Influence of elevated CO2 on nutritive value and health-promoting prospective of three genotypes of Alfalfa sprouts (Medicago Sativa)

Abstract

Alfalfa sprouts are well known for their nutritive values. Although there are several studies reported the positive impact of elevated CO2 (eCO2) on plants, there are no in-depth, comprehensive studies on how eCO2 could improve the sprouting of plant seeds. Herein, the production of health-promoting metabolites was determined in eCO2 (620 ppm)-treated Alfalfa sprout cultivars (Giza 1, Nubaria and Ismailia 1). eCO2 increased the photosynthetic process and pigment contents, which consequently induced carbohydrates, proteins, fats and fiber accumulation. eCO2 also boosted the levels of vitamins, phenolics, flavonoids and mineral individuals and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of alfalfa sprouts. Interestingly, eCO2 reduced the antinutritional factor L-canavanine content in Ismailia 1 cultivar and improved the anti-inflammatory activities through inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 and lipoxygenase activity. Therefore, eCO2 is a promising approach to improve the health-promoting prospective of alfalfa sprouts to be a valuable source of nutritious and bioactive compounds in our daily diet.