Development of a novel epicatechin-rich soybean variety, Aritaunkong, and its antioxidant and skin anti-aging properties

Abstract
BACKGROUND
Selective breeding of cultivated soybeans (Glycine max) has led to reduced levels of epicatechin and diminished stress tolerance compared to its wild relatives.

RESULTS
To address this, we developed a novel soybean variety, Aritaunkong, by crossing a landrace (IT109098) with a wild-type line (K7-2), generating 113 recombinant inbred lines. Aritaunkong was selected based on superior epicatechin content, antioxidant activity, matrix metalloproteinase-1 inhibition, germination percentage, 100-seed weight, and yield. It uniquely contains epicatechin, procyanidin, and quercetin derivatives, which are absent in the commercial cultivar Jinpung. Functional assays confirmed enhanced antioxidant and skin anti-aging effects in human dermal fibroblasts. Genomic resequencing and variant effect prediction identified three candidate genes (Glyma.03G227300, Glyma.02G048600, and Glyma.19G254700) potentially involved in epicatechin biosynthesis.

CONCLUSION
Aritaunkong combines functional bioactivity with favorable agronomic traits, providing a valuable genetic resource for soybean breeding and biomarker discovery. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.