[Antiphysiological and nutritional factor changes in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) seeds during germination]

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effects of germination on the nutritional quality of two commercial varieties of low tannin content Sorghum: brown sorghum without testa (ICSY-CM89513) and white sorghum (ISIAP Dorado). After 24 hours of germination the condensed tannin concentration (catechin equivalent) was reduced 60% and 40% for brown and white sorghum respectively. However, tannin levels increased up 100% at 96 h germination. Phytic acid concentration decreased about 90% in 96 hours for both varieties. The lysine concentration increased up 110% (72 h germination) and 129% (48 h) for white and brown sorghum respectively. The thiamine, niacin and riboflavin contents increased 73, 200 and 353% respectively for brown sorghum in 72 h and 15, 44 and 93% respectively for white sorghum in 48 h. The "in vitro" enzymatic digestibility was increased 39.3% (72 h) for brown sorghum and 100% for white sorghum. The albumin concentration increased 80% and 74% (72 h) for brown and white sorghum respectively. The Calculated Protein Efficiency Ratio indicated nutritional improvements with germination. The sprouting was a practical and simple process for providing better nutritional properties in sorghum seeds to be used as human food.