Barley’s nutritional value as a health food is increasing due to its excellent nutritional functionality. In this study, the levels of β-glucan, total polyphenols, and total flavonoids were analyzed in the ethanol extracts of different barley cultivars (Hinchalssal, Heuksoojeongchal, Betaone, Ganghochung, and Saechalssal). Also, the free radical scavenging abilities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzo-thiaxoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) were measured to determine their antioxidant activity. The results confirmed that Betaone extract contained highly activefunctional components and exhibitedantioxidant activity. Next, we evaluated the hepatoprotective and inhibitory effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by barley ethanol extracts after inducing oxidative stress with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) in HepG2 cells. Hinchalssal and Saechalssal extracts showed the most significant cytoprotective effect and also reduced ROS production significantly. These results suggest that Hinchalssal, Saechalssal, and Betaone represent potential natural antioxidant and hepatoprotective agents.

With the aim of developing region specialized crops, this study was conducted to clarify effects of variant and cultivation region on antioxidative activities in various black soybean (Glycine max L.) seed tissues. Three black soybean varieties (SCEL-1, Wonheug, and Cheongja 3) were each cultivated in 4 different regions (Jeonju, Pyeongchang, Paju, and Cheonan). Harvested seeds were used to assess DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, and total polyphenol, flavonoid and anthocyanin content. SCEL-1 soybean hull contained higher DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity (61% and 85% respectively) compared to Wonheug (40% and 50% respectively). SCEL-1 cultivated in Pyeongchang displayed the highest total polyphenol and flavonoid content (1,189 mg GAE/ 100g sample and 951 mg CTE/ 100g sample, respectively). Total anthocyanin content was ranked in the following order: SCEL-1>Wonheug>Cheongja 3. All black soybeans showed much higher antioxidant activity in the soybean hull than in the dehulled soybean. The antioxidant activity of black soybeans cultivated at high latitudes was high. These results suggest that the best black soybean variant for high beneficial biological activities is the SCEL-1 variant. For a complete understanding of the potential of black soybean as functional foods, we plan to further analyze their antioxidant activities in future studies.

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum species) has long been an excellent functional food. Besides, buckwheat sprouts contain various functional substances. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity of buckwheat sprouts in the context of cultivars harvested after different cultivation periods (0, 3, 5, 7, 9, 13, and 15 days after planting). Buckwheat sprouts were cultivated at 25oC for up to 15 days and then extracted with ethanol. Antioxidant components were then extracted from sprouts and leaves using a freeze dryer. The total polyphenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were then analyzed. The total polyphenol content increased from 32.26 mg GA eq/100 g for raw buckwheat to 114.75 mg GA eq/100 g after 7 days of cultivation. Also, the flavonoid content increased from 20.61 mg catechin eq/100 g (0 days) to 56.54 mg/g after 9 days of cultivation. The DPPH radical scavenging activity (concentration of extract at 0.25 mg/mL) increased from 7.89% at day 0 to 53.48% after 9 days of cultivation. Additionally, the ABTS radical scavenging activity increased from 10.26% at day 0 to 32.89% after 7 days of cultivation; of note, the activity decreased afterward. These results suggest that the best buckwheat sprouts with higher biological activities are those cultivated for 7-9 days. For a complete understanding of the potential of buckwheat sprouts as functional foods, we plan to further analyze their antioxidant activity in the future.