L. Radhouane and S. Fattouch: Biochemical investigation of tunisian autochtonous pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br) ecotypes 105 BIOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF TUNISIAN AUTOCHTHONOUS PEARL MILLET (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. BR) ECOTYPES

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br) is a staple food in many developing countries and constitutes the major source of essential nutrients in semi-arid and arid regions of Africa and India. The knowledge about the nutrient content of autochthonous pearl millet ecotypes is scarce. In this study, biochemical analysis of six Tunisian pearl millet ecotypes has been investigated. Results provide evidence of differences in polyphenols content, antioxidant potential and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity among the studied ecotypes. These three parameters were found significantly correlated. Moreover, some ecotypes were shown to be potentially quite important sources of health promoting antioxidants. The studied biochemical properties could be used as criteria of selection for a specific food application especially the integration of this cereal in diverse industrial nutritional products.