Effects of germination on physio-biochemical metabolism and phenolic acids of soybean seeds

In this study, changes of phenolic acids and antioxidant capacity during germination of soybean seeds were investigated. Results revealed that germination enhanced sprout growth, changed endogenous phytohormones level and caused oxidative damage, but enhanced phenolic acids accumulation. Eight individual phenolic acids in soybean sprouts were identified by HPLC. Gallic acid and protocatechuic acid mainly present in free form, while vanillic acid mainly present in bound form, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and sinapic acid were both identified in free and bound phenolic extracts. Both free and bound phenolic acids contents significantly increased during germination. The enzymes activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H) and 4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase (4CL) that participated in the biosynthesis of phenolic acids were up-regulated. These results contribute to the further insights into the health-promoting compounds of soybean sprouts.

Automated summary

During germination of soybean seeds, sprout growth was enhanced, phenolic acids accumulation increased, and enzyme activities involved in the biosynthesis of phenolic acids were up-regulated.