Antioxidant evaluation and chemoprotection of phenolic extracts from apple seeds

Abstract

Phenolic extracts from apple seeds (Malus domestica) belonging to the Red delicious (Rd) and Blanca de asturias (Ba) varieties were studied. Two extraction sequences with organic solvents were performed to evaluate hydrophilic phytochemicals: one with hexane, ethyl acetate and 50% methanol and the other with hexane and 70% acetone. For both apple varieties, acetone extracts showed higher total phenolics and condensed tannin content than ethyl acetate or aqueous methanol extracts. The same trend was observed with acetone extracts, which showed the highest free radical scavenging activity (%RSA). Bidimensional thin later chromatography plates gave positive evidence for proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins). The effect of crude extracts on transformed cells (HeLa) was evaluated and found to be as strong as the positive control (catechin). Aqueous acetone extracts showed the highest inhibition to cell proliferation of all tested extracts and controls.

Keywords

• antioxidants
• apple
• chemoprotection
• polyphenol
• seeds