Phenolic profiles and potential anti-Alzheimer activity of Australian adzuki bean

Adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) is currently a minor crop in Australia, with less than 5000 tons harvested p.a. However, there is potential to expand production in the northern regions of Australia if suitable cultivars are available. This study used liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) to investigate the polyphenolic profiles of several newly developed adzuki bean cultivars grown in Rockhampton, Queensland. Approximately 15 polyphenols were identified in the seed material and 21 in the seedcoat. Additionally, it was found that the seedcoat contained a much higher total phenolic content compared to the seed and also showed significantly higher antioxidant activity. Moreover, the seedcoat extracts showed moderate inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase in an in vitro assay. Inhibition of this enzyme is one of the recommended treatment methods for Alzheimer’s Disease, suggesting that consumption of adzuki bean may provide anti-Alzheimer benefits.