Phenolic Compounds of Cereals and Their Antioxidant Capacity

Abstract

Phenolic compounds play an important role in health benefits because of their highly antioxidant capacity. In this review, total phenolic contents (TPCs), phenolic acid profile and antioxidant capacity of the extracted from wheat, corn, rice, barley, sorghum, rye, oat, and millet, which have been recently reported, are summarized. The review shows clearly that cereals contain a number of phytochemicals including phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, etc. The phytochemicals of cereals significantly exhibit antioxidant activity as measured by trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, reducing power, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), inhibition of oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and DNA, Rancimat, inhibition of photochemilumenescence (PCL), and iron(II) chelation activity. Thus, the consumption of whole grains is considered to have significantly health benefits in prevention from chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer because of the contribution of phenolic compounds existed. In addition, the extracts from cereal brans are considered to be used as a source of natural antioxidants.

Effects of in vitro digestion on the composition of flavonoids and antioxidant activities of the lotus leaf at different growth stages

“…Previous in vitro studies have shown that the antioxidant activity of fruits, vegetables and cereals was positively correlated with phenolic content (Sánchez‐Salcedo et al ., ; Lingua et al ., ; Van Hung, ). The lotus leaf is a rich source of phenolic compounds including many flavonoids.…”

The Neuroprotective Effects of Phenolic Acids: Molecular Mechanism of Action

“…They are abundantly present in foods such as berries [1], nuts [2], coffee and tea [3] and whole grains [4]. Importantly, a recent meta-analysis showed that phenolic acid-rich foods decrease the risk of depression [5,6].…”

Rheological and Technological Quality of Minor Wheat Species and Common Wheat

“…Bran is the outer layer protecting the grain, and germ is the kernel's reproduction system. Whereas wheat endosperm contains mostly starch and protein, bran and germ are rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals playing an important role in nutrition and health benefits for humans [2]. The customers are, therefore, strongly recommended to consume whole grain foods with at least three servings per day.…”