Red Dragon Fruit Peel Research Articles

Antidiabetic Potential of Hylocereus Polyrhizus and Hylocereus Megalanthus Fruit Peel: An In vitro Study

ABSTRACT Background: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition affecting mainly carbohydrate metabolism. Dragon fruit is a commonly consumed fruit in Asia-pacific countries, with reported anti-diabetic potential. Objectives: The presents study explores the use of dragon fruit peel as an anti-diabetic supplement. Materials And Method: Fruit peels from two varieties (Red and Yellow) were evaluated for their ability to absorb glucose, inhibit glucose diffusion, and inhibit starch digestion using in vitro models. Result: Both red and yellow dragon fruit peel powder samples decreased starch digestion significantly compared to wheat bran and inhibited glucose diffusion, as indicated by the glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI) values. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that both red and yellow dragon fruit peel possesses significant antidiabetic potential.

Skin Revitalizing Red Dragon Fruit Peel Body Scrub: The Impact of Stearic Acid Variations and Comparison with Commercial Product

The red dragon fruit peel (Hylocereus lemairei (Hook.) Britton & Rose) is rich in antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and A, along with alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, which protect against free radical damage. Despite its benefits, the peel is underused. This study compares the formulation and physical quality of a body scrub made from red dragon fruit peel extract to commercial products. Stearic acid was added to enhance consistency and stability, and commercial products served as benchmarks due to their compliance with physical, microbiological, and chemical standards. Formulations with stearic acid at 5% (F1), 10% (F2), and 15% (F3) were tested for physical quality—organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, adhesion, and spreadability—over 63 days as an intermediate time points, at controlled room temperature. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 20 with a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). Results showed that all formulations maintained a consistent pH of 6 and homogeneity. The adhesion properties were consistent across all formulas, showing no significant difference (p = 0.815; p > 0.05). In contrast, the spreadability exhibited a statistically significant difference between formulas (p = 0.001; p < 0.05). Stability tests revealed no significant differences in physical quality over time, indicating that the formulations remained stable. The body scrub formulated with red dragon fruit peel extract demonstrated stability and quality comparable to commercially available product. This ensures that the active ingredients in the body scrub remain potent, enabling them to effectively deliver their antioxidant properties to the skin.

THE EFFECT OF RED DRAGON FRUIT PEEL EXTRACT (HYLOCEREUS POLYRHIZUS) ON COLLAGEN DEPOSITION IN THE KIDNEYS OF MENOPAUSAL MODEL RATS (RATTUS NORVEGICUS)

Background: The estrogen hormone possesses nephroprotective properties during menopause that can influence kidney function. This increases collagen deposition in the kidneys. Estrogen deficiency during menopause can be replaced by phytoestrogens. The skin of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) contains numerous anthocyanin contents, which have been proven to exhibit activities as phytoestrogens. Objective: To determine whether there are changes in collagen deposition in the kidneys of menopausal rat models with the administration of Hylocereus polyrhizus peel extract. Methods: This research utilized a randomized post-test control group design with three sample groups that had undergone ovariectomy. The three groups consist a control group without intervention (P0), an intervention group with red dragon fruit peel extract at a dose of 60mg/200gBW (P1), and an intervention group with red dragon fruit peel extract at a dose of 90mg/200gBW (P2). Results: The mean percentage of collagen expression in menopausal rat kidneys in groups P0, P1, and P2 were 0.876 ± 0.433, 0.189 ± 0.102, and 0.162 ± 0.108, respectively. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant difference with a p-value of 0.000. Post-Hoc Mann-Whitney U test found a significant difference between groups P0 and P1 (p = 0.000), as well as groups P0 and P2 (p = 0.000). However, there was no significant difference between P1 and P2 (p = 0.436). Conclusion: The extract of Hylocereus polyrhizus peel has an effect on the collagen deposition in the kidneys of menopausal rat models. The lowest level of collagen deposition in the kidneys was observed in the intervention group with a dose of 90mg/200gBW. Keywords : Hylocereus polyrhizus, collagen, kidney, menopause

KARAKTERISTIK KIMIA DAN SENSORI PERMEN JELLY KULIT BUAH NAGA (Hylocereus polyrhizus) DENGAN PENAMBAHAN SARI BUAH BELIMBING WULUH (Avverhoa bilimbi L.)

