Metabolite Fingerprinting and Antioxidant Potential of Tartary Buckwheat- an Underutilized Pseudocereal crop from Kashmir Region

Abstract

Objective: Buckwheat is an underutilized pseudocereal crop used as a staple food especially in Himalayan regions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the phytochemical screening, antioxidant potential and metabolite profiling of tartary buckwheat extract. Methods: Tartary buckwheat leaf samples were tested for total phenols, flavonoids and in vitro antioxidant potential in terms of total antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide) and DPPH assay. GC-MS profiling was done to identify and quantify the various metabolites from the methanolic leaf and groat extract. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of methanolic extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, phlobatannins, coumarins, glycosides and anthoquinones. Methanolic extract exhibits higher TPC (28.32 ± 5.31 mg gallic acid equivalent g -1 DW) and TFC (25.18 ± 3.5 mg rutin equivalent g -1 DW). DPPH radical (EC 50 =1.8 µg ml ) potential of tartary buckwheat leaf extract shows promising results. From GC-MS metabolite fingerprinting, over 111 and 24 metabolites were identified among leaf and groat extract respectively. The major compounds present in the extracts were fatty acids, hydrocarbons, steroids, terpenoids, esters, organic acids and aldehydes with excellent pharmaceutical properties. Conclusion:The tartary buckwheat extract were found to contain numerous metabolites with potent antioxidant and other pharmacological actions. Thus, tartary buckwheat could be a promising alternative in functional food sector to improve social well-being and neutraceutical to diminish malnutrition especially for the impoverished community.

Untitled

“…These free radicals react with various cell organelles may cause cell death or chronic diseases such as cardiovascular dysfunctions, neurodegeneration, aging, and weakening of immune system. [7] Chemical compounds present in the plant as secondary metabolites and have various structural arrangements. For the therapeutic knowledge of the reported compounds and also for the exploration of new compounds, analysis of chemical components of herbals must be done.…”