L-DOPA yield in plants of local <i>Vicia faba</i> varieties from Puebla, Mexico

Significant quantities of 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-DOPA or levodopa) are present in the plant structures of <i>Vicia faba</i>, a compound utilized in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In Mexico, the cultivation and per capita consumption of <i>V. faba</i> is low, suggesting that exploiting the species through its biomass could enhance the utilization of this phytogenetic resource. The objectives were: (1) to evaluate the morphological characteristics of seeds from 24 local <i>V. faba</i> varieties originating from production areas, and (2) to analyze the content and yield of L-DOPA in the young plants of these 24 local varieties to assess the variation of this compound. The local varieties were collected in seven growing localities in Puebla, Mexico. Seed local varieties were measured for length, width, and weight of 100 seeds to determine their size. Subsequently, the seeds were sown in the field, and plants were harvested 20 days after emergence. The plant material was processed, and L-DOPA content was quantified using UV-visible spectrophotometry, and the yield per plant was obtained. L-DOPA content and yield ranged from 127.91 - 179.52 mg g<sup>-1</sup> DM and 223.27 - 584.21 mg plant<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. Principal component and cluster analysis identified five groups differentiated by seed morphological variables, biomass and L-DOPA. It was shown that the L-DOPA content in the plant is not influenced by the place of origin of the seed, and that seed size can be an indicator of the amount and yield of L-DOPA. The production of this bioactive compound via <i>V. faba</i> biomass may be considered a natural resource with commercial potential.