Unveiling the health-promoting potential of Sudanese sorghum landraces: A legacy rooted in Eastern Sudan, Kassala, and the Red Sea States

Published: 2026
Plants, People, Planet
ISBN/ISSN: 2572-2611

Societal Impact Statement

Sorghum is a staple food for hundreds of millions of people in dry regions worldwide, and improving its nutritional quality is vital for global food and health security under climate change. In this study, we evaluated traditional Sudanese sorghum varieties grown in eastern deltas to better understand their natural health-promoting properties. We found large differences among varieties in compounds linked to antioxidant activity, vitamin A potential, and other beneficial nutrients. These results highlight the value of farmer-maintained landraces for improving diets, guiding breeding programs, supporting local seed systems, and informing policies that promote climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

Summary

• Sudan, a recognized center of origin and diversity for sorghum, harbors a rich legacy of indigenous landraces, such as Aklamoi and Tokarawi, which have been cultivated in the Gash and Tokar Deltas for an extended period. These landraces are deeply rooted in local systems and valued for their culinary and perceived health benefits. This study aimed to determine the health-promoting potential of these 20 genotypes by profiling their bioactive compounds and assessing their antioxidant properties.
• Phytochemical analyses revealed substantial genotypic variation in total phenolics (19.7–71.2 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (12.7–44.0 mg CE/g), carotenoids (51.2–78.4 μg β-carotene/g), tannins (1.41–6.92 mg CE/g), anthocyanins (1.67–9.85 mg cyanidin/g/g/g), and GABA (0.66–5.18 mg/g).
• Aklamoi genotypes, particularly Aklamoi-D and Aklamoi-21, are notable for their high levels of phenolics, anthocyanins, tannins, and GABA. In contrast, Tokarawi genotypes exhibited superior radical-scavenging and antioxidant capacities. Grain color measures, b* and ΔE, were tracked with antioxidant activities (ABTS and total reducing power), whereas the browning index was tracked with carotenoids and ABTS. Multivariate analyses (PCA and PLS-DA) revealed trait-based clustering, identifying Aklamoi-2 and Tokarawi-10 as promising bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity. Cluster analysis revealed three evolutionarily distinct groups that reflected genetic lineages and biochemical profiles.
• These findings highlight the untapped value of Sudan's sorghum genetic resources and support their integration into health-oriented breeding and conservation strategies.