Radiation-induced enhancement of antioxidant contents of soybean (Glycine max Merrill)

J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Jun 2;52(11):3385-8. doi: 10.1021/jf030793j.

Abstract

Soybean samples were treated with gamma-radiation doses between 0.5 and 5 kGy for achieving insect disinfestation and microbial decontamination. Nutritional quality of soybeans with respect to antioxidant isoflavone content was tested in radiation-treated and untreated samples. Changes in major isoflavones such as genistein, diadzein, glycetein, and their glycosides were monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography. Interestingly, a decrease in content of glycosidic conjugates and an increase in aglycons were noted with increasing radiation dose. Antioxidant potential measured as percent 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity showed an increasing trend with dose, indicating that radiation processing as a method of food preservation has a positive nutritional implication.

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / analysis*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Food Irradiation*
  • Glycine max / chemistry*
  • Glycine max / radiation effects*
  • Isoflavones / analysis
  • Nutritive Value

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Isoflavones