CAROTENOIDS COMPOSITION, ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND GLYCEMIC INDEXOF TWO VARIETIES OF BACTRIS GASIPAES

Silvia Quesada; Gabriela Azofeifa; Sorel Jatunov; Gin Jiménez; Gin Jiménez; Georgina Gó mez

Silvia Quesada Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
Gabriela Azofeifa Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
Sorel Jatunov Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
Gin Jiménez Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
Gin Jiménez Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
Georgina Gó mez Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica

Abstract

Peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) is an orange, red or yellow fruit widely cultivated in Central America. It is an energy-rich source of carbohydrates, fats and carotenes, and contains small amounts of protein and fiber. The aim of this study was to describe its carotenoid concentration, antioxidant activity and glycemic index. For the carotenoid composition, antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation protection two B. gasipaes varieties were analyzed: Ecuador and Yurimaguas. Total carotenoids content was 7.43±0.2 mg/100g for Ecuador and 5.74±0.05 mg/100g for Yurimaguas. The amount of each variety necessary to reach 50% radical scavenging activity (DPPH) was 11.6±0.2mg carotenoids/mL for Yurimaguas and 9.1±0.3mg carotenoids/mL for Ecuador. In addition, the IC50 of the inhibition lipid peroxidation was 11.2±2.1?g carotenoids/ml and 10.9±2.2?g carotenoids/ml for Yurimaguas and Ecuador respectively. Glycemic index value obtained was 35±6, which classified B. gasipaes as a low GI food. It is concluded that peach palm is an important source of carotenoids and its antioxidant activity and low glycemic index can provide nutritional benefits that may play an important role in the prevention or management of several chronic diseases.

Keywords: Peach palm, Bactris gasipaes, glycemic index, antioxidant activity