Influence of altitudinal variation on the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of azuki bean (Vigna angularis).

The individual phenolic acids, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of azuki bean (Vigna angularis) varieties from 13 provinces of China were investigated. Eight phenolic compounds were analysed on an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry system. The results obtained suggest that the azuki beans can be considered as a good source of phenolic compounds, and growing the azuki beans at high altitude may be an effective way to enhance the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of the beans.