An assessment of bioactive compounds and antioxidants in some tropical legumes, seeds, fruits and spices
Journal Title: Journal of Research in Biology - Year 2013, Vol 3, Issue 7
Abstract
Objective: The main objective of this research was to assess bioactive compounds, antioxidant potential and mineral concentration of commonly consumed foods as well as underutilized ones for improved health and food security. Methods: Twelve food samples were assessed for minerals, flavonoids, IP6, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity. IP6 was determined by anion exchange chromatography while flavonoids, polyophenols, minerals and antioxidant activity were determined by standard methods. Results: The highest concentrations of IP6 were recorded in legumes and corn while appreciable levels were also found in golden apple and sorrel samples. The highest concentrations of flavonoids and total polyphenols were found in nonleguminaceaous samples. Pimento and ginger samples recorded highest antioxidant activity (p<0.05) with values comparable to the standard ascorbic acid while pumpkin seeds and onion samples recorded lowest antioxidant activities. Mineral concentrations varied with the samples of pimento, golden apple and sorrel having highest calcium concentrations. Sorrel, ginger and pimento recorded highest iron concentrations, while zinc levels were as highest in both hulled and unhulled pumpkin seed samples. Okra samples recorded the highest copper concentrations. Conclusion: Food samples analysed are rich in minerals, bioactive compounds and antioxidants hence their increased exploitation for nutraceutical and nutritional benefits are advocated. Data from this study argues well for increased production and consumption of rarely consumed pumpkin and jackfruit seeds in light of their nutritional profile and antioxidant activity. Most samples assessed are valuable in supplementing nutrient-poor diets.
Authors and Affiliations
Dilworth LL, Brown KJ, Wright RJ, Oliver MS, Asemota HN
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP566659
- DOI -
- Views 50
- Downloads 0
On exposure to LC-50 of cadmium chloride, Ophiocephalaus punctatus alters the physicochemical parameters of water
Cadmium is highly toxic to aquatic biota and severely alters the biochemical, physiological and histopathological aspects of organisms. It also induces the change in physico-chemical parameters of water. It is observed t...
Comparative evaluation of hyaluronic acid production by Streptococcus thermophilus isolated from yoghurt
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is also known by the name hyaluronan. The necessity for using this fabulous material lead to investigate non-pathogenic strains which produce this material. The most non-pathogenic strain is S. therm...
Efficient in vitro micropropagation of Gynura procumbens - an important rare medicinal plant, through shoot tip and nodal segment explants
Gynura procumbens is a medicinally important herbaceous plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. It works against virus, inflammation and various types of allergies. It is used to treat rheumatic fever, migraine...
Compatibility of Beauveria bassiana strains on the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles
Nowadays synthesis of nanomaterials by using bio-root is limelight of modern nanotechnology. In the present investigation, we have isolated four strains viz: KFRI 330 (A), KFRI 332 (B), KFRI 351 (C) and KFRI 352 (D) of B...
Influence of the growing area on oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) inflorescences insects population
Oil palm tree grows naturally on low ground and on plain. Seed production varies from one area to another on the same oil palm plantation. Pollination of oil palm is essentially entomophilous; it appeared useful to asses...