This study was aimed to investigate the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of
elicited pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) sprouts prepared using various Na-alginate
concentrations at different elicitation durations. The germination power and yield of the
sprouts were also examined. Elicitation proved capable to improve the antioxidant
capacity of legumes sprouts but the yield and germination rates were decreased due to the
elicitation stress. In this study, elicitation conducted by immersing pigeon pea seeds in Na
-alginate solutions (250, 300, and 350 ppm) for various duration (16, 20, and 24 hrs). The
seeds were then germinated for 48 hrs to produce Na-alginate elicited pigeon pea sprouts.
The results showed that the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (Trolox
equivalent antioxidant capacity, TEAC, and Ferric reducing antioxidant power, FRAP) of
elicited pigeon pea sprouts were significantly increased along with the increasing
elicitation duration in all Na-alginate levels. The higher Na-alginate levels produce a
higher level of TPC, TEAC, and FRAP values. On the other hand, germination power and
the yield of the sprouts were significantly decreased along with increasing Na-alginate
levels and elicitation duration. Elicitation using 350 ppm Na-alginate with an elicitation
duration of 24 hrs produces elicited pigeon pea sprouts with the highest TPC and
antioxidant activity, but lowest germination power and yield. These results have an
important consequence in developing an elicitation technique to improve the antioxidant
capacity of leguminous.