In-Vitro Antioxidant and Pharmacognostic Studies of Phaseolus vulgaris (Linn) Seed Coat

Objectives: Pulses have grown increasingly popular as a result of their high nutritional content and phytochemical content. However, before to eating, the seed coats of some legume food items were removed, resulting in the food losing its nutritious content. The study deals with the study of pharmacognostic & physico-chemical profile along with in-vitro estimation of bioactive compounds of Phaseolus vulgaris (Linn) seed coat.

Methodology: The morphology of kidney beans was evaluated. Seed length, width, thickness, and surface area were also determined. In physico-chemical parameters extractive value ash value, moisture content, swelling index were recorded. Phytochemical screening displayed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenol, amino acid, tannins, carbohydrates and saponins. HPTLC & in-vitro estimations were done.

Results: Morphology revealed dark brownish red seed, kidney to oval shaped, medium size and bland taste. Microscopically, the transverse section showed the presence of proteinaceous aleurone cells, macro-sclereids and starch granules with irregular oval shape in the cotyledon specify the energy reservoir of seeds. HPTLC showed the presence of flavonoids in Phaseolus vulgaris seed coats. The antioxidant profile revealed TFC (total flavonoid content) as 13.62 mg/g QE (quercetin equivalent) and TPC (total phenolic content) as 32.03 ± 1.50 mg/g GAE. IC50 value for vitamin C was found to be 369.03 µg/ml as compared to Phaseolus vulgaris seed coat 423.00µg/ml.

Conclusion: The study can serve as a valuable source of information and due to presence of phytoconstituents like flavonoid (quercetin) it could be considered for its neuroprotective activity.