ABSTRACT Jelly candy is candy made from filtered fruit juice with gelling additions, has a clear color and soft texture with a certain level of chewiness. Dragon fruit skin contains anthocyanins and is a source of natural antioxidants and contains pectin. Belimbing wuluh contains oxalic acid and citric acid, so it can replace the use of citric acid in making jelly cady. The purpose of this study is the utilization of red dragon fruit peel as pectin and natural coroling in teh manufacture of jelly. This study used a one factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD), namely the concentration ratio of dragon fruit peel extract with star fruit (70:40), (80:30), and (90:20). Product analysis includes sensory test and water content test as a determinant of the selected product. Data analysis used was ANOVA with Duncan’s further test. The selected jelly candy was obtained in the treatment (90:20). The results of the sensory test on jelly candy are bright red to intense red, slightly scented with dragon fruit peel, sweet and slightly sour taste, soft and sticky texture and overall favored by panelists. The selected jelly candy has a moisture content of 34.79%, reducing sugar content of 25.75% and saccharose content of 83.20%. In addition, the selected jelly candy has a high vitamin C content of 1027.14 mg/100g.

Evaluation of the Moisturizing Efficacy and Stability of an Essence Sheet Mask Formulated with Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Peel Extract

Evaluation of the Moisturizing Efficacy and Stability of an Essence Sheet Mask Formulated with Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Peel Extract

Daya Terima dan Kandungan Serat, Protein, Daya Antioksidan Keciput Kulit Buah Naga Merah dengan Penambahan Tepung Beras Merah Sebagai Jajanan Sehat

Red dragon fruit peel has high antioxidant content and abundant availability in Indonesia but is still rarely utilized. Brown rice has a higher fiber content than white rice. Brown rice and dragon fruit skin can be processed into keciput snacks. Keciput is a snack made from glutinous rice flour wrapped in sesame seeds that can be varied in shape, color and taste. The aim is to determine the effect of the acceptability of red dragon fruit peel keciput with the addition of brown rice flour as a healthy snack. Completely randomized design (CRD) experiment with 3 treatments on red dragon fruit peel and brown rice F1 (50%:50%), F2 (60%:40%) and F3 (70%:30%). Acceptability test on 30 untrained panelists and analyzed using Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney tests with a significance of p<0.05. Analysis of fiber content, protein, and antioxidant power was done twice on the selected formulations. There was an effect on the acceptability of red dragon fruit skin snails and brown rice flour (p<0.001). There was no effect of acceptability in the comparison of F2 and F3 on color, aroma, and taste (p=0.252; p=8.24; p=0.247). The highest mean value of acceptability was in F2 (selected). F2 contained 27.653% fiber, 17.346% protein, and 107.268 ppm antioxidant power.

Curbing Key Digestive Enzymes by Three Plant Extracts for Sustainable Management of Postprandial Hyperglycemia

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition marked by persistently elevated blood sugar levels. Key digestive enzymes viz. α-amylase and α-glucosidase, hydrolyze consumed carbohydrates into glucose which raises the postprandial blood glucose level in a diabetic patient. So, the development of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors procured from medicinal plants to retard starch digestion is an alternative approach for controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory potentials of the key digestive enzymes viz. α-amylase and α-glucosidase by the extracts of three medicinal plants; red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) pulp and peel, bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) shoot, turnip (Brassica rapa L.) shoot and leaf by performing α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays in vitro. Methods: Inhibition of α-amylase activity was conducted using 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method, and 4- Nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside was used as a substrate to perform α-glucosidase inhibition assay in vitro. Results: Among all the selected sample extracts, red dragon fruit pulp expressed the highest percentage of α-amylase inhibition (59.73 ± 4.33%) at the concentration of 1000 μg/mL which is comparable to standard antidiabetic drug Acarbose (70.59 ± 2.64%), whereas the lowest inhibition was observed in turnip shoot extract (42.48 ± 2.10%) at the same concentration. In terms of α-glucosidase inhibition activity, again, red dragon fruit pulp extract demonstrated the maximum inhibition rate (56.42 ± 2.38%) at 1000 μg/mL concentration. This is respectable in comparison to the reference Acarbose (66.45 ± 1.78%). In contrast, turnip shoot extracts displayed the lowest α-glucosidase inhibition activity (38.27 ± 2.21%) at the same concentration. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that the red dragon fruit pulp extract possesses substantial antihyperglycemic activity (α-amylase inhibition: 59.73 ± 4.33%, α-glucosidase inhibition: 56.42 ± 2.38%) in vitro, which could be a putative nutraceutical to manage postprandial hyperglycemia.

