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The effects of plant color, pericarp thickness, pigmented testa, and spreader genes on phenols and antioxidant activity levels of 13 sorghum genotypes were evaluated. Total phenols, condensed tannins, flavan-4-ols, and anthocyanins were measured. Antioxidant activity levels using the 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays were evaluated. Sorghums with a pigmented testa and spreader genes (B(1)()B(2)()S) had the highest levels of phenols and antioxidant activity. In addition, sorghums with purple/red plants (PQ) and thick pericarp (z) genes had increased levels of phenols and antioxidant activity. Sorghums with a black pericarp had higher levels of flavan-4-ols and anthocyanins than the other varieties. This suggests that genes for plant color, pericarp thickness, presence of a pigmented testa, and spreader genes increase phenols and antioxidant activity levels. This information can be useful in the production of sorghums with increased phenols and antioxidant activity levels.

Consumption of diets rich in phenolic compounds has been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. The effect of cooking and simulated gastrointestinal digestion on phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of two cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata) types was determined. Phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols and flavonols were the main groups of phenolic compounds identified. Cooking and simulated enzyme digestion of the cooked cowpea samples rendered some phenolics less extractable (possibly by promoting binding with other food components) or more extractable (possibly by release of bound forms). Total phenolic contents and radical scavenging properties of the cowpeas were reduced upon cooking, but increased upon simulated enzyme digestion. Cowpea extracts inhibited human LDL oxidation at a concentration of 2 mg mL−1 possibly due to their phenolic content. Phenolic compounds in cowpea can potentially protect against cardiovascular diseases for which LDL oxidation is a risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Black sorghums possess very high levels of the rare 3-deoxyanthocyanidins which can be used as natural food colorants with health benefits. However, these sorghum genotypes have undesirable agronomic properties (i.e. high height, low yield, increased weathering). Black sorghum hybrids with improved agronomic properties were developed and their phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity were compared with black sorghum lines. Black sorghum hybrids were significantly lighter in colour than the lines (P < 0.001). All hybrids had a pigmented testa which was indicated by the presence of condensed tannins, which significantly increased total phenol levels and antioxidant activity. The 3-deoxyanthocyanidin, flavan-4-ol, and flavone levels were significantly lower in the hybrids (P < 0.001) and were strongly correlated to pericarp colour (P < 0.001). Flavanone levels were not significantly different among the lines and hybrids (P > 0.05) and pericarp colour did not affect their levels (P > 0.05). Even though the 3-deoxyanthocyanidin levels were lower in black sorghum hybrids than in the lines, the presence of condensed tannins in the hybrids significantly increased their antioxidant activity. Since 3-deoxyanthocanidin levels were dependent on pericarp colour, hybrids with increased blackness intensity should be developed to increase the stable 3-deoxyanthocyanidins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sorghum is a good source of phenolic compounds with a variety of genetically dependent types and levels including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. Most sorghums do not contain condensed tannins, but all contain phenolic acids. Pigmented sorghums contain unique anthocyanins that could be potential food colorants. Some sorghums have a prominent pigmented testa that contains condensed tannins composed of flavan-3-ols with variable length. Flavan-3-ols of up to 8–10 units have been separated and quantitatively analyzed. These tannin sorghums are excellent antioxidants, which slow hydrolysis in foods, produce naturally dark-colored products and increase the dietary fiber levels of food products. Sorghums have high concentration of 3-deoxyanthocyanins (i.e. luteolinidin and apigenidin) that give stable pigments at high pH. Pigmented and tannin sorghum varieties have high antioxidant levels that are comparable to fruits and vegetables. Finger millet has tannins in some varieties that contain a red testa. There are limited data on the phenolic compounds in millets; only phenolic acids and flavones have been identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]