Assessment of in vitro antioxidant capacity of the seed coat and the cotyledon of legumes in relation to their phenolic contents

Methanolic extracts of the seed coat and the cotyledon of two varieties of lentils (Lens culinaris L.) and two varieties of dark peas (Pisum sativum L.), were analysed for their antioxidant capacities (EC50), in the form of free radical-scavenging activities. Huge differences have been observed in the antioxidant capacity in the seed coat and the cotyledon in both legumes. The seed coat, in which are located, principally, phenolic compounds with flavonoid structures, presents higher antioxidant activity than the cotyledon in lentils and peas, showing differences in both species but not very large differences between varieties. An analysis of principal components was applied to the results in order to relate the antioxidant capacity of these legumes with their phenolic composition previously established by the authors.