Content of phenolic antioxidants and selenium in grain of einkorn (Triticum monococcum), emmer (Triticum dicoccum) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties

Abstract

Wheat is worldwide consumed and contributes significantly to the intake of antioxidants with beneficial healthy effects. In the precise two-year field experiments in 2008 and 2009 two varieties of wheat einkorn, two varieties of emmer wheat and three varieties of spring wheat and in 2009 in addition two other spring wheat varieties, three einkorn varieties and three emmer wheat varieties were evaluated for selenium content and antioxidants -total polyphenols (TP). Selenium content was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with hydride generation technique (HGAAS) and total polyphenols with Folin-Ciocalteau assay. Higher selenium content in grain is related to emmer (58.9-68.4 µg/kg DM) and einkorn (50.0-54.8 µg/kg DM) varieties; in spring varieties selenium content ranged from 29.8 to 39.9 µg/kg DM. Among the varieties with high TP (expressed in gallic acid equivalents) emmer varieties prevail (584-692 mg/kg DM), less represented are einkorn (507-612 mg/kg DM) and spring wheat (502-601 mg/kg DM) varieties. Among varieties significant differences were determined. TP were significantly higher in emmer wheat varieties and one einkorn and one spring wheat variety. Between TP and Se significant linear correlation was determined (r = 0.709).

Antioxidant activity of grain of einkorn (Triticum mono-coccum L.), emmer (Triticum dicoccum Schuebl [Schrank]) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties

“…In conclusion, this study proved a genotypical variation in the antioxidant activity of einkorn, emmer and spring bread wheat accessions based on the high tocol and carotenoid content (Digesù et al 2009, Hejtmánková et al 2010) and the content of soluble phenolics (Lachman et al 2011). The relevant antioxidant activity, along with superior contents of proteins, tocols, carotenoids and polyphenols, reinforce the prospect of einkorn and emmer as nutritionally superior cereal sources.…”

“…Different small letters indicate significant differences (P < 0.05) among analysed wheat varieties in the same column Correlation between total polyphenols (TP) and AOA. Correlation was found between the TP content (data reported by Lachman et al 2011) and AOA (r = 0.739, r 2 = 0.547, r 2 corr. = 0.529, P ≤ 0.05, Figure 3).…”

“…In term of the polyphenolic antioxidants content (Lachman et al 2011) and AOA, considerably higher values were found in einkorn and emmer accessions as compared to the tested spring wheat cultivars. It is evident from the statistical evaluation of the varieties tested in 2009 by the method of the least squares (Figure 4) The cultivated diploid (einkorn), tetraploid (durum wheat) and hexaploid (bread wheat) species and varieties possess antioxidant activity due to their content of hydrophilic (phenolics, selenium) and lipophilic (carotenoids, tocopherols) antioxidants.…”

“…With the aim to extend the spectra of grown crops, a collection of emmer and einkorn genetic resources in the Czech Gene Bank was studied. Accessions later in ripeness, with a good level of resistance to fungal diseases and with a high yield potential were selected from the collection to determine their antioxidant activities (their characteristics are described in our previous article (Lachman et al 2011).…”

“…In 2009, the range was extended to spring wheat varieties Jara and Postoloprtská přesívka 6, three einkorn varieties (T. monococcum ECN 01C0204039, ECN 01C0204040 and ECN 01C0204044) and three emmer wheat varieties (Horny Tisovnik (Malov), T. dicoccon (Tapioszele) and T. dicoccum No. 8909; their major characteristics are described in detail in our previous study (Lachman et al 2011).…”