Antioxidant activity of wheat caryopses and embryos extracts

Phenolic compounds were extracted with 80% methanol from caryopses and embryos of wheat (cv. Alba and Elena). In extracts the content of total phenolics was determined and UV spectra recorded. For all extracts the antioxidant activity in a beta-carotene-linoleate model system, scavenging effect on DPPH radical, and reducing power were examined. Extracts of wheat embryos were characterized by a higher content of total phenolics. UV spectra of phenolic compounds extracted from wheat caryopses were characterized by maxima close to 320 nm due to phenolic acids, and by maxima at shorter wavelengths (272-280 nm) attributed to other phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activities of extracts from caryopses in a beta-carotene-linoleate model system were higher than those from embryos. The results so obtained were similar to those observed previously for extracts of rye and triticale grains and leguminous seeds. The scavenging effect of wheat extracts on DPPH radical and their reduction power were weak but those for embryos extracts were somewhat stronger.