Abstract
•eCO2 improved the nutritive value of three cultivars of Alfalfa sprouts.•eCO2 improved pigment, vitamins and mineral profile in Alfalfa sprouts.•The Ismailia1 cultivar of Alfalfa sprouts was more responsive to eCO2.•eCO2 boosted the antioxidant levels in the treated alfalfa sprouts.•eCO2 treated alfalfa sprouts showed induced anti-inflammatory properties.
Alfalfa sprouts are well known for their nutritive values. Although there are several studies reported the positive impact of elevated CO2 (eCO2) on plants, there are no in-depth, comprehensive studies on how eCO2 could improve the sprouting of plant seeds. Herein, the production of health-promoting metabolites was determined in eCO2 (620 ppm)-treated Alfalfa sprout cultivars (Giza 1, Nubaria and Ismailia 1). eCO2 increased the photosynthetic process and pigment contents, which consequently induced carbohydrates, proteins, fats and fiber accumulation. eCO2 also boosted the levels of vitamins, phenolics, flavonoids and mineral individuals and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of alfalfa sprouts. Interestingly, eCO2 reduced the antinutritional factor l-canavanine content in Ismailia 1 cultivar and improved the anti-inflammatory activities through inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 and lipoxygenase activity. Therefore, eCO2 is a promising approach to improve the health-promoting prospective of alfalfa sprouts to be a valuable source of nutritious and bioactive compounds in our daily diet.