Pelatihan Pengolahan dan Pemanfaatan Jahe Merah dan Kulit Buah Naga Menjadi Permen Jelly untuk Alternatif Pengobatan Penyakit Degeneratif di Desa Kalasey II Kabupaten Minahasa

The utilization of natural materials as traditional medicine is considered to have less side effects than drugs derived from chemicals. Plants that can be utilized as traditional medicine are red ginger and dragon fruit skin. Red ginger is widely known as a cooking spice and is used in medicine because it contains compounds with broad biological activities and dragon fruit has properties as an antioxidant, but its skin has not been utilized and is only discarded as garbage or waste. Dragon fruit skin contains high antioxidant compounds that are beneficial for health and can be used as a natural coloring material. Jelly candy is one of the processed food products that is easy to make by utilizing the active substances of red ginger juice and dragon fruit skin juice with additional ingredients such as agar. The purpose of this activity is to train the community in processing jelly candy from red ginger juice and dragon fruit peel juice. The method of implementation is in the form of training on how to process red ginger juice and dragon fruit peel juice into jelly candy. After the training, it was found that the Community Service Activity through this training can increase the knowledge and skills of the community of Kalasey II Village, Mandolang District, Minahasa Regency about processing red ginger juice and dragon fruit peel juice into jelly candy which is beneficial for health.

Pectin extracted from red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel and its usage in edible film

Pectin was extracted from red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel using two different extraction methods: subcritical water extraction (SCWE) and conventional acid extraction (AE), from two different types of peels, fresh peel puree and dried peel powder. SCWE method on fresh peel puree showed an ∼18.88 % increase in pectin yield compared to AE. Extracted pectin is classified as low methoxyl pectin (DE: 8.51–50.64 %), with an average molecular weight ranging from 115.23 kDa to 577.84 kDa and a Gal-A content of 44.09 % - 53.90 %. The potential of pectin from fresh peel puree to be applied as a biodegradable film was further explored. Different pectin concentrations (3–5 % w/v) were used to prepare the films. Regarding the film performance, PF-S5, which was produced from SCWE with 5 % of pectin concentration, exhibits better thermal stability (Tdmax 250 °C, residue of 28.69 %) and higher moisture barrier (WVP 5.59 × 10−11 g.cm−1.s−1.Pa−1). In comparison, PF-A showed lower water solubility (45.14–69.15 %), higher water contact angle (33.01° - 44.35°), and better mechanical properties (TS: 2.12–4.11 MPa, EB: 48.72–61.39 %). Higher molecular weight accompanied by higher DE and Gal-A content contributes to better pectin film properties.

Aktivitas Antioksidan dan Evaluasi Sensori Kukis Tersubstitusi Tepung Kacang Hijau dan Tepung Kulit Buah Naga Merah

Bad eating habits with high fat content but low fiber have been linked to the rise of degenerative diseases, and this is a main driven factor of developing high fiber and antioxidant foods. Green bean flour contains high protein and phenolic compounds such as flavonoids while red dragon fruit peel flour contains high antioxidants and fiber. The aim of this study was to investigate physico-chemical and sensory properties of cookies substituted with green bean and red dragon fruit peel flour. The flour formulations consisted of wheat flour (TT), red dragon fruit peel flour (TN), and green bean flour (TK) as follows: K1 (37.5% TT:62.5% TN), K2­ (37.5% TT:62.5% TK), F1 (38% TT:47% TN:15% TK), F2­ (38% TT:31% TN:31% TK), and F3­ (38% TT:15% TN:47% TK) as well as control K0 (100% TT). Cookies quality was observed, including physical properties, chemical properties, and sensory properties. The results of this study showed that substitution of green bean and red dragon fruit peel flour in the cookies had significant effects on physico-chemical properties and sensory tests. Treatment F3 was the best formulation based on physical, chemical, and sensory properties with hardness (8.75 N), L* (42.28), a* (17.31), b* (22.05), volume development (29.41%), moisture content (5.68%), ash (3.56%), fat (24.47%), protein (9.47%), carbohydrate (57.38%), crude fiber (13.12%), antioxidant capacity of (49.32%), and IC50 (97.92 ppm). The results of the sensory test for F3 sample had scores for color (1.13), aroma (2.43), taste (4.27), texture (3.23), and overall liking (4.30).

