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Assessment of bioactive compounds, antioxidant properties and morphological parameters in selected microgreens cultivated in soilless media
The study investigated the effect of soilless media (burlap), on the morphological traits and antioxidant activities of microgreens from Brassicaceae, Amar
Mahendra Gunjal, Jyoti Singh, Sawinder Kaur, Vikas Nanda, Riaz Ullah, Zafar Iqbal, Sezai Erċışlı, Prasad Rasane
Scientific Reports · 2024 · https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73973-w
Abstract
The study investigated the effect of soilless media (burlap), on the morphological traits and antioxidant activities of microgreens from Brassicaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Linaceae families. The results revealed significant variations were observed in the selected morphological, biochemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of the microgreens. The radish sango and microgreens showed superior morphological characteristics compared to other microgreens. The elemental composition analysis revealed consistent moisture, ash, fat, fiber, and protein content across all families. The results revealed significant variations in the biochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of the microgreens, depending on the growing medium and between microgreens. Notably, microgreens differed in photosynthetic pigment profiles, with flaxseed and cabbage showing the highest chlorophyll content of 26.59 to 27.18 µg/g, FW and carotenoid content in a range of 3.74 to 6.39 µg/g, FW was observed in microgreens. The radish sango and beetroot microgreens exhibited elevated anthocyanin levels of 27.94-28.25 µmol/100 g, FW. Biochemical analysis indicated varying levels of ascorbic acid (177.58 to 256.46 mg/100 g, FW), total glucosinolate content (4.09 to 47.38 µmol/g, FW), phenolic content (131.44 to 298.56 mg GAE/100 g, FW), and flavonoid content (10.94 to 18.14 mg QUE/100 g, FW) were observed in selected microgreens families. Radish sango microgreens demonstrated the highest DPPH (76.82%, FW) and ABTS (88.49%, FW) radical scavenging activities, indicating superior antioxidant potential. The study showed that Brassicaceae microgreens are particularly rich in bioactive and antioxidant properties. Additionally, studies could assess the economic feasibility and scalability of soilless cultivation methods for microgreens to support their inclusion in sustainable agricultural practices and health-promoting diets.
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How to credit this work
Mahendra Gunjal; Jyoti Singh; Sawinder Kaur; Vikas Nanda; Riaz Ullah; Zafar Iqbal; Sezai Erċışlı; Prasad Rasane (2024). Assessment of bioactive compounds, antioxidant properties and morphological parameters in selected microgreens cultivated in soilless media. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73973-w Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NC ND 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Hosted by EVEC Athens (microgreens.org.gr). No changes were made to this article. Provided as-is, without warranties. EVEC Athens is not affiliated with, and this copy is not endorsed by, the authors or the publisher.
Explore this on our site
- How to grow it: Amaranth microgreens — growing guide
- How to grow it: Beetroot microgreens — growing guide
- How to grow it: Radish microgreens — growing guide
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- Related reading: The antioxidant capacity of radish microgreens
- Related reading: Broccoli microgreens and sulforaphane what the research shows
- Related reading: Protein rich microgreens pea lentil chickpea and sunflower
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