Abstract

The beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are native American legumes with high nutritional value and health benefits. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hydric stress on the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, and inhibition of enzymes associated with metabolic syndrome, in nine bean landraces cultivated in the Mediterranean zone of Chile. The polyphenolic enriched extract (PEE) from the seeds were analyzed for total phenolic, flavonoid, proanthocyanidin content, and antioxidant capacity. The main compounds were quantified by HPLC. The activity of the extracts on the enzymes alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase, and pancreatic lipase was assessed. Under restricted watering, all phenolic compounds increased in Pinto beans and decreased in other accessions. Best effect towards alpha-glucosidase was observed for Negro Argel, Bayote, and Enriqueta with IC50 between 0.006 mu g/mL and 0.820 mu g/mL. Water stress has a significant effect on polyphenols composition and consequently on the antioxidant activity and inhibition of enzymes.