ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF EEL (<i>ANGUILLA JAPONICA</i> AND <i>CONGER MYRIASTER</i>) FLESH AND SKIN

Abstract

ABSTRACT The flesh and skin of Anguilla japonica and Conger myriaster were investigated for their antioxidant activity. Ethyl acetate and diethyl ether extracts (4 mg/mL) after extracting with methanol were tested for 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhidrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging (FRS) activity for flesh and skin of each eel species. The values were compared with α‐tocopherol and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Extracts showing positive results, when tested for DPPH FRS, were examined for dose effect, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), hydroxyl radical and superoxide scavenging assays and heat stability. All extracts of A. japonica showed a dose‐dependent DPPH FRS and significant hydroxyl radical scavenging activities ( &gt; 65%). The diethyl ether extract of the flesh of A. japonica showed the highest superoxide scavenging activity. Diethyl ether extracts of A. japonica were heat stable, and ethyl acetate extracts were stable up to 75C. Thus, it can be concluded that A. japonica is rich with heat stable and nonpolar antioxidants.