Phytochemical screening and radical scavenging activity of whole seed of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) and Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties

Three durum wheat (triticum turgidum l. var. durum) cultivars,namely bousselam,vitron,and gaviota durum,and one barley genotype (hordum vulgare l.),fouara,grown under semi-arid conditions were compared for their total phenolic and flavonoids content and antioxidant activities. antioxidant activity was tested using dpph radical scavenging assay method. the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins,flavonoids,coumarins,saponins and phenolic compounds in each variety seeds. the results of the present study indicate significant differences among the evaluated varieties in terms of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and for radical scavenging capacity. among the tested varieties gaviota durum showed high total phenolic (95.32± 0.27 μg /mg) and flavonoid content (78.80 ± 0.27 μg/mg) and an intermediate radical scavenging capacity. while barley variety fouara expressed high radical scavenging capacity (54.8% ±0.34) and intermediate total phenol and flavonoids contents. the tested durum wheat and barley varieties possessed varying but meaningful antioxidant activities which were not significantly correlated to their phenol and flavonoid contents. it is necessary to ensure that increased bioactive components in grains are combined with good agronomic performance,high grain yield and high quality for processing. the results of the present study should have significant implications for plant breeders as well as for grain and food processors. © 2017 jordan journal of biological sciences.