Potential of some agri-waste as antioxidants of nutraceutical importance

Abstract

There has been increased concern over management of agri-horticultural waste to develop useful product and prevent environment pollution. Some selected agri-wastes like peels, leaves, twigs, flowers, pod pericarp, seed meal and seed coat from Allium cepa (Onion), Arachis hypogaea (Groundnut), Brassica campestris (Mustard), B. oleracea (Cauliflower), Capsicum annum (Mircha), Helianthus annus (Sunflower), H. esculentus (Lady finger), Pisum sativum (Peas), Solanum melongena (Brinjal), Solanum tuberosum (Potato), Sesamum indicum (Til) were studied for their total phenolic contents (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AOA). The TPC determined as mg/g Gallic acid equivalent (GAE) were high in Arachis hypogaea seed coat (146.2 mg/g GAE) followed by peels of Allium cepa (Red) 64.1 and 57.5mg/g GAE (violet variety). The AOA of A. hypogaea red seed coat residues was 89.8% followed by Allium cepa variety red peels with 75.8% and Solanum melongena fruit pulp with 60.0%. Sesbania sesban leaves exhibited AOA 67.7% with TPC 35.4 mg/g GAE, Trigonella foenum-graecum (aerial parts) AOA 26.2 to 66.7% with low TPC, Vicia faba and V. cylindrical (leaves, pod pericarp, twigs) AOA 39.2 to 78.6% and TPC 16.4 to 63.1 mg/g GAE. Antioxidants provide protection from damage caused by reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, protein, enzymes and DNA damage. Thus this study depicts that agri-horticultural wastes are cost effective source of antioxidant phytochemicals that can play important protective role in various ai lments.