Abstract

TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFICACY OF THREE PARTS OF THE PUMPKIN CUCURBITA MOSCHATA AND THE EFFECT OF THE DRYING METHOD ON THEM

Mohammed Raheem Al-Qaisy, Dr. Munther Hamza Rathi*

ABSTRACT

This study aims to determine the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity for three parts of the pumpkins Cucurbita moschata which are the peel, leaves, and the pulp dried under sun and determine the Antioxidant activity of these parts using five different solvents: distilled water at room temperature, boiled distilled water,50% ethanol in water, 5% hydrochloric acid in water & 1% hydrochloric acid in water. Folin-Ciocolateau method used for assessment of phenolic compounds & synthetic free radical inhibition DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) for determination of oxidant activity. Statistical analysis showed that phenolic content depends on the part of the plant and type of the solvent used in the extraction process in that acid solvents, 5%HCL & 1% HCL were better than 50% ethanol, cold & boiled distilled water in both phenolic compound extraction & assessment of antioxidant activity. Results also showed that types of the solvent & plant parts are also important in determination of the phenolic content of the pumpkin & its antioxidant activity.

Keywords: Cucurbita moschata, Total phenolic content, Antioxidant activity.