PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF VACCINIUM FLORIBUNDUM KUNTH “PUSHGAY” EXTRACT

Abstract

The fruit of the Vaccinium floribundum Kunth “pushgay” is part of the group of native berries, which has a large amount of antioxidants, much greater than the blueberries that are currently exported to different countries. The objective of this study was the determination of the physicochemical parameters and the in vitro antioxidant capacity of the plant extract of Vaccinium floribundum Kunth. Extracts were prepared by maceration from freeze-dried fruits, using 50%, 70% and 96% ethanol as a solvent. The extracts presented similar values of relative density, total solids, refractive index, degrees Brix and pH. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, reducing sugars, tannins, amino compounds and heterosides, highlighting phenolic compounds and flavonoids with relevant antioxidant capacity. The 50% extract had a higher content of total phenols (38,131 ± 0,242 mg GAE/g extract); as well as, greater antioxidant capacity by the DPPH method (TEAC 28089,156 ± 147,482 μg/mL). The 96% extract presented (TEAC 13609,683 ± 21,669 μg/mL). It is concluded that the 50% hydroalcoholic extract of pushgay has greater antioxidant capacity that maintains a correlation with the amount of phenolic compounds with the DPPH method.