Nutraceutical antioxidant potential and polyphenolic profiles of the Zambian market classes of bambara groundnuts (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.There is a growing interest in legumes and legume based foods because of the health claims associated with their consumption. The aim of the current study was to explore the nutraceutical potential of bambara groundnuts (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) commonly grown in Zambia based on the antioxidant properties and phenolic phytochemical profiles. Two market classes of bambara groundnuts (red and brown) and four of common beans (red, grey mottled, brown and white) were screened in raw dry form. Effects of cooking and sprouting on the antioxidant activities and phenolic phytochemicals of the promising market classes were assessed. The study employed in vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH and FRAP) to screen for antioxidant properties, HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS and Folin Ciocalteu assay to screen for phenolic phytochemical profiles