PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF MUNG BEAN (VIGNA RADIATA (L.) WILCZEK) GENOTYPES FOR DUAL-PURPOSE BIOACTIVE AND ANTIOXIDANT TRAITS IN BURKINA FASO

Abstract

Mung bean is an Asian-origin legume with significant agronomic and nutritional benefits, increasingly promoted in West Africa as a resilient crop to address food and nutritional security challenges. This study represents one of the first simultaneous evaluations of seed and leaves phytochemical profiles in mung bean genotypes cultivated under Sudanianagro-ecological conditions in Burkina Faso. It evaluated the biochemical composition and antioxidant activity of seeds and leaves from ten lines (nine introduced and one local) in Burkina Faso. Polyphenols and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP), were quantified in both organs. The results revealed a metabolic superiority of leaves over seeds regarding phenolic compounds. Lines VR-172, M34, and VR-114 were characterized by high antioxidant activity (DPPH > 3.4 umol AAE/g in leaves). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation (r = 0.48; p < 0.01) was established between seed antioxidant activity and total polyphenols content. These genotypes (VR-172, M34, and VR-114) represent promising candidates for biofortification and food diversification programs. Our findings demonstrate the importance of considering both seeds and leaves when assessing the nutritional potential of mung bean germplasm.