Comparative study of Indian wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties with respect to phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity

Abstract

Wheat is one of the major grains in human diet. Differences in phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of different wheat varieties influences the nutritional and health benefits of this cereal. Germinated wheat grains are more packed with health promoting bioactive compounds. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the phytochemical, enzyme and antioxidant status of 10 different commercial Indian wheat varieties during germination. The experiments included estimation of total phenolic, protein, carbohydrate, flavonoids and carotenoids and enzyme activity of catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH and FRAP assay. The results showed a multifold increase in most of the tested parameters, with varietal differences. Heat map and PCA were performed and categorized on the basis of their correlation.