Phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are not directly related to anti-proliferative activity

Antioxidant, anti-proliferative activities, and phytochemical profiles of common bean extracts were measured and compared in 10 common bean cultivars. Among the cultivars, a Yunnan cultivar (YN-1) contained the highest total phenolic content (423 mg GAE/100 g dw), total flavonoid content (252 mg CE/100 g dw), total proanthocyanidin content (295 mg CE/100 g dw), and corresponding total antioxidant activity. However, the maximum anti-proliferative activity against colon cancer cell lines (HT29 and HCT116) was shown in a Sichuan cultivar (SC-1) and the maximum anti-proliferative activity against breast cancer cell line (MCF7) was shown in a Heilongjiang cultivar (HJ-1). Antioxidant activity was significantly associated with total phenolics, total flavonoids, and total proanthocyanidins, while anti-proliferative activity of extracts had no correlation with total phenolic contents and in vitro antioxidant activity. In addition, common bean extracts reduced intracellular ROS level. A total of 17 phytochemical compounds were tentatively characterized in the extracts. These results will provide a reference for improving the value of common beans and contribute to the cultivar selection of the common bean cultivars for human health.