Cytotoxic, antioxidant and binding properties of polyphenols from the selected gluten-free pseudocereals and their by-products: In vitro model

Abstract Methanol extracts of gluten-free pseudocereals (seeds of some Amaranthus species , Chenopodium quinoa and Fagopyrum esculentum ) and their by-products (flour, popping, flakes and roasted seeds) were evaluated by Folin–Ciocalteau method, mass spectrometry and fluorescence analysis in order to determine total phenolic content. The values obtained by ABTS, FRAP and CUPRAC radical scavenging assays were used to determine antioxidant capacities. The binding properties of polyphenols were evaluated by their interactions with human serum albumin (HSA). Additionally, in this study were compared selected pseudocereal seeds and by-products in terms of their cytotoxic activity against human cervical carcinoma cell lines (C4-I, HTB-35, HTB-34). The obtained results showed high phenolic contents and their antioxidant, cytotoxic and binding activities in buckwheat following by quinoa and amaranth. The investigated pseudocereals could be used as additives to increase the bioactivity and health properties in foods.