Phenolics and Carotenoids Contribute to Antioxidant Activity in Navel Orange Conference Paper uri icon

abstract

  • Consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with reduced risk of disease, such as neurodegenerative disorders and certain forms of cancer, and aging. Antioxidants prevent the damage to macromolecules and cells by interfering with the free radicals. Several natural compounds that posses antioxidant activity have been reported from plant sources and are commercially promoted as nutraceuticals. Citrus fruits contain certain bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, limonoids, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid. In this context, navel oranges were freeze-dried and extracted with five different solvents, such as hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and 8 methanol: 2 water. The extracts were dried under vacuum and screened for their radical scavenging activity using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method at 250, 500, and 1000 ppm. The methanol: water and methanol extracts of navel orange were found to be maximum (92.9%) and minimum (63.89%) radical scavenging activity at 1000 ppm. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity of all extracts was assayed through the phosphomolybdenum method and expressed as equivalent to ascorbic acid (μmol/g of the extract). The order of antioxidant capacity for navel orange extracts was found to be ethyl acetate > acetone > methanol: water > methanol > hexane. It seems that the antioxidant capacity of the extracts is in accordance with the amount of phenolics/lycopene present in each fraction and may provide a good source of antioxidants. This project is based upon work supported by the USDA–CSREES under Agreement USDA IFAFS #2001-52102-02294 and USDA #2005-34402-14401 “Designing Foods for Health” through the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center.

author list (cited authors)

  • Jayaprakasha, G. K., Wilson, C., & Patil, B. S.

citation count

  • 1

complete list of authors

  • Jayaprakasha, GK||Wilson, Clark||Patil, Bhimanagouda S

publication date

  • July 2006