Exploring the phytochemical and antioxidant potentialof Hylocereuspolyrhizus peel extract using biochemical approach

Abstract

Red dragon fruit or Hylocereuspolyrhizus is one of the most popular fruits in Indonesia. Besides being consumed directly, H. Polyrhizus processed into various forms of processed food products such as jams, syrups, sweets, tea, and functional drinks. Unfortunately, massive quantities of solid waste, including H. polyrhizuspeel produced every year, continues to increase from year to year. Their disposal led to severe environmental issues. Whereas, H. polyrhizuspeels are abundant in beneficial secondary metabolites compoundespecially flavonoid and phenolic. The presence of flavonoid and phenolic content provides many benefits in the development of natural medicines, especially as antioxidants. However, the research related to exploring antioxidant potentials of H. polyrhizuspeel is still very limited. This study aimed to explore the phytochemical of H. polyrhizuspeel and their role as a natural-antioxidant agent. H. polyrhizuspeels were extracted through a maceration method using 96% of ethanol as their solvent. A total phenolic essay is determined by the method of Folin-Ciocalteu reagent using gallic acid as a reference. AlCl3 reagent is used to analyse the flavonoid content by comparing with quercetin. Antioxidant activity was done by DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging methods. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of H. polyrhizuspeel extract (HPPE) at 107.35 ± 8.02 mg GAE/g and 108.82 ± 12.69 mg QE/g respectively. Furthermore, antioxidant activity of HPPE showed IC50 value at 136.20 ± 0.70 Lig/ml Lig/ml with DPPH methods and 390.70 ± 1.25 Lig/ml ug/ml with ABTS methods. Based on this recent study, HPPE has a moderate antioxidant activity by reducing free radicals in dose dependent manner.