Ciência e Agrotecnologia (Dec 2010)

Quantificação de ácido alfa-linolênico em caules e folhas de linho (Linum usitatissimum L.) colhidos em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento Quantification of alpha-linolenic acid in stems and leaves of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) harvested in different stages of development

  • Ana Carolina de Aguiar,
  • Sílvia Cristina de Aguiar,
  • Marcela Boroski,
  • Nilson Evelázio de Souza,
  • Makoto Matsushita,
  • Jesuí Vergílio Visentainer

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-70542010000600021
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 34, no. 6
pp. 1500 – 1506

Abstract

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O objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar o ácido alfa-linolênico [LNA, 18:3 (n-3)], avaliar a composição centesimal das folhas e caules de linho (Linum usitatissimum L.) submetidos à secagem e colhidos em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento (40, 80 e 120 dias), e determinar o potencial antioxidante das folhas colhidas aos 80 dias através do teste com o radical DPPH. As folhas obtiveram maiores teores de cinzas, proteína e lipídios totais em relação aos caules. Tanto as folhas quanto os caules apresentaram razões de AGPI/AGS e n-6/n-3 dentro dos valores considerados adequados para a alimentação. Os caules colhidos nos diferentes tempos não apresentaram diferenças significativas (PThe objective of this study was to quantify the alpha-linolenic acid [LNA, 18:3 (n-3)] and to evaluate the proximate composition of leaves and stems of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) dried and harvested at different stages of development (40, 80 and 120 days), and to determine the antioxidant potential of the leaf harvested at 80 days using the test of DPPH radical. The leaves had higher levels of ash, protein and total lipids when compared to the stems. Both the leaves as the stems had ratios of PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 within the values considered suitable for food. Stems in the different stages showed no significant difference (P<0.05) of LNA content. Leaves harvested at 80 days showed the highest concentration of LNA, corresponding to 1,262.36 mg/100g dried leaf. The different extracts (methanol, butanol, acetate and water) were efficient in the inhibition of DPPH radical, with emphasis on the butanolic and acetate fractions and the values of IC50 were approximately 42 ppm. These results highlight the nutritional potential and antioxidant activity of leaves and stems of flaxseed for future use in the animal and human feeding.

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