18E-11

R. HORAX¹, N. S. Hettiarachchy¹, M. Jalaluddin², and R. S. Walnofer¹. (1) Dept. of Food Science, Univ. of Arkansas, 2650 N. Young Avenue, Fayetteville, AR AR 72704, (2) Dept. of Agriculture, Univ. of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, AR 71611

Bitter melon is traditionally known for its medicinal properties such as antidiabetic, anticancer, and cholesterol lowering effects. It contains many phenolic compounds that may have the potential as antioxidant and antimutagen. Although the value of bitter melon is realized, scientific information on phenolic composition of bitter melon and antioxidant and antimutagenic activities of its extracts from food grade solvents are limited. The objectives of this study were to extract and quantify phenolics from bitter melon flesh and seed using various solvents and evaluate the extracts for antioxidant and antimutagenic activities. Phenolics were extracted using methanol/ethanol/water system, and total phenolics and phenolic acid composition were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent and HPLC, respectively. Antioxidant and antimutagenic activities were determined by methyl linoleate model system and Ames test, respectively. Total phenolics of flesh and seed extracts ranged from 11.41-20.78 and 12.55-22.44 mg as CAE/g extract, respectively. Catechin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, and t-cinnamic acid were the main phenolics in flesh extracts, while gallic acid, gentisic acid, catechin, and chlorogenic acid were predominant in seed extracts. Antioxidant activities of the extracts from flesh and seed ranged from 71.31-82.29% inhibition and 71.22-81.48% inhibition, respectively. Antimutagenicity against benzo(a)pyrene (mutagen) with Salmonella TA98 and TA100 ranged from 91.6-100 and 78.7-86.2% inhibition, respectively. Bitter melon extract can be a potential source of antioxidant and antimutagen. These extracts can find application in food products, and dietary supplements.

Session 18E, Nutraceutical & Functional Foods: General I
2:00 PM - 5:30 PM, Sunday PM Room Hall I-2

2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana