Effect of exogenous phytohormone treatment on antioxidant activity, enzyme activity and phenolic content in wheat sprouts and identification of metabolites of control and treated samples by UHPLC-MS analysis

Phytohormones, Indole acetic acid, Salicylic acid and Gibberellic acid, either alone or in combination was applied on wheat sprouts to improve its nutritional status. The experiment included estimation of total phenolic, flavonoids, peroxidase activity and phenylalanine ammonium lyase activity. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH and FRAP assay. The results showed an increase in phenolic compounds, enzyme activity and antioxidant activity after treatment with the phytohormones. Phytohormone combinations were found to be more effective as compared to pure treatments. UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis was used to identify compounds in the control and treated samples. Phenolic acids, polyphenols, simple sugars, amino acids, dipeptides, lipids and fatty acids were detected. A multifold increase in the levels of phenolic compounds was observed in the phytohormone treated wheat sprouts.

Automated summary

Phytohormones, such as indole acetic acid (IAA), salicylic acid (SA) and gibberellic acid (GA), either alone or in combination, were applied on wheat sprouts to enhance their nutritional status. The experiment revealed that the treatment with phytohormones resulted in increased levels of phenolic compounds, as well as enhanced enzyme activity and antioxidant activity. The combined use of phytohormones showed more effective results compared to individual treatments. UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis identified different compounds in the control and treated samples, including phenolic acids, polyphenols, simple sugars, amino acids, dipeptides, lipids, and fatty acids. The levels of phenolic compounds in the phytohormone-treated wheat sprouts significantly increased.