Valorization of the whole grains of Triticum aestivum L. and Triticum vulgare L. through the investigation of their biochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anticalpain activities

• Published in: Journal of cereal science 2017-05, Vol.75, p.278-285
• Main Authors: Amessis-Ouchemoukh, Nadia, Ouchemoukh, Salim, Benchibane, Tassadit, Hernanz, Dolores, Stinco, Carla M., Rodríguez-Pulido, Francisco J., Heredia, Francisco J., Madani, Khodir, Luis, José
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-calpain activity; Antioxidant activities; Biochemistry, Molecular Biology; Cancer; Cellular Biology; Life Sciences; Phytochemical composition; Wheat species
• ISSN: 0733-5210; 1095-9963
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2017.04.017

Two locally grown wheat species named Triticum aestivum L. and Triticum vulgare L. were studied for their phytochemical contents and their biological activities. T. vulgare presented the highest amounts of total phenolic compounds and ascorbic acids while T. aestivum was found to be rich in flavonoids, flavonols, proanthocynidins and ortho-diphenols. Eleven carotenoids were identified in T. vulgare where the most dominant compounds belongs to α-carotene and its derivatives while T. aestivum presented seven carotenoids. This later presented the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and exhibited a strong reducing power in FRAP, phosphomolybdenum, hydrogen peroxide and reducing power assays. T. vulgare extract was found to be effective in metal chelating power and in scavenging nitric oxide radical. No significant differences in scavenging ABTS and hydroxyl radicals were noted between the two wheat species. T. aestivum inhibited xanthine oxidase and ROS production and showed the best cytotoxic effect while T. vulgare extract exhibited anti-calpain activity. •Many groups of phenolic compounds were determined in T. vulgare and T. aestivum.•Eleven carotenoid compounds were identified in T. vulgare and seven in T. aestivum.•T. aestivum and T. vulgare extracts exerted a considerable antioxidant activity.•T. aestivum inhibited XO and ROS production and showed the best cytotoxic effect.•T. vulgare extract exhibited anti-calpain activity.