The proximate composition, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of seagrape (Caulerpa lentillifera) in Taiwan were determined in this research to indicate nutritionally of this edible seaweed to human health, and compared these results to previous studies.

Xao tam phan (Paramignya trimera (Oliv.) Guillaum) has been used as a herbal medicine for the treatment of cancer or cancer-like diseases in recent years, particularly in Vietnam. Drying is an important step for preparation of dried materials for storage and further investigation; however, the effects of drying must be taken into account when processing samples, as this can have profound effects on the stability of phytochemical compounds and the biological activity of the dried P. trimera root. As such, this study assessed the effects of four different drying methods (conventional, hot-air, vacuum, and microwave) on phytochemical retention and antioxidant capacity of the P. trimera root, to identify an optimal drying method for the P. trimera root. The results showed that the drying methods significantly affected phytochemical levels and antioxidant capacity of the P. trimera root, and that among the four drying methods tested, microwave drying (400 W) had the highest levels of phytochemical compounds with total phenolic, total flavonoid, Downloaded by [New York University] at 13:46 31 July 2015 2 proanthocyanidin, and saponin contents being 11.27 mg GAE, 19.88 mg RE, 3.98 mg CE, and 267.15 mg EE/gram of dried sample, respectively. Dried sample prepared using this method had comparable antioxidant capacity with other drying methods. In addition, this method had the shortest drying time (0.28 h), and consumed the least energy (0.28 kWh).Therefore, microwave drying method should be considered for drying P. trimera root for further investigation and utilization.

No abstract