Encapsulation of betacyanin extract from red dragon fruit peel with maltodextrin and inulin: Storage stability and simulated gastrointestinal digestion

Betacyanins are bioactive pigments found in red dragon fruit peels with potential health benefits, but their stability and bioaccessibility are low. This study aimed to investigate the impact of using dietary fiber inulin (IN) combined with malrodextrin (MD) as wall materials for the encapsulation of betacyanin on its physicochemical properties, storage stability, and in vitro release behavior. Different concentrations of MD and IN were tested at 30% MD + 10% IN (T1), 20% MD + 20% IN (T2), 10% MD + 30% IN (T3), and 40% MD (control). The results showed that the combination of MD and IN reduced the moisture content and water activity, increased the drying yield, and improved the hygroscopy and solubility of betacyanin extract. Furthermore, the T3 combination showed the highest encapsulation efficiency, betacyanin (BTC), phenolic content (TPC), flavonoid content (TFC), as well as antioxidant activity. FTIR analysis confirmed the effective encapsulation of betacyanin. The T1 combination exhibited the lowest degradation constant (k) and the longest stability of betacyanin storage half-life (t1/2 = 99 weeks). Additionally, the combination of MD and IN effectively improved the stability of betacyanins during simulated gastrointestinal digestion, improving the bioaccessibility of betacyanin with higher concentrations of IN (T3), resulting in the higher bioaccessibility of betacyanin (57.11%). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the use of a combination of MD and IN as dietary fiber wall materials can improve the stability and bioaccessibility of betacyanin extract, ultimately leading to its wider utilization and potential health benefits as functional natural food colorants.

Effect of Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Peel Powder on Physical, Antioxidative, and Sensory Properties of Biscuits

ABSTRACT Red dragon fruit peel powder (RDPP) consists of precious phytochemicals, which could contribute greatly to the control of chronic illnesses and are still underexploited. The impacts of RDPP on the bioactive compounds, antioxidant, and sensorial properties of biscuits were investigated. The incorporation of RDPP at the amount of 1–5% caused the increase in a* value and decreases in b* and L* values of the biscuits. Moreover, higher cutting force and lower density were observed in the RDPP-enriched biscuits. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and betacyanin contents of the biscuits ranged from 0.0035 to 0.028 mg GAE/g, from 77.44 to 218.41 mg QE/g, and from 5.31 to 8.78 mg/100 g, respectively. The incorporation of RDPP in biscuits could increase the antioxidative activities. Increased appearance and overall likeness scores were recorded in the biscuits added with RDPP up to 4%. Thus, RDPP could be utilized as a nutraceutical constituent in the production of biscuit.

Method for Measuring Damage to Viability and Morphology of Spermatozoa in Experimental Animals After Exposure to Cigarette Smoke

Smokers in Indonesia are ranked first in the world and the biggest cause of death. Free radicals contained in cigarette smoke cause condensation of the structure of the genetic material of sperm cells and lead to sperm cell death (apoptosis). The aim of the research was to determine the effect of cigarette exposure and its interactions on the quality of spermatozoa in experimental animals. This research is a laboratory experiment with a Completely Randomized Factorial Design. The samples in this study were 60 males of the Balb/C strain which were divided into 5 treatment groups. Each treatment group was given concentrations of red dragon fruit peel extract including 0%, vitamin C, 50 µg/mL, 500 µg/mL, and 5000 µg/mL and were exposed to cigarette smoke. Analysis of research results used the Two Way ANOVA test at a significance level of 0.05. The results of the study showed that there was an effect of exposure to cigarettes and administration of red dragon fruit peel extract on the sperm quality of mice. The highest exposure to cigarette smoke was given to red dragon fruit peel extract in terms of viability of 89% and morphology of 93.33%. Administration of red dragon fruit peel extract reduced the effect of exposure to cigarette smoke on the viability and morphology of mice.

