Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is an economically important aquatic ornamental herb with multiple uses, including food, tea, natural pigments, and/or healthcare product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and antioxidant potential of lotus sprouts grown in three media: sprouting machine (LSSG), soil (LSSC), and mud (LSMC). The longest sprout was obtained in LSMC (4.79 and 26.79 ㎝) followed by LSSC (1.95 and 5.4 ㎝), and LSSG (0.60 and 2.85 ㎝) at 5 and 10 days, respectively. Higher amounts of total free amino acids were found in cotyledons (33.96, 21.45, and 38.90 ㎎/g) than in hypocotyls (15.77, 7.90, and 15.29 ㎎/g ) for LSSG, LSSC, and LSMC, respectively. The ratios of total essential to total non-essential amino acids were higher in hypocotyls (0.36, 0.31, and 0.46) than in cotyledons (0.34, 0.25, and 0.40), respectively. Similarly, the total polyphenol content of the hypocotyl of LSMC (50.33 ㎍ GAE/g) was the highest and that of the husk of LSSG (24.08 ㎍ GAE/g) was the lowest. Overall, the antioxidant potential of hypocotyl was higher than that of husk and cotyledon. The results indicated that the lotus sprouts grown in mud could be a good source of nutritional and natural antioxidants.

Wheat is an economically important cereal worldwide and is a staple food in many countries. Extensive researches have been performed on the nutritional value and antioxidant potentials of sprouts of legumes like soybean, however very limited studies have been carried out on the sprouts of Korean wheat cultivar. The objective of this study was to investigate the phytochemical and antioxidant potentials of Korean wheat sprouts. The sprouts were grown for 10 (WS-10), 20 (WS-20), and 30 (WS-30) days at room temperature. The pH, color, chlorophyll, free amino acid, 1,1-diphenly- 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and total polyphenol content of the sprout samples were determined. The pH of sprouts was increased in the older sprouts. Color values were significantly influenced by the age of sprouts. The chlorophyll content was lowest but the total free amino acid content was highest in WS-30. On the other hand, the DPPH free radical scavenging potential and total polyphenol content were lower in WS-30. The results suggested that Korean wheat sprouts could be a potential source of nutrients and natural antioxidants.