Comparative Spectrophotometric Analysis of Phytic Acid Quantification in Seeds of Macrotyloma uniflorum, Phaseolus lunatus, and Phaseolus vulgaris

Background: Phytic acid, the primary storage form of phosphorus in seeds, plays a pivotal role in mineral bioavailability and nutritional quality. Its concentration in legumes directly influences their nutritional value and potential health benefits. This study introduces a novel approach by comparing phytic acid determination at two wavelengths, improving measurement reliability and offering valuable insights into phytic acid quantification. Objective: To quantify and compare the phytic acid content in Macrotyloma uniflorum (MU), Phaseolus lunatus (PL), and Phaseolus vulgaris (PV) using spectrophotometric analysis at 480 nm and 519 nm. Method: Seeds of MU, PL, and PV were procured, identified, and processed. Phytic acid was extracted using 5% H₂SO₄ and quantified colorimetrically with absorbance measurements at 480 nm and 519 nm. Standard curves were used for precise content determination. Results: At 480 nm, PV exhibited the highest phytic acid concentration (37.8 mg/g), whereas MU showed the highest content at 519 nm (37.0 mg/g). These findings underscore the variability in phytic acid levels among legumes and the influence of measurement wavelengths. Conclusion: The study highlights the dual role of phytic acid in providing health benefits while limiting mineral bioavailability. Accurate quantification is crucial for assessing its nutritional implications, offering valuable insights for food science and agricultural applications. Future Prospects: Future research should aim to develop more precise, efficient phytic acid analysis techniques and innovative processing methods, such as chelating agents, to reduce its content. These efforts could enhance mineral bioavailability and the nutritional profile of legumes, driving progress in food science and agriculture.