Health-Promoting Phenolic Compound Accumulation, Antioxidant Response, Endogenous Salicylic Acid Generation, and Biosynthesis Gene Expression in Germinated Pigeon Pea Seeds Treated with UV-B Radiation

Germinated pigeon pea seeds (GPPSs) are good dietary supplements with satisfactory nutritional and medicinal values. In this study, UV-B treatment was used to promote the accumulation of health-promoting phenolic compounds (10 flavonoids and 1 stilbene) in GPPS. The total yield of 11 phenolic compounds (235 839.76 +/- 17 118.24 ng/g DW) significantly improved (2.53-fold increase) in GPPSs exposed to UV-B radiation (3 W/m(2)) for 8 h, whereas free amino acid and reducing sugar contents exhibited a decreasing tendency during UV-B exposure. Meanwhile, the positive response in the antioxidant activities of enzymes and nonenzymatic extracts was noticed in UV-B-treated GPPSs. Moreover, UV-B radiation could cause tissue damages in hypocotyls and cotyledons of the GPPSs and enhance the generation of endogenous salicylic acid, thus activating the expression of biosynthesis genes (especially CHS and STS1). Overall, the simple UV-B supplementation strategy makes GPPSs more attractive as functional foods/nutraceuticals in diet for promoting human health.

Automated summary

This study used UV-B treatment to promote the accumulation of health-promoting phenolic compounds in pigeon pea seeds, leading to increased antioxidant activities. UV-B radiation also caused tissue damages and enhanced the generation of endogenous salicylic acid, activating the expression of related genes. This research reveals the importance of pigeon pea seeds as functional foods/nutraceuticals in the diet.