Journal
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Volume 92, Issue 11, Pages 2234-2238Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.5752
Keywords
Sorghum bicolor; method; cyanogenic glucoside; dhurrin; forage sorghum; freeze-drying; ss-glucosidase; cyanide; HCN
Funding
- Monash University Faculty of Science Dean's Research Scholarship
- ARC Linkage Grant with Pacific Seeds Pty Ltd [LP0774941]
- Australian Research Council [LP0774941] Funding Source: Australian Research Council
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Background: Cyanogenic glucosides are common bioactive products that break down to release toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when combined with specific beta-glucosidases. In forage sorghum, high concentrations of the cyanogenic glucoside dhurrin lead to reduced productivity and sometimes death of grazing animals, especially in times of drought, when the dhurrin content of stunted crops is often higher. The aim of this study was to develop harvesting protocols suitable for sampling in remote areas. Results: Dhurrin concentration in air- and oven-dried leaves was the same as in fresh leaves, with no subsequent losses during storage. Dhurrin concentration was halved when leaves were freeze-dried, although activity of the endogenous dhurrinase was preserved. Direct measurement of dhurrin concentration in methanolic extracts using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) gave similar results to methods that captured evolved cyanide. A single freezing event was as effective as fine grinding in facilitating complete conversion of dhurrin to cyanide. Conclusion: Direct measurement of dhurrin using LC/MS is accurate but expensive and not appropriate for fieldwork. Air drying provides an accurate, low-cost method for preparing tissue for dhurrin analysis, so long as the specific beta-glucosidase is added. It is recommended that comparative studies like the one presented here be extended to other cyanogenic species. Copyright (c) 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available