectively, with α-tocopherol most abundant. The pine nut oils from hexane extraction of cold-pressed cake,hexane extraction, cold pressing, and sub-critical extraction had better oxidation stability with the oxidation induction times of 6.91, 5.27, 4.96 and 4.93 h, respectively. Based on its features, P. koraiensis nut oil may have the multiple application in edible oil, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industry. P. koraiensis can be one of the good woody candidates for closing the gap between the demand and production of vegetable oils.

Nutritional Value of Italian Pistachios from Bronte ( <i>Pistacia vera</i>, L.), Their Nutrients, Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity

This study gives an overview on the nutritional value, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP) of Bronte’s pistachio (Pistacia vera, L., cv. Bianca) from Sicily (Italy). Bronte’s pistachios are rich in fat, protein, dietary fiber, trace elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) and minerals (Ca, P, K, Mg, Na). Lipids mainly consist of MUFA (33.8 g/100g), primarily oleic acid (32.4 g/ 100g);PUFA is mostly represented by linoleic acid (7.49 g/100g). Bronte’s pistachios are also a valuable source of bioactive compounds such as total polyphenols (501.5 mg/100g), lutein (1.26 mg/100g), β-carotene (0.18 mg/100g), γ-tocopherol (19.2 mg/100g) and phytosterols (134.4 mg/100g). Among phytosterols, the main is β-sitosterol (86% of total content), followed by Δ5-avenasterol (6.3%). Phytic acid content is 1763 mg/100g;Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5 and Ins(1,2,3,4,5,)P5 have been detected too (31 mg/100g and 10 mg/100g, respectively). The antioxidant activity was determined both in hydrophilic and lipophilic fraction of pistachios, showing >80% of the total antioxidant activity in the hydrophilic, predominately due to phenolic compounds.

Proximate composition and seed lipid components of “kabuli”-type chickpea (<i>Cicer arietinum</i>L.) from Argentina

Chickpea is an important pulse crop with a wide range of potential nutritional benefits because of its chemical composition. The purpose of the current work was to provide the chemical composition of “kabuli”-type chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) developed in Argentina for nutritional purpose. Protein, oil and ash contents, fatty acid, tocopherol and mineral element compositions were studied. Among the studied genotypes, protein content ranged from 18.46 to 24.46 g/100g, oil content ranged from 5.68 to 9.01 g/100g and ash from 3.55 to 4.46 g/100g. Linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids were the most abundant fatty acids. The average oleic-to-linoleic ratio was 0.62 and average iodine value was 117.82. Tocopherols, well-established natural antioxidants, were found in chickpea seeds in relatively similar amounts across all genotypes. Mineral element analysis showed that chickpea was rich in macronutrients such as K, P, Mg and Ca. The nutritional composition of chickpea genotypes developed and grown in Argentina provides useful information for breeding programs, food marketing and consumers and establishes chickpea as component of a balanced human diet.

Detection of Tocopherol in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Using Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector

The variation among Chinese genotypes of Brassica napus L. for seed tocopherols content and their analysis using gas chromatography has not been comprehensively reported till to date. In the present study, the tocopherol contents of four Chinese genotypes of Brassica napus L., namely, Gaoyou 605, Zhejiang 619, Zheshuang 758, and Zheshuang 72, were evaluated using three modified sample preparation protocols （P1, P2, and P3） for tocopherol extraction. These methods were distinguished as follows. Protocol one （P1） included the evaporation of solvent after extraction without silylation. Protocol two （P2） followed the direct supernatant collection after overnight extraction without drying and silylation. Protocol three （P3） included trimethylsilylation with N,O-bis（trimethylsilyl） trifluoroacetamide. Genotypic comparison of tocopherol and its isoforms revealed that Gaoyou 605 was dominant over the other genotypes with （140.5＋ 10.5）, （316.2＋ 9.2）, and （559.1＋ 24.3） ~tg g-~ of seed meal ct-, 7-, and total （T-） tocopherol, respectively, and a 0.44＋0.04 ^- to 7-tocopherol ratio. The comparison of the sample preparation protocols, on the other hand, suggests that P3 is the most suitable method for the tocopherol extraction from Brassica oilseeds and for the analysis of tocopherols using gas chromatography flame ionization detector （GC-FID）. Trimethylsilylation is the key step differentiating P3 from P1 and P2. Variations detected in tocopherol contents among the Chinese rapeseed （B. napus） genotypes signify the need to quantify a wide range of rapeseed germplasm for seed tocopherol dynamics in short and crop improvement in long.

Chemical constituents from the aerial parts of Euphorbia sikkimensis and their bioactivities

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Euphorbia sikkimensis led to the isolation of one new diterpenoids,named sikkimenoid E(1),together with thirteen other known compounds(2-14).Their structures were established by means of spectroscopic methods.Compound 2 was identified to be a trinortriterpenoid,and derived for the first time from a natural source.In this paper we reveal for the first time its comprehensive spectral data and NMR spectral assignment.Compound 4 showed anti-angiogenic activity with an IC_(50) value of 5.66μM in a zebrafish model,and compounds 5 and 6 exhibited cytotoxicity toward A549 cell line with IC_(50) values of 12.12 and 6.45μM,respectively.

