Phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity in a super-sweet corn hybrid

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine the total carotenoids, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity of 'UENF SD 08' (super-sweet corn) and to compare them with those of 'UENF50611' (field corn). The total carotenoid content was determined according to Rodriguez-Amaya, the total phenolic content by the Folin-Ciocalteau method, and the antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging method. For 'UENF SD 08', the average values were: 936.76±16.34 µg 100 g−1 for carotenoids, 346.0±3.80 mg 100 g−1 for phenolics, and 45.53±0.01% for antioxidant activity. For UENF50611, the average values were: 1,173.38±21.66 µg 100 g−1 for carotenoids, 563.33±7.97 mg 100 g−1 for phenolics, and 59.82±0.11% for antioxidant activity. UENF50611 showed a higher antioxidant activity observed due to its higher levels of carotenoids and phenolic compounds; however, the values observed for the 'UENF SD 08' super-sweet corn are within the ranges already described in the literature. 'UENF SD 08' contains a lower concentration of carotenoids and phenolic compounds than 'UENF50611', its nonmutant genetic background. However, the super-sweet corn 'UENF SD 08' has agronomic advantages, is considered a source of the evaluated secondary metabolites, and its consumption can contribute to a diet with a higher content of antioxidants.

Total polyphenol and ferulic acid analysis of a new variety of corn, Bandiburichodang, according to steaming time and roasting temperature

“…Z. mays is beloved all over the world for its rich carbohydrate content and its numerous uses in animal feeds [3]. It is an excellent source of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids [4].…”