Nutritional composition of and its association with the observed antimutagenic effects.

is an Ethiopian native grass plant ( or family) whose importance as a crop grain has increased in recent years. The aim of this study is to analyze the nutritional composition of its seeds and the mutagenic/antimutagenic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of the seed flour. Chemical elements (colloquially known as minerals) were determined using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS), while the content of amino acids (aminogram) and fatty acids (profile of fatty acids) were quantified by HPLC. Mutagenic activities were tested using /microsome assay. Mutagens doxorubicin, 4-nitroquinolin -oxide, methylmethanosulphonate, and aflatoxin B-1 were used in TA98 and TA100 strains to assess antimutagenic activities. The major elements observed were K, P, S, Mg, and Ca. Almost all essential amino acids were observed and the predominance of unsaturated fatty acids in the total oil content of 2.72% (w/w) is also noted, including the two essential fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid). Hydroalcoholic extract of seed flour showed antimutagenic activity, protecting against frameshift and base pair substitution mutations. These findings provide valuable information for further development of healthier foods that can be produced with increasing yields and minimal environmental impact.