2025/10/15 by Pedro Henrique da Costa Balbino, Filipe Pereira Giardini Bonfim, Viviany Viriato · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Medicine · #Food Quality and Safety Studies #Light effects on plants #Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities
paper · doi:10.1080/14620316.2025.2572813
openalex created_date 2025/10/15 · openalex publication_date 2025/10/15 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/23
Edible sprouts represent a nutritionally rich stage of germination with strong potential in human nutrition. Enhancing the biosynthesis of specialised metabolites in these plants can improve their functional value. Among the strategies investigated, ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation has emerged as a promising elicitor. Acting as an abiotic stressor, UV-B stimulates the production of bioactive compounds that have protective functions in plants and are relevant for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical use. This study evaluated the effects of UV-B exposure (0, 12, and 24 hours) on the accumulation of bioactive compounds in sprouts of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), radish (Raphanus sativus), and arugula (Eruca sativa). Sprouts were grown under controlled conditions for 7 days and analysed for total phenolic content, flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity. UV-B exposure significantly enhanced phenolic compound synthesis and antioxidant activity, though responses varied across species and other metabolites. These findings suggest that UV-B radiation can be an effective, sustainable approach to improving the nutritional quality of edible sprouts. Further optimisation of exposure duration and post-treatment conditions is recommended to maximise the accumulation of desirable compounds.