Abstract

ARNAO, I, SUAREZ, S, CISNEROS, R et al. Evaluation of antioxidant capacity of aqueous extracts of root and leaf Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon). Rev. Soc. Quím. Perú, Apr./Jun. 2012, vol.78, no.2, p.120-125. ISSN 1810-634X.

The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant capacity in vitro of aqueous extract of leaves (EHY) and roots (ERY) of yacon and mixtures thereof. Aqueous extracts were used 4% (w/v) of yacon roots and 2% (w/v) of sheets from the department of Cajamarca. We evaluated the antioxidant capacity in vitro, by DPPH test and the content of total phenols and flavonoids of ERY and EHY and their mixtures in the proportions 80/20, 60/40, 50/50, 40/60 and 20/80, respectively. The IC₅₀ of ERY was greater than the EHY; the content of total phenols and flavonoids of the ERY (11.1 ± 0.06 mg of EAG / g and 2.7 ± 0.02 mg EQH / g) were lower than for the EHY (66.4 ± 1.05 mg of EAG / g and 17.0 ± 0.65 mg EQH / g). Mixtures of ERY / EHY gave intermediate values for the parameters. The highest antioxidant capacity of EHY on ERY is directly related to the higher content of total phenols and flavonoids and lower IC₅₀ against DPPH. On average, 24% of total phenolics are flavonoids, in the ERY, EHY and different mixtures used.

Keywords: Smallanthus sonchifolius; antioxidants; flavonoids; total phenols.