Evaluation of Selected Black Seeded Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for Flavonol and Triterpens Content in Nuevo Leòn, Mèxico

Black Seeded bean  (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)  possesses different functional and nutraceutical compounds that might contribute to prevent and reduce degenerative diseases when included within daily basic diet within Mexican population.   This legume has been studied extensively for its nutraceutical properties recently in ITESM (Tecnológico de Monterrey).  Bioactive compounds from the flavonols and triterpens groups were measured in selected black seeded varieties  at Hualahuises, N.L., in different growing seasons.  Previous studies compared within commercial cultivars and local black seeded cultivars for the content of kaempherol,  myricetin 3-O-glucoside, quercetin 4-O-galactoside and several soyasaponins (Af, V, αg, βg), indicated significant differences among phenolic and saponins compounds within commercial varieties as well as individual selected plants (P<0.01).  An average value of 139 μg g^-1 was observed for soyasaponing Af with values from 115 top 186 μg g^-1.  Myricetin 3-O-glucoside was found at concentrations above 52 μg g^-1  and quercetin 4-O-galactoside was observed at the highest value for the cultivars evaluated 211 μg g^-1.   Four  different lines with high amount of these bioactive compound where identified when compared to the original population planted at Nuevo León (PFN_NL).  High seed yield under irrigation in spring and summer allowed identify the potential to use this legume as a source for industrial bioactive compunds.  Further studies indicated the potential for identifying new individuals for high content of flavonols and saponins from local planted black seeded cultivars.  However, soil and climate conditions might affect the level of bioactive substances associated to  this cultivars.  New bean varieties and germplasm screening might be studied for the content of bioactive compounds as a mean to contribute to reducing degenerative diseases in México.

*The authors would like to thank the financial support from Catedra Nutrigenomica-Fundacion FEMSA.