Bioactive Compounds in Different Buckwheat Species

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Nutrient accumulation in cereal grains is influenced by species, cultivar, and environmental factors.
• Buckwheat species, Fagopyrum tataricum (tartary buckwheat) and Fagopyrum esculentum (common buckwheat), are important crops with varying nutritional profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare protein, polyphenol, rutin, and mineral content in Fagopyrum tataricum and Fagopyrum esculentum genotypes under Polish environmental conditions.
• To identify differences in key nutritional compounds between buckwheat species and cultivars.

Main Methods:

• Field experiment conducted on pseudopodsolic soil (2017-2018) using a randomized complete block design with three replications.
• Analysis of protein, phenolic acids, rutin, and mineral composition (Cu, Mn, Mg, Ca) in seeds of selected buckwheat cultivars and forms.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in protein, phenolic acids, rutin, and mineral content were observed among buckwheat cultivars and genotypes.
• Fagopyrum tataricum exhibited higher total phenolic acid and rutin content compared to Fagopyrum esculentum.
• Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) seeds contained higher levels of protein, copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and magnesium (Mg), but less calcium (Ca) than tartary buckwheat.

Conclusions:

• Cultivar and species significantly impact the nutritional composition of buckwheat.
• Fagopyrum tataricum is a valuable source of phenolic acids and rutin, while Fagopyrum esculentum offers higher protein and certain essential minerals.