Diversification of health-promoting phytochemicals in radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) and kale (Brassica oleracea) micro-greens using high light bio-fortification

Abstract

Background: Fruits and vegetables contain significant amounts of biologically active phytochemicals (such as polyphenols, glucosinolates, phytoestrogens, and carotenoids, amongst others), which have associated with human health and nutrition. Numerous bio-fortification strategies are employed to enhance the nutritional profile of plant-based foods to address and minimize the severe outcomes of malnutrition.

Methods: Using an established high light-induced bio-fortification strategy, we aimed to augment the accumulation of health-promoting phytochemicals in a selection of Brassica micro-greens (kale and radish). High throughput tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify the     differential accumulation of phytochemicals and subsequently determined their antioxidant capacity. Using a classical DNA protection assay, we demonstrated that human genomic DNA could be protected from oxidative stress.

Results: We report here on the potential link between the increased phytochemicals, total antioxidant,     capacity and potential consequent role in human DNA protection.

Conclusion: Bio-fortification implemented as a future strategy could enhance the phytochemical profile and consequent antioxidant potential for the development of functional foods and food supplements.

Keywords: antioxidant, bio-fortification, Brassica, DNA protection, high light, micro-greens, phytochemicals