Medicago spp. as potential sources of bioactive isoflavones: Characterization according to phylogenetic and phenologic factors

Abstract

A high variety of plant species are often proposed as potential natural sources of specific bioactive components, with emphasis in phenolic compounds. However, the ability to produce a determined phytochemical might be variable, even among species with close phylogeny. Furthermore, the metabolic dynamics vary greatly according to phenologic factors. Herein, it was verified whether isoflavone production in Medicago spp. is more associated with phylogenetic or phenologic determinants, to define the optimal productive conditions. Isoflavone profiles were characterized in field-grown Medicago species in three phenologic stages. Isoflavones were extracted by matrix solid-phase dispersion method and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array detector. The obtained data were evaluated by a generalized linear model (GLM) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Formononetin, genistein and irilone were the most abundant isoflavones, reaching values higher than those present in acknowledged plant sources like soy or red clover. Outputs from GLM and LDA indicate that the phylogenetic factors are the most defining criteria. This study promotes Medicago spp. as potential isoflavone sources, particularly because the effects of these compounds are highly dependent on their type and concentration, with potential application as foodstuff, feedstuff, or in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industry.

Determination of Phytoestrogen Content in Fresh-Cut Legume Forage

“…Barreira et al [ 17 ] found that the average content of all isoflavones ranged from 1.25 to 3.16 mg·g −1 of DM in Medicago species, which was significantly higher than our measurements. The variance could be due to differences between the experiments.…”

“…In recent years, phytoestrogens have been investigated by Wu et al [ 16 ], Lucas et al [ 5 ] and Barreira et al [ 17 ]. These works are primarily directed at evaluating such traditional legume species as red clover and alfalfa.…”

“…Kwiatkowska [ 7 ] reported that the values for formononetin can reach 13.22 mg·g −1 in red clover and 17.71 mg·g −1 in alfalfa. Barreira et al [ 17 ] related that formononetin content ranges from 0.011 to 2.8 mg·g −1 , depending upon the individual Medicago species.…”

Influence of climate variation on phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of Medicago minima populations

“…The Medicago genus belongs to the Leguminosae family and presents a wide range of interesting species for foods and feeds. These species are reported in many studies as sources of phytochemical compounds, including carotenoids, saponins, flavonoids and phytoestrogens [1][2][3] . These potential active ingredients have a significant preventive role against chronic diseases, especially when they are absorbed through the diet 4,5 .…”

Analysis of Isoflavones in Foods

“…Since the remaining co‐extracts after extraction did not negatively affect the resolution or the column life during the time of validation, the clean‐up step was not included. These authors have also developed MSPD‐based procedures for the extraction of isoflavones from different Medicago species (Barreira and others ; Visnevschi‐Necrasov and others ) and other plants belonging to the Leguminosae family (Cunha and others ), with the aim to evaluate isoflavone profiles. In this case C18 was used in a sorbent:to:sample ratio of 4:1 (w/w).…”