Antioxidant activities of non-astringent persimmon fruit in different parts

Antioxidant activities of four different parts of non-astringent persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki L., Ebenaceae) (core, flesh, peel, and stem) were evaluated. Each part (10g) of freeze-dried persimmon fruit was extracted with 100 mL of methanol. The extracts were dried and re-dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (50mg/mL), and total phenolic contents (TPC) [1], radical scavenging activity (RSA) [2], and reducing power [3] of the extracts were determined. The TPC of stem extract was the highest (1,727µM gallic acid equivalent (GAE)), while that of the flesh was the lowest (17µM GAE). TPC of the core and peel extracts were of 26 and 106µM GAE, respectively. The highest RSA and reducing power were also found in the stem extract (96.00% and 1.023 optical density (OD), respectively) at the concentration of 1µg/mL, while flesh extract at the same concentration showed an activity of 20.53% and 0.122 OD, respectively. Those of the core extract were 10.01% and 0.115 OD, respectively, while those of the peel extract were of 34.59% and 0.271 OD, respectively, at the same concentration. The results indicated that antioxidant activities of persimmon fruits were dependent on parts, and that the stem possessed significant antioxidant activities.

Acknowledgements: M.S. Bae was supported by Brain Korea 21 Program.

References: 1. Gutfinger, T. (1981)J. Am. Oil Chem. 58: 966–968.

2. Muller, H.E. (1985) Zentralbl Bakteriol. Mikrobio. Hyg. 259: 151–158.

3. Oyaizu, M. (1986) Jap. J. Nutr. 44: 307–315.