Vegetables are widely consumed in Brazil and exported to several countries. This study was performed to evaluate the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of vegetables commonly consumed in Brazil using five different methods, namely DPPH and ABTS free radical, β-carotene bleaching, reduction of Fe3+ (FRAP), oxidative stability in Rancimat, and the chemical composition using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The content of phenolic compounds ranged from 1.2 mg GA/g (carrot) to 16.9 mg GA/g (lettuce). Vegetables presenting the highest antioxidant activity were lettuce (77.2 μmol Trolox/g DPPH•; 447.1 μmol F2+/g FRAP), turmeric (118.6 μmol Trolox/g ABTS•+; 92.8% β-carotene), watercress and broccoli (protective factor 1.29—Rancimat method). Artichoke, spinach, broccoli, and asparagus also showed considerable antioxidant activity. The most frequent phenolic compounds identified by GC-MS were ferulic, caffeic, p-coumaric, 2-dihydroxybenzoic, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acids, and quercetin. We observed antioxidant activity in several vegetables and our results point out their importance in the diet.

South Brazilian organic propolis (OP), which has never been studied before, was assessed and its chemical composition, scavenging potential of reactive oxygen species, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities are herein presented. Based on the chemical profile obtained using HPLC, OP was grouped into seven variants (OP1–OP7) and all of them exhibited high scavenging activity, mainly against superoxide and hypochlorous acid species. OP1, OP2, and OP3 had the smallest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, and Streptococcus aureus (12.5–100 μg/mL). OP1, OP2, OP3, and OP4 were more effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative), with MIC values ranging from 100 to 200 μg/mL. OP6 showed anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing NF-kB activation and TNF-α release in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and expressing the NF-κB-luciferase reporter stable gene. Therefore, south Brazilian OP can be considered an excellent source of bioactive compounds with great potential of application in the pharmaceutical and food industry.

Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of agroindustrial residuesRecebido para publicação 08.07. BV (20,94±0,46; 8,03±0,43)> BI (16,57±0,19; 4,41±0,01)> BG (3,41±0,09;1,88±0,06 PV (20.94±0.46; 8.03±0.43) >PI (16.57±0.19; 4.41±0.01)>PG (3.41±0.09; 1.88±0.06

Antioxidant activity and phenolic composition of vegetables consumed in Brazil 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, ȕ-carotene bleaching, reduction of Fe 3+ , 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 Fe 2+ / mg), through DPPH • and FRAP methods, respectively, saffron (111.8 mM trolox / g and 92.8%) through the ABTS •+ and ȕ-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 GC-MS 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.