<i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i> (Bt) Cowpea Bioactive Activity and Gc‐Ms Profiling: A Food and Health Evaluation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt) cowpea, a genetically modified cowpea variety expressing the Bt toxin has been developed to confer resistance against certain insect pests. The purpose of this study was to assess the pharmacological, phytochemical, proximate, FTIR, GC‐MS, and antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial activity in Bt cowpea extracts in ethanol, chloroform, and n‐hexane. Bt cowpea seeds were subjected to standard analytical methods. Results revealed that the ethanol extract showed the highest antibacterial activity, with significant zones of inhibition particularly against Salmonella Typhi and ESBL E. coli . The mineral analysis showed high level of zinc (16.25%), iron (3.63%), and sodium (4.65%). Phytochemical analysis showed moderate level of flavonoids (5.21%) and saponins (2.10%) with low level of glycosides and alkaloids. Antioxidant assays showed significant activity, with the chloroform extract exhibiting the nitric oxide scavenging (116.6 mg/100 g) and reducing power (64.77 mg/100 g). The chloroform extract demonstrated the highest protein (22.40%) and carbohydrate (59.28%) content, while ethanol extract exhibited superior bulk density (0.732 g/cm 3 ) and swelling capacity. The results showed that Bt cowpea contains a range of bioactive compounds. According to the current study's findings, Bt cowpea has a lot of nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals.