Standard Process Evaluates the Complexity of Buckwheat

Phytochemicals (like carotenoids) vary greatly over the life cycle of the plant and while rutin concentrations are well-studied, little research exists regarding overall antioxidant activity throughout the stages of buckwheat growth.

Nov 4 2010 --- Standard Process Inc. researchers recently published a paper evaluating the antioxidant compounds present in buckwheat throughout the growing season. The paper, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, looks at the complexity of beneficial compounds in buckwheat as a whole, from sprout to seed.

Phytochemicals (like carotenoids) vary greatly over the life cycle of the plant and while rutin concentrations are well-studied, little research exists regarding overall antioxidant activity throughout the stages of buckwheat growth.

In the first year of this ongoing project, buckwheat seeds were sown in several locations on the Standard Process certified organic farm. In addition to soil samples, the plants were evaluated for the presence of lutein, beta-carotene, rutin, and anthocyanins. Antioxidant activity was measured by the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity(ORAC) assays.

The scientists concluded based on the overall profile of antioxidant activity, and with consideration given to plant size and yield, that optimal harvest time is 4 – 5 weeks after sowing.

"We wondered if the sprouts and younger plants would yield a higher concentration of antioxidant phytochemicals, but ultimately our work validated the current practice of harvesting the flowering buckwheat," said Brandon Metzger, Ph.D., research scientist at Standard Process and lead author of the paper. "Harvesting just prior to seed appearance in the late stage of growth, when environmental conditions allow, maximizes the whole plant as a raw ingredient."

Dr. Metzger cautioned, however, that this is only one year of data collection. "Because this project is ongoing, we will revisit this recommendation to verify that it remains accurate even among other buckwheat varieties."

Dr. Metzger's current research builds on his previous studies examining the effect of buckwheat protein from seed on cholesterol uptake in a cell model that represents human intestinal cells.