Studies on the influence of germination on the activity of antioxidant enzymes of Vigna radiata, Vigna mungo and Pennisetum typhoides seeds

Abstract

Germination of seeds is an effective culinary process for centuries in India. The aim of the experiment was to study the effect of germination on the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase of Vigna radiata,Vigna mungo and Pennisetum typhoides seeds. The seeds were germinated for 24, 48 and 72h. After germination the seeds were homogenized in 0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer and used for the enzyme assay. Catalase activity was significantly (p<0.001) increased during the period of germination. Superoxide dismutase (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001) and peroxidase (p<0.001) of germinated seeds were significantly increased compared to the dry seeds. Pennisetum typhoides showed a high level of catalase and peroxidase activity compared to Vigna radiata and Vigna mungo. Superoxide dismutase activity was comparatively high in Vigna radiata than the other two seeds. The activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in Pennisetum typhoides did not show a significant change when compared to dry seeds in 24h germination, but the activity was highly significant in 48 and 72h when compared to dry seeds. The percentage of increase in enzyme activity during the period of germination for all the enzymes was high in Vigna radiata and Pennisetum typhoides seeds.