Stable Carbon Isotopic Compositions of Methylated-MTTC in Crude Oils from Saline Lacustrine Depositional Environment:Source Implications

Significantly high abundant methyl-Methyl Trimethyl Tridecyl Chromans （MTTCs） have been detected in aromatic hydrocarbon fractions in crude oils from the Jizhong Depression and Jianghan Basin. The distribution of these compounds is dominated by methyl-MTTC and dimethyl- MTTC series, which indicate diagenetic products of a hypersaline depositional environment in the early stage and show a low degree of methylation. The occurrence of significantly high abundant methyl-MTTC depends mainly on good preservation conditions with a strongly reductive, hypersaline and water-columned depositional environment and subsequent non-intensive diagenetic transformations. The stable carbon isotopic compositions of the methyl-MTTCs and dimethyl-MTTCs in two samples are far different from the stable carbon isotopic composition of C30 hopane of apparent bacteria biogenesis （up to 4.11‰ and 5.75‰, respectively）. This obviously demonstrates that the methyl-MTTC and dimethyl-MTTCs cannot be of bacteria origin, which is different from the previous point of view about non-photosynthetic bacteria products or possible bacteria-reworked products. On the contrary, the stable carbon isotopic compositions of methyl-MTTC and dimethyl-MTTCs in the two samples were similar to that of the same carbon-numbered n-alkanes （nC27-nC28-nC29）, which indicates that they share the same source origin. Especially in the crude oil from the Zhao61 well, stable carbon isotopic compositions are also similar to that of the same carbon-numbered steranes with ααα- 20R isomer （mostly less than 0.4‰）. In consideration of the results of previous studies on saline lake ecological sedimentation, the authors hold that the methyl-MTTC and dimethyl-MTTCs in the saline lake sediments should be of algal biogenesis origin.

Comparative Study of Ascorbic Acid and Tocopherol Concentrations in Hydroponic- and Soil-Grown Lettuces

Hydroponically-grown produce may be a way of helping to feed the world a variety of fruits and vegetables, regardless of soil quality, space availability or climate. The objective of this study was to determine whether hydroponicallygrown lettuce contains as much ascorbic acid and tocopherol as soil-grown lettuce. We analyzed four varieties of lettuce, including: Waldmann’s Dark Green, Red Lollo Antago, Red Romaine Annapolis, and Butterleaf. The tocopherol content of hydroponically-grown Waldmann’s Dark Green, Red Lollo Antago, and Red Romaine Annapolis was 229%, 497% and 492% higher, respectively, compared to their soil-grown counterpart. The ascorbic acid content of hydroponically-grown Waldmann’s Dark Green, Red Lollo Antago, and Red Romaine Annapolis was 93%, 171% and 216% higher, respectively, compared to their soil-grown counterparts. Hydroponically grown lettuce varieties are significantly higher in both ascorbic acid and tocopherol content than their soil-grown counterparts, and hydroponic gardening is a viable option for producing nutritious fruits and vegetables.

Impacts of CO2 elevation on the physiology and seed quality of soybean

Understanding the responses of crops to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations(E[CO2])is very important in terms of global food supplies.The present study investigates the effects of CO2 enrichment(to 800μmol mol^-1)on the physiology of soybean plants and the nutritional value of their seeds under growth chamber conditions.The photosynthesis of soybean was significantly promoted by E[CO2]at all growth stages,but leaf area and specific leaf weight were not affected.The levels of mineral elements in the leaves decreased under EICO2J.The soil properties after soybean cultivation under E[CO2]were not affected,except for a decrease in available potassium.Moreover,the levels of soluble sugars in the seeds were not affected by E[CO2].but the levels of natural antioxidants decreased.In addition,the level of oleic acid decreased under E[CO2].However,levels of fatty acid peroxidation and saturation were maintained.In conclusion.E[CO2] appears to have positive effects on the growth of cultivated soybean plants,but its influence on the nutritional values of soybean seeds is complex.Copyright?2019 Kunming Institute of Botany.Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The effect of photo-irradiation on the growth and ingredient composition of young green barley (<i>Hordeum vulgare</i>)

We clarified that photo-irradiation of young green barley from three different light sources, natural light, 100% red light-emitting diodes (R-LEDs), and a mixture of 90% red-LEDs + 10% blue-LEDs (RB-LEDs), had significantly different results in growth degree (weight and height) and in components of young green barley. Barley that has sprouted for 15 days after germination did not show any apparent difference in height in response to irradiation by the three tested light sources, but by the 20th day of sprouting the height showed a positive effect by R-LEDs irradiation. By 15 days of sprouting the barley had achieved the heaviest weight by natural light irradiation, while the barley irradiated by R-LEDs had made remarkable progress at 20 days of sprouting. On the other hand, the irradiation by RB-LEDs showed a suppressive tendency after 15 days or more. The amino acid content, as indicated by dry weight conversion, was greatest in the barley irradiated by RB-LEDs, followed by R-LEDs, and natural light, which showed that LEDs irradiation is effective. In addition, four cyanogenic glucosides were isolated, identified, and quantified, as they are components frequently assessed in barley research. With regard to vitamin E, R-LEDs irradiation increased γ-tocopherol. Our results indicate that irradiation by LEDs would be effective for the enhancement of the functionality of young green barley.