Antioxidant activity of seed extracts of <i>Annona squamosa</i> and <i>Carica papaya</i>

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate various extracts of Annona squamosa L (Annonanceae) and Carica papaya L (Caricaceae) seeds for their antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging ability, total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Design/methodology/approach Samples from both the seeds were prepared by subjecting them to microwave‐assisted extraction. After determining their antioxidant properties and polyphenolic contents, correlation between them was also investigated. Findings Highest antioxidant activity (3,179.66 g gallic acid equivalent/g of dry extract) and phenol content were registered by chloroform:methanol extract of C. papaya seeds. Maximum radical scavenging activity (3,201.63 ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity g/100 g of dry extract) was exerted by water extract of A. squamosa seeds, whereas acetone extract of C. papaya registered highest flavonoid content among all extracts. Polar extracts were found to be better free radical scavengers compared with those less polar. Hexane extracts showed least DPPH radical scavenging activity. Acetone proved efficient in extracting flavonoids, whereas phenols were best extracted in a mixture of chloroform and methanol. Phenolic metabolites seem to be contributing significantly towards antioxidant activity of the C. papaya extracts, but less so in the case of A. squamosa. Originality/value There have been few reports on antioxidant activity of non‐edible parts of commonly consumed fruits. The research indicates that seeds may be a promising source of antioxidants, which may have therapeutic implications.