Nutraceutical profile of red gram genotypes with reference to phenols, phytic acid and antioxidant distribution

Red gram is a widely consumed pulse and a good source of protein in the vegetarian diet. In addition to its nutritional qualities, it possesses therapeutic properties by virtue of the bioactive phytoconstituents, especially phenol. Phenols are a major group of secondary metabolites widely distributed in the plant kingdom. It occurs as derivatives or isomers of the various classes of phenols viz., flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolic acids. The recent focus of phenols is the antioxidant potential that is responsible for several therapeutic effects of these compounds. The distribution of total phenols and flavonoids has been studied in seventy red gram lines, including short duration, mid duration, perennial and dual types. Total phenol content varied from 50 mg/100 g in ICPL 19003 and ICPL 19020 to 600 mg/100 g in the variety BSR-1. Total flavonoids range between 10 mg/100g to 80 mg/100g. Phytate content of the red gram genotypes ranged from 0.155 to 4.35mg/g on a dry weight basis and are indicated to be of therapeutic value. DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and H₂O₂ radical scavenging activity of red gram genotypes were studied. Results indicate BSR-1, ICPL 19022, ICPL88039, and ICPL19036 have high antioxidant values. The nutraceutical properties expressed in red gram make it an ideal choice of pulse in therapeutic food in addition to its role as protein source.