UTILIZATION RED DRAGON FRUIT PEEL (HYLOCEREUS POLYRHIZUS) ETHANOL EXTRACT IN ORAL THIN FILM STRIP AS A MOUTH FRESHENER

Objective: The aim of this study was to formulate an oral thin film strip (OTFS) contained the red dragon fruit peel (RDFP) ethanol extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and evaluate the characteristic, stability and antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Methods: The film was made using the solvent casting method by adding a variety of concentration ethanol extract of red dragon fruit peel (5%, 10%, and 15%). The films were evaluated in organoleptic test, weight, thickness, pH, disintegration time, folding endurance, stability test and antibacterial activity. Results: The results showed that the film provided a distinctive color, aroma, and taste of the extract. The result of film evaluation had weight between 0.07-0.21 g, thickness between 0.10-0.20 mm, pH between 5.70-5.99, disintegration time between 34.99-49.13 s, and folding endurance between 321.00-812.83 times. The films were stable for 2 mo at a variety storage temperature (4±2 ℃, 28±2 ℃, and 40±2 ℃). The films showed antibacterial activity for 5%, 10% and 15% with the diameter of inhibition 8.5 mm, 10.8 mm, and 12.9 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Ethanol extract of RDFP can be utilized as a mouth freshener film that is stable for 2 mo and has antibacterial activity against S. mutans.

FORMULASI DAN EVALUASI SEDIAAN SERUM WAJAH EKSTRAK ETANOL KOMBINASI DARI EKSTRAK KULIT JERUK NIPIS (Citrus aurantiifolia) DAN EKSTRAK KULIT BUAH NAGA MERAH (Hylocereus polyrhizus)

Background: The skin of the key orange (Citrus aurantiifolia) contains kuersetin, miristin, routinely, tangerine, naringin and hesperine, while the skin of the red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) contains betaalanin, anthocyanin, vitamin a, vitamin a, vitamin e, turnioid, flavonoid, tiamin, niacin, piridoine, kobalamin, carotene, and fitoalbumin. The research was intended to formulate it in a availability of facial serum and then evaluate its quality formula for a better facial serum from 16-4954-1998. Methods : This method of research is experimental in the laboratory by making 4 formulas consisting of F1 as serum bases, F2 ratio EKJN and EKBNM (1:1), F3 ratio EKJN and EKBNM (1:2) ,F4 ratio EKJN and EKBNM (2:1).Results : The results of all the formulas for existing existing face-serum EKJN ethanol and EKBNM viscers show a clear, clear, yellowish color, a gel-based, characteristic and homogenous odor. pH and viscosity scores on each condensed formula. No irritation test on the formula showed irritation to the skin.Conclusion : Based on this, it can be concluded that the combined ethanol extract of lime peel extract and red dragon fruit peel extract can be formulated into a facial serum cosmetic preparation and meets the quality requirements according to SNI.

The Antibacterial Effect of Red Dragon Fruit Peel Extract (Hylocereus Polyrhizus) Against The Growth of Bacterium Enterococcus Faecalis

Enterococcus faecalis is the main cause of periradicular infections after root canal treatment. It is currently being encouraged by using natural ingredients as an alternative tooth root canal irrigation substance, one of which is the peel of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) containing flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids. To identify the antibacterial effects of the peel of red dragon fruit extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus) on the growth of the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis. This experimental laboratory research in vitro using the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 2921. The method used was ditch-diffusion on Mueller Hinton media to continue measuring a radical zone using a sliding caliper. The peel of red dragon fruit extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus) consists of several concentrations: 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% based on V1N1 = V2N2. Datas were tested statistically using the One way-Anova test, starting with a normality test using the Shapiro-Wilk test, then a homogenity test, and continued with a post hoc test using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) to identify whether the results showed a significant difference in the antibacterial power of dragon fruit peel extract against Enterococcus faecalis.: All tested concentrations were antibacterial against Enterococcus faecalis bacteria growth. The highest concentration of antibacterial against was 100% (p <0.05). Peel of red dragon fruit extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus) had an antibacterial effect on the growth of Enterococcus faecalis bacteria

