Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) as a function of growth under different conditions.
Kulkarni S, Tilak J, Acharya R, Rajurkar N, Devasagayam T, Reddy A. 2006. Phytother. Res. 20:218-227
Antioxidant levels (phenolic and flavonoid compounds) of water-based (i.e. wheatgrass juice) and alcohol-based extractions of wheatgrass were measured from plants grown under different growing conditions over periods from 6 to 15 days. These conditions included tap water, tap water with nutrients, soil and tap water and soil with nutrients.
These extracts were compared with a commercially available wheatgrass tablet.
The scientists found antioxidant levels were:
1. Highest at the end of the growing period (15 days).
2. Up to 25% higher in alcohol-extracted solutions compared with freshly juiced wheatgrass.
3. Highest in soil with nutrients.
4. Higher than many natural extracts and vegetables.
5. Significantly lower in the wheatgrass tablet compared with both fresh juice and alcohol-extracted solutions.