Antimicrobial Potential and Phytochemical Content of Six Diverse Sources of Quinoa Seeds ( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Abstract

Antimicrobial potential of quinoa seeds from six diverse seeds, grown in three distinctive geographical zones of Chile, was correlated with their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total saponin content (TSC). The six seeds were Ancovinto, Cancosa, Cahuil, Faro, Regalona and Villarrica. A significant influence of quinoa source on chemical composition of seeds was observed. Extracts of all quinoa samples showed antimicrobial activity in the range of 8.3 - 14.8 mm inhibition zone for E. coli and 8.5 - 15.0 mm inhibition zone for S. aureus. Cancosa seeds had the highest antimicrobial action. The TPC and TFC ranged from 3.71 to 16.55 mg GA/100 g d.m. and 7.77 to 14.37 mg QE/100 g d.m., respectively. TSC varied from 1.78 to 3.08 g/100 g d.m. A correlation between TFC and antimicrobial activity was found. In conclusion, the six types of quinoa seeds were identified as potential sources of antioxidant compounds and antimicrobial activity.