Antioxidant activity, phenolic profile, chlorophyll and mineral matter content of corn silk (Zea mays L): Comparison with medicinal herbs
Abstract
Yellow, green, pinky and purple colored corn silk were harvested 5 and 25 days after emergence and compared with six medicinal herbs for total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, chlorophylls, as well as antioxidant activity. The phenolic acid, flavonoid and mineral matter profiles of corn silks were also determined. Corn silks at the silking stage are much more suitable for use as a natural source of phenolic compounds than silks at the R4 dough stage. The content of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds in fresh silk was higher by about 2- to 4-fold than in the silk at the R4 dough stage and by about 1.2- to 2.6-fold than in the most investigated herbs. The most abundant phenolic compounds were hydroxycinnamic acid ester and luteolin derivative i.e. 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid and maysin, respectively. A high potassium content and antioxidant activity of silk are associated with its health benefit properties.
Keywords:
antioxidant activity / Corn silk / Medicinal herbs / Mineral matters / Phenolic profilesSource:
Journal of Cereal Science, 2016, 69, 363-370Publisher:
- Academic Press Ltd- Elsevier Science Ltd, London
Funding / projects:
- Utilization of plant sources of protein, dietary fiber and antioxidants in food production (RS-31069)
- The membranes as sites of interaction between the intracellular and apoplastic environments: studies of the bioenergetics and signaling using biophysical and biochemical techniques. (RS-173040)
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2016.05.003
ISSN: 0733-5210