XVI International Botanical Congess

L-dihydroxyphenyl alanine (L-DOPA) was shown to accumulate in seeds of Fabaceae members. The highest concentrations were found in Mucuna pruriens, 3-7% (dry weight basis). Lower concentrations were found in Vicia faba (Vf) seeds. An interest has evolved in herbal formulations for treatment of Parkinson's disease. Herbal formulations lack carbidopa, the inhibitor of peripheral metabolism of L-DOPA. Thus large amounts of Vf powder should be consumed for ample L-DOPA to reach the brain, hence the importance of a richer L-DOPA source. In the present study, 24 accessions of Vf seedlings from various origins were screened for L-DOPA content. L-DOPA concentrations found ranged from 2.33% to 21.2% (dry weight basis). A large variation in the 1000-seed weight was found in this germplasm: 560-2200g. No significant correlation was found between seed weight and the seedling L-DOPA content. Breeding L-DOPA rich Vf cultivars for use as herbal formulations is thus indicated.