Antioxidant and antimutagenic activity of phenolic compounds in three different colour groups of common bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Total phenolic content of seven improved common bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) namely, Negro Altiplano, Negro Durango, Negro Sahuatoba, Flor de mayo sol, Flor de Mayo Bajío, Flor de Mayo 94044MX and Bayo Madero were analyzed. Acetone and methanol extracts from bean cotyledons were obtained by successive extractions. Total phenolic content was evaluated following Folin–Ciocalteu method; antioxidant activity by the DPPH technique; antimutagenic potential by the Ames method; and preliminary identification was realized by 2D-TLC. Results indicated high correlation between total phenol content and antioxidant activity for acetone extracts, and also high correlation between antioxidant and antimutagenic activities. In contrast, low correlation coefficients were obtained for methanol extracts. Three cultivars (two Negro cultivars and a Flor de Mayo type) showed lower antimutagenic activity than catechin.