Elicitor-induced enhancement of bioactive content and α-amylase inhibition in cluster bean sprouts

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of elicitor treatments on bioactive compounds and α-amylase inhibitory activity in Cyamopsis tetragonoloba sprouts. Elicitors like glutamic acid, ascorbic acid, chitosan, and their combination were used on seeds to check their effects on germination, radicle length, phytochemical content, and antioxidant activity. Glutamic acid and a combination of 50 mg/kg low-molecular-weight chitosan with 5 mM glutamic acid significantly increased protein, phenol, and ascorbic acid contents. The highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (15.57%) was observed in sprouts treated with 50 mg/kg chitosan and 5 mM glutamic acid, while no notable ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity was recorded. Elicited sprouts showed significantly higher α-amylase inhibitory activity than non-germinated seeds, with the chitosan-glutamic acid combination achieving the highest inhibition (53.92%). These findings underscore the potential of elicitors to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of cluster bean sprouts, warranting further research into specific phenolic compounds and other bioactive.