​Relationship of Phytochemical and Seed Characteristics of Indonesian Soybean Varieties

Abstract

Background: Soybean phytochemicals possess antioxidants that are associated with numerous benefits to human health, therefore, the seed quality and the beneficial content must be considered. This study aimed to assess the relationship between phytochemicals and seed characteristics of Indonesian soybean varieties. Methods: A total of 20 soybean varieties were studied on the seed characteristics (eccentricity index, flatness index and weight). This study was conducted in 2021 at the University of Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia. The whole soybean seeds were extracted to determine the values of crude protein, oil content, total phenol, total flavonoid and antioxidant activity. Result: Four soybean varieties, namely Detam 1, Detam 2, Dering 1 and Grobogan, contain a moderately high amount of crude protein and oil and are prominent in phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. In addition, the correlation analysis indicated that the level of antioxidant activity is correlated with total phenol, total flavonoid and seed size.