Effects of Se Application on Antioxidants and L-DOPA Contents of Plant Parts in Faba Bean Cultivars (Vicia faba L.) in Salt Conditions
Food Science and Nutrition, cilt.14, sa.7, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 14 Sayı: 7
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1002/fsn3.72097
- Dergi Adı: Food Science and Nutrition
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Greenfile, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: antioxidant, fava bean, L-DOPA, salt stress, selenium, total phenolics
- Uşak Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study aims to determine the effectiveness of exogenous selenium (Se) in regulating L-DOPA and antioxidant profiles in different organs of Vicia faba L. at different salinity levels, along with identifying tissue-specific metabolic changes. The research also aims to optimize selenium doses to increase the physiological resistance of the plant and its potential as a neuroprotective pharmaceutical substrate. For this purpose, the effects of Se application (doses: 0–0.05 to 0.1–0.15 mg/L) on L-DOPA, Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Compound (TFC), and Antioxidant (DPPH%) contents in the leaves, flowers, and pods of two faba bean varieties grown under greenhouse conditions (at doses of 0–4-8 dS/m) were investigated. Leaf, flower, and pod samples were taken during flowering and fruit formation periods, and L-DOPA, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant content analyses were performed. Significant correlations (p < 0.01) were determined between salt and selenium doses in all components analyzed in the fruit, except for TPC. As a result of the analyses, the highest values were obtained for L-DOPA at 0.15 mg/L Se application under 8 dS/m salt conditions, for antioxidant content at 0.15 mg/L Se application under 4 dS/m salt conditions, for TFC at 0.05 mg/L Se application under 8 dS/m salt conditions, and for TPC at 0.05 mg/L Se application under control (0 dS/m) salt conditions. To evaluate the molecular basis of the observed antioxidant potential, molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina to analyze the binding energy and polar/hydrophobic interactions of L-DOPA to the active site of the pro-oxidant enzyme NAD(P)H oxidase (PDB ID: 2CDU). The coupling analysis of L-DOPA revealed a thermodynamically favorable binding energy (−6.7 kcal/mol) and the formation of stable hydrogen bonds with residues such as ASP282 and THR9; suggesting that L-DOPA may function as a natural inhibitor of this pro-oxidant enzyme. This makes L-DOPA from V. faba a critical target for both plant physiology and human neuroprotective pharmacology. In summary, it is concluded that selenium application can help the plant cope with stress.