Comparative analysis of chemical compositions and antioxidant activities of different pomelo varieties from China

Abstract

China, the largest pomelo producer, has many famous pomelo varieties. However, there has been limited research on the comparative of chemical compositions and antioxidant activities among different pomelo varieties from China. In the work, five pomelo varieties and one grapefruit variety from China were studied by investigating their chemical composition and antioxidant activity. Volatiles in dichloromethane extract of pomelo peels were measured using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. Shatianyu pomelo contained 27 volatile compounds, was the most abundant in volatiles. Total protein, phenols, and flavonoid were determined by spectrophotometry. Changshanhuyou grapefruit contained more phenols and flavonoids, while Shatianyu pomelo contained more protein. The amount of vitamin C, sugars, and organic acids were evaluated using liquid chromatography. Shatianyu pomelo had the highest amount of vitamin C and sugars, and the lower amount of organic acids. Guanximiyu pomelo had the highest amount of organic acids. Shatianyu pomelo and Changshanhuyou grapefruit possessed the higher antioxidant activities as compared to other four pomelo varieties. The antioxidant activities of pomelo pulp had no obvious correlation with the amount of total phenols, total falconoid, and vitamin C. This study is helpful to understand the nutritional value and health function of six Chinese famous pomelo varieties.