Antioxidant activity and phenolic composition of vegetables consumed in Brazil

Author(s)

Ana Paula Tiveron

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC)
• Defense date: 2010-10-13

Examining board members

Severino Matias de Alencar; Solange Guidolin Canniatti Brazaca; Luciana Ferracini dos Santos

• Advisor: Severino Matias de Alencar

Abstract

Vegetables are widely consumed foods in the diet of Brazilians. A few years ago, studies on compounds present in vegetables such as carotenoids, vitamins, fibers and phenolic compounds have been conducted due to their biological effects and benefits to human health. Phenolic compounds are distinguished mainly by their antioxidant power. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in some vegetables consumed in Brazil. The methods for evaluating the antioxidant activity used were the DPPH free radical and ABTS, -carotene bleaching, reduction of Fe3+, oxidative stability in Rancimat, while the chemical composition used the gas chromatography - mass spectrometry technique (GC-MS). Ethanol extracts were used in all analysis. The content of phenolic compounds ranged from 1.2 to 16.9 mg / g, with carrots presenting the lowest amount and lettuce the highest. The vegetables with the highest antioxidant activity were lettuce (54.9% and 0.45 mmol Fe2+/ mg), through DPPH and FRAP methods, respectively, saffron (111.8 mM trolox / g and 92.8%) through the ABTS+ and -carotene methods, watercress and broccoli through the Rancimat method (protective factor 1.29). Besides these, the artichoke, spinach, and asparagus also showed considerable antioxidant activity. Phenolic compounds most frequently found through the GCMS technique were ferulic acid, caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid. Ascorbic acid also contributed to the antioxidant activity of some vegetables. Generally, it is confirmed the good antioxidant activity of some vegetables, emphasizing its importance in a balanced diet. (AU)