Probl Hig Epidemiol 2018, 99(4): 336-343pl

Antioxidant activity of alcoholic extracts of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.) and mopan persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.)

Anna Nowak ^1/, Joanna Zielonka-Brzezicka ^1/, Adam Klimowicz ^1/, Daria Wira ^1/, Daria Wysocka ^2/, Karolina Grzesiak ^2/, Ewelina Rędzikowska ^2/

1/ Katedra i Zakład Chemii Kosmetycznej i Farmaceutycznej, Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Szczecinie
2/ Absolwentka Kosmetologii, Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Szczecinie

Summary
Introduction. Oxidative stress, caused by a reactive oxygen species (ROS) imbalance, is a major ethiological and pathogenic factor in most civilization diseases. The fruits of Mopan Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) and Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.) contain mineral compounds as well as vitamins and polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants.
Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content of alcoholic extracts from the skins and pulp of passion fruit and mopan persimmon.
Materials & methods. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH and FRAP methods, while total polyphenol content was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The following solvents were used: 70% (v/v) and 96% (v/v) ethanol as well as 99.8% (v/v) methanol. The extracts were prepared using an ultrasound-assisted extraction bath for 15, 30 and 60 minutes.
Results. The antioxidant activity of passion fruit extracts, evaluated by means of the DPPH method, ranged from 0.36±0.13 to 1.90±0.03 mg of trolox per gram of raw material, while those of mopan persimmon ranged from 0.47±0.03 to 1.99±0.05 mg of trolox per gram of raw material. In the FRAP method results, activity ranged from 1.07±0.01 to 5.85±0.22 mg of FeSO₄ per gram of raw material (for passion fruit) and from 1.10±0.20 to 3.26±0.16 mg of FeSO₄ per gram of raw material (for mopan persimmon). The highest total polyphenol content was discovered in passion fruit pulp extracted with a 96% (v/v) ethanol solvent for 60 min (2.58±0.05 mg of gallic acid per gram of raw material).
Conclusions. The alcoholic extracts of the studied fruits showed a high antioxidant potential, which suggests that they could be used as a valuable source of antioxidants.

Key words:  exotic fruits, antioxidant activity, total polyphenol content, alcoholic extracts, Mopan Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.), Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.)