Comparative phytochemical analysis of Lepidium latifolium L. sprouts from Ladakh Himalayas suggest a novel combination of 2-propenyl and benzyl glucosinolate

Lepidium latifolium L. from Ladakh Himalayas is a high source of 2-propenyl glucosinolate (GLS). To utilize it as a functional food, differently aged sprouts (1st-, 2nd-, 3rd-, 4th-, and 8th-week) were evaluated for phytochemical, nutritional, and antioxidant properties. A combination of 2-propenyl and benzyl GLS was found in significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher quantity during the first four stages. Benzyl GLS decreased during the 8th-week stage, with a concomitant increase in 2-propenyl GLS. The content of GLSs was found under the transcriptional regulation of the MYB transcription factors. Despite the similar metabolic content of GLSs, higher myrosinase activity during the 3rd-week might increase their bioavailability. Lepidium sprouts also contain higher amounts of nutritionally important vitamin C, carotenoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids than observed in other Brassica species. The antioxidant potential in sprouts corroborated with the content of phenols and flavonoids and was higher during the first three weeks. Our results suggest that sprouts during the 3rd-week stage showed a unique combination of GLSs and qualitative and quantitative phytochemical superiority, hence could be promoted as a functional food. [Display omitted] •Two important glucosinolates (2-propenyl and benzyl) were present in high amounts until 4th-week.•Benzyl GLS decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) during 8th-week.•High content of vitamin C, fatty acids, carotenoids, and phenolics were found in sprouts.•3rd-week sprouts had phytochemical superiority as a functional food.