Accumulation of phenolics, antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) during kernel maturation

Phenolic profiles and gene expression pattern in their synthetic pathway, total antioxidant activities and antiproliferative activities in two genotypes of sweet corn (YT16 and YT28) during kernel maturation were analysed. Results showed that increasing trends of phenolics and flavonoids in the two genotypes of kernels from 10 to 30 days after pollination (DAP). Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid were identified and quantified as the main phenolic compounds in both genotypes of kernels. High expressing levels of C4O and PAL resulted in the increasing phenolic contents. Higher expressing levels of CHS in YT28 led to higher flavonoid contents than that in YT16. The phenolic contents, antioxidant capacities and antiproliferative abilities of the two genotypes of sweet corn were competitive comparing to many fruits and vegetables. In addition, the maturation process of sweet corn could raise the kernel's bioactive ability as well as nutritional values.

Automated summary

The study found that the phenolic and flavonoid contents in different genotypes of sweet corn kernels increased from 10 to 30 days after pollination, with higher levels in the YT28 genotype possibly due to higher expression of the CHS gene. Sweet corn has competitive phenolic contents, antioxidant capacities, and antiproliferative abilities, with its bioactive potential and nutritional value increasing during the maturation process.