Resumen

MARQUES, Marcelo Rodrigues et al. An in  vitro analysis of the total phenolic content, antioxidant power, physical, physicochemical, and chemical composition of Terminalia Catappa Linn fruits. Ciênc. Tecnol. Aliment. [online]. 2012, vol.32, n.1, pp. 209-213.  Epub 06-Mar-2012. ISSN 0101-2061.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0101-20612012005000023.

This study assessed the antioxidant, total phenolic, and physicochemical properties of in vitro Terminalia Catappa  Linn (locally called castanhola) using the DPPH assay. The castanhola fruits had an average weight of 19.60 ± 0.00 g, combining shell, pulp, and seed weight, and a soluble solids content of 8 °Brix. The chemical composition was determined with predominance of carbohydrates (76,88 ± 0,58%).The titration method was used to determine Vitamin C content using 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCFI), known as reactive Tillmans resulting in no significant levels. Aqueous extracts of castanhola pulp showed a higher concentration of phenolics, 244.33 ± 18.86 GAE.g^-1 of fruit, and alcoholic extracts, 142.84 ± 2.09 GAE.g^-1 of fruit. EC₅₀ values of the aqueous extract showed a greater ability to scavenge free radicals than the alcoholic extracts. The fruit had a significant content of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant capacity.

Palabras llave : tropical fruit; functional properties; bioactive compounds.