Black soybeans are valued for their rich nutritional content and potential health benefits, attributed to their functional components that enhance antioxidant activity. In this study, we evaluate and compare the isoflavone and anthocyanin content, as well as the antioxidant potential, of seven Korean black soybean genotypes. Isoflavone content ranged from 2,032.8 to 3,536.8 µg/g, with Soman displaying the highest levels of both aglycones and glucosides, indicating notable bioactive potential. In terms of anthocyanins, Danheuk had the highest total content (24,080.6 µg/g), while Soman excelled in Pelargonidin-3- glucoside (Pg3glc). Soman also showed superior antioxidant activity across all measures, including total polyphenol, flavonoid content, as well as radical scavenging abilities (ABTS and DPPH). Strong correlations were found between total flavonoid content, total polyphenol content, genistin, total isoflavone content and antioxidant activity, while correlations with total anthocyanins were relatively weaker. These findings reveal significant genetic variability in isoflavone and anthocyanin content among soybean genotypes, with Soman showing particularly high antioxidant potential, suggesting its value for health-related applications and soybean breeding programs.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Health benefits of Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and other supporting natural compounds in black soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill): A narrative review Chiew Erh Jacqueline Moey, Wai Kwan Lau Journal of Functional Foods.2026; 140: 107285. CrossRef
Enhanced Antitumor Activity of Korean Black Soybean Cultivar ‘Soman’ by Targeting STAT-Mediated Aerobic Glycolysis Su Hwan Park, Jeong Hyun Seo, Min Young Kim, Hye Jin Yun, Beom Kyu Kang, Jun Hoi Kim, Su Vin Heo, Yeong Hoon Lee, Hye Rang Park, Man Soo Choi, Jong-Ho Lee Antioxidants.2025; 14(2): 228. CrossRef