Unlocking the science behind beans: How extracts might revolutionize cosmetic industry

The research unveils nutritional values of beans.

The team of scientists concentrated on two varieties of beans: black and pinto, native to the Chiapas region in southern Mexico. Their selection wasn't random. These varieties were chosen due to their high content of phenols, present in the seed coat pigment, which gives the beans either a dark red or black color.

The researchers sought to investigate why these two types of beans contain three or four times the phenolic content compared to other varieties. To do this, the team first removed the seed coat of the beans, then ground it into an extract.

The study involved an analysis of the chemical composition of both the raw and enriched extract. The scientists examined the antioxidant ability of the bean extracts using biochemical tests and in silico molecular docking, a type of computer simulation.

Findings from the Study

"We found the black beans had high quantities of anthocyanin, in particular delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin glucosides, which have antioxidative properties. The pinto beans had the highest total content of phenolic compounds and showed great potential for inhibiting enzymes that contribute to inflammation," said David Fonseca Hernandez, a doctoral student at CIATEJ and the main author of the article, which appeared in Science Daily.

The team found that the process of creating concentrated bean extracts helped to increase the amounts of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds. This information, according to the scientists, has significant value for the cosmetics industry that could leverage these extracts to create products to reduce oxidative stress and skin inflammation.

Context and Further Research Opportunities

The scientists are hopeful that their study will support regional development, thereby improving the well-being of the southern region of Mexico, and aiding in the conservation of these unique bean varieties.

Given the ability of phenolic compounds to control oxidation and inflammation, and therefore reduce the risk of developing chronic health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, these results pave the way for further medical research.