Compositional and free radical scavenging properties of Zea mays female inflorescences (maize silks) from Mexican maize landraces

Abstract

© 2017 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Maize silks are used worldwide as a natural-based treatment for various illnesses. The biological activity of maize silks is mainly attributed to their content of polysaccharides and polyphenols. Therefore, it is worthwhile the identification of maize varieties or races that accumulate large amounts of these compounds in their staminate flowers. In the present study, the compositional and antioxidant properties of silks from three maize races (Cónico, Gordo and Cristalino) natives to Mexico were investigated. In general, the content of phenolic compounds including flavonoids and anthocyanins as well as the antioxidant capacity of maize silks from the landrace Cónico were higher than values reported in silks of hybrid maize varieties. The presence of the flavonoid maysin was confirmed in the silks of the landrace Cónico but not in the other two races. Whereas, the largest amount of polysaccharides was observed in silks from the landrace Cristalino.