Polyphenol contents and antioxidant activity of soybean seed extracts

The antioxidant activity and contents of various polyphenol classes in the seeds of 20 soybean hybrids were evaluated. Total polyphenols, tannins and proanthocyanidins were determined after extraction of plant material with 70% aqueous acetone. In addition, flavonoid content was determined. Antioxidant activity of seed extracts was evaluated by DPPH free radical scavenging activity assay. A positive linear correlation between antioxidant activity and contents of total phenols, tannins and proanthocyanidins was established. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in the extracts of hybrids which have higher levels of all polyphenol classes examined. The most of the single-cross hybrids were poor in tannins which recommend them as good source for ensiled livestock feed. Results suggested that polyphenol content should be considered as an important feature of the soybean seed.     

Changes in antioxidant systems in soybean as affected by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary

Changes in antioxidant systems in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr., Fabaceae] genotypes infected with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were studied 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after inoculation. Generation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals was evaluated together with the production of malonyldialdehyde, main end product of lipid peroxidation. Several enzymatic and non-enzymatic parameters were monitored as well, such as the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and pyrogallol and guaiacol peroxidases, reduced glutathione, soluble proteins and total carotenoids content. Results showed that genotypes expressed oxidative burst as well as different antioxidant systems in response to biotic stress caused by pathogen invasion. It has been confirmed that, although hypersensitive cell death is efficient against biotrophic pathogens, it does not protect soybean plants against infection by the necrotrophic pathogen such as S. sclerotiorum. Still, some genotypes showed distinctive and combined activity of several biochemical parameters which may point to further directions in exploring host-pathogen relations and lead to selection and production of new genotypes with higher levels of tolerance     

Effects of linuron and dimethenamid on antioxidant systems in weeds associated with soybean

Changes in antioxidant systems in soybean and associated weeds (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Chenopodium album L., Convolvulus arvensis L and Sinapis arvensis L.) were studied in relation to treatment with herbicides linuron and dimethenamid in the field experiment. Differences in the total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (Cat) activities were observed in plants after application of herbicide formulation. Quantities of superoxide (O₂.-) and hydroxyl (·OH) radicals and malonyldialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and total polyphenols content were also determined. In addition to this, potential antioxidant activity of the plant ethanolic extracts were assessed based on the scavenging activity of stable DPPH free radicals. Results obtained suggest that plants investigated 1) expressed different antioxidant systems in response to herbicide treatment; 2) enzymatic and non-enzymatic protective mechanisms were complementary; 3) some weed species showed distinctive and combined activity of several biochemical parameters, such as Ambrosia artemisiifolia.