Effect of selenium biofortification on phenolic content and antioxidant properties of Jute leaf ( Corchorus olitorius )

This study investigated the effect of selenium (Se) biofortification on the mineral composition, phenolic content and antioxidant properties of Jute leaf ( Corchorus olitorius ). Jute seeds were cultivated in four groups containing 0%, 0.01%, 0.05% and 0.1% Se-fortified organic fertilizer. The leaves were harvested at maturity and the mineral content, total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined. In vitro antioxidant properties of the leaves shown by their free radical scavenging abilities, reducing property, Fe 2+ chelating ability, inhibition of Fenton reaction and lipid peroxidation were also assayed. Se content significantly increased from 0.18 ± 0.01 mg/100 g in 0% fortification group to 0.4 ± 0.03 mg/100 g in 0.1% fortification. Total phenol and flavonoid contents with the antioxidants properties increased at 0.05% fortification but reduced at 0.1% fortification. The result suggests that Jute leaf bioaccumulation of Se at 0.05% Se biofortification optimally influenced its mineral, phenolic contents and antioxidant properties.