Phytochemical screening, polyphenols content and antioxidant activity of by-products of two corn variety

Abstract

Phytochemical screening, polyphenols content, and antioxidant activity of the different parts of the white and purple corn (white corn cob, WCC; white corn leaf, WCL; white corn grain, WCG; purple corn cob, PCC; purple corn leaf, PCL, and purple corn grain, PCG) were evaluated. PCG had a higher content of fat (9.7%) and carbohydrates (77%), while WCG had a higher protein content (15.8%), the leaves had a higher fiber content (37 - 40%). The phytochemical profile was positive for alkaloids, carbohydrates, phytosterols, phenols, and terpenoids in all samples. The total phenolic content, WCC presented the highest (P < 0.05) value (225 mg GAE/100 g sample) and in lower concentration in PCG. However, PCG had a higher content of total flavonoids (104 mg CE/100 g sample). The results suggest that agroindustry wastes from corn (cob and leaf) could be considered a potential source of fiber, carbohydrates, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity.