Radical Scavenging Activity of Instant Grits with Addition of Chamomile Flowers Determined by TLC–DPPH^• Test and by Spectrophotometric Method

Abstract

Phenolic compounds possess multiple biological effects, including antioxidant activity. They may act as scavenger of free radicals or prevent their formation. The antioxidant properties of extruded grits enriched with 5%, 10%, and 20% addition of chamomile were evaluated. In order to determine antioxidant activity of samples, TLC–DPPH^• test and spectrophotometric method, using DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical), were performed. The results of TLC–DPPH^• test and spectrophotometric analysis indicated that antioxidant potential of corn grit increased with the addition of Matricaria chamomilla. The study findings confirmed that high-temperature extrusion process has no negative influence on antioxidant activity of polyphenolic compounds, which are present both in the raw and enriched with the Matricaria chamomilla final product.

Keywords:

• antioxidants
• instant grits
• extrusion
• Matricaria chamomilla
• polyphenols
• TLC–DPPH^•
• test