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

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.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the phytochemical screening, polyphenols content, and antioxidant activity of different parts of white and purple corn. The results suggested that agroindustry wastes from corn can be considered as a potential source of fiber, carbohydrates, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity.