Evaluation of genotypic wheat bran varieties for nutraceutical compounds.

The proximate composition and bioactive components
were screened in eight wheat bran cultivars such as
UAS (304, 415, 428), DWR (162, 185, 1006) and DDK
(1025, 1029). The results showed that carbohydrate content
ranged from 62.3 to 73.9%, protein 11–21%, fat 2.4–5.6%,
ash content 5–6.5% among the wheat bran genotypes and
dietary fiber content was found to be between 21 and 52%.
Mineral content vary viz., Fe (0.7–2.45), Mg (4.78–8.36),
K (16.47–44.58), Zn (0.78–1.44), Cu (3.35–15.79), Na
(1.22–7.14) and Mn (21.77–70.09) lg/gm, highest being in
UAS-428 variety, except for Ca content. Linoleic acid was
the major fatty acid present to the extent of 47–53%. The
antioxidant capacity of wheat bran extract through free
radical scavenging showed the IC50 values (mg/mL) of 9.4
for UAS 428 and 10.55 for UAS 415 indicating higher
activity. The steryl ferulates, total tocopherols and carotenoids
were estimated as fat soluble nutraceuticals.
Higher content of steryl ferulate was observed in DWR 185
(477 mg/100 g) followed by DDK 1025 (465 mg/100 g)
and the least in UAS 415 (119 mg/100 g) variety. In conclusion
genotypic wheat bran is an important source of
dietary micronutrients like minerals especially in UAS
variety with a potential free radical reducing ability. These
varieties have health protective properties and can be
incorporated in various food formulations for improved
lifestyles.