Bioactive composition, germination behavior and functional properties of three moroccan flaxseed origins (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Abstract

This work investigates the morphological, biochemical, and functional characteristics of flaxseed ( Linum usitatissimum L.) from three Moroccan origins: Bouarfa region, Fez region, and Tangier region. Climatic classification confirmed a clear gradient from humid conditions in the Tangier region to semi-arid and arid climates in the Fez and Bouarfa regions. Seed morphometry revealed significant differences among origins, with the Bouarfa region producing the largest and heaviest seeds, as reflected by a 100-seed weight ranging from 5.77 g (Fez region) to 8.21 g (Bouarfa region). SEM observations highlighted distinct surface microstructures, with seeds from the Bouarfa region that displayed the thickest seed coat. Biochemical analyses showed that seeds from the Bouarfa region had the highest lipid content (38.2%) and mucilage yield (1.42 g/100 g), whereas seeds from the Fez and Tangier regions exhibited higher phenolic extract yield and flavonoid content (up to 4.92 mg QE/100 g). Germination capacity differed markedly among regions, with final germination percentages of 61.9% (Bouarfa region), 47.6% (Fez region), and 33.3% (Tangier region), with the Bouarfa region also showing the fastest radicle emergence. Phenolic release kinetics revealed a rapid initial diffusion phase during the early stages extraction period. Functional assays indicated moderate antimicrobial activity of phenolic extracts against Saccharomyces cerevisiae , while lignan fractions exhibited broader antimicrobial effects, including measurable inhibition against Escherichia coli . Antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH showed strong radical-scavenging capacity, with IC 50 values of 7 μg/mL (Bouarfa region), 10 μg/mL (Fez region), and 11 μg/mL (Tangier region). Overall, these findings highlight Moroccan flaxseed as a promising functional food ingredient whose nutritional and bioactive properties are strongly influenced by regional climatic conditions.