Counseling on making dragon fruit skin ginger powder drink 'JAKUNA'

Dragon fruit skin ginger powder drink is a nutritious beverage that combines the health benefits of ginger and dragon fruit. This blend results in a drink packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. Ginger is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties and immune-boosting effects, while dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidant compounds. The objective of this initiative is to promote the utilization of red ginger and dragon fruit peel in creating processed healthy beverages. It aims to enhance community knowledge and skills in transforming ginger and dragon fruit peel into nutritious drinks, as well as to create entrepreneurial opportunities within the community. The approach involves providing counseling sessions. As a result of this activity, there has been an emergence of ideas and motivation in producing JAKUNA instant powder drinks, following increased training subsequent to counseling on the production of such beverages.

PENGARUH KONSENTRASI PELARUT TERHADAP AKTIVITAS ANTIOKSIDAN SEDIAAN SERUM EKSTRAK KULIT BUAH NAGA MERAH (Hylocereus Polyrhizus)

The skin of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus Polyrhizus) contains active substances that are useful for extracting in making natural serums. Antioxidants, one of the important compounds in serum that can protect the skin and capture free radicals. This study aims to prove the presence of antioxidants in serum made from red dragon fruit peel extract, and to compare the effect of using 70% and 96% ethanol solvents on the physical properties and antioxidant activity of the serum. The extraction method used was maceration extraction, by testing the flavonoid content and free ethanol content in the extract. The physical properties of the serum were tested including organoleptics, pH, homogeneity, viscosity, spreadability and stickiness. Meanwhile, antioxidant activity was tested using the UV-VIS spectrophotometric method. The research results show that red dragon fruit peel extract contains flavonoids with orange and red colors, and does not have an ester odor. Serum preparations from 70% and 96% ethanol extracts have semisolid form, characteristic odor, color differences, pH 5, homogeneous, with viscosities of 464 cPs and 341 cPs respectively. The spreadability of the serum is 7.1 cm and 9.7 cm, while the adhesive power is 0.88 and 0.93. The serum antioxidant activity of 70% and 96% ethanol extracts was 39.59 µg/mL and 45.87 µg/mL. The 70% ethanol extract serum meets the standard physical properties of serum and has stronger antioxidant activity compared to the 96% ethanol extract serum, indicated by the lower IC50 value. Flavonoids, as antioxidant compounds, have various types and different polarities depending on the position and number of hydroxyl groups.

Comparative Study on the Effect of Hot Air and Vacuum Drying on Physiochemical Properties and antioxidant Activities of Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Peel

The red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel was subjected to freeze drying (FD), hot air drying (at 50 – 65°C) (HAD), and vacuum drying (at 50 – 65°C) (VD), in which physical properties (color, water activity, water absorption index-WAI, and microstructure), bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, betacyanin, polyphenol, and flavonoid), and antioxidant activities (DPPH and metal chelating activities) were monitored. The results showed that the lightness (L*) of red dragon fruit peel (RDFP) decreased as HAD and VD were applied especially at higher drying temperatures. Whereas the water absorption index (WAI) of the RDFP was not affected by drying methods. The microstructure surfaces of FD-dried RDFP were smoother than those of samples dried by HAD and VD-dried RDFP. After the drying processes, the bioactive compounds and antioxidative properties of the RDFP powder decreased significantly. However, higher bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in RDFP dried by VD compared to the samples dried by HAD at the same drying temperatures. The RDFP powder dried by VD at 55°C retaining high physiochemical and antioxidative properties could be utilized as a colorant and nutraceutical ingredient in several food products. Keywords: Red dragon fruit peel, Freeze drying, Vacuum drying, Hot air drying, Bioactive compounds, Antioxidant activity

Uncovering Potentially Therapeutic Phytochemicals, In silico Analysis, and Biological Assessment of South-Chinese Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus).

Red dragon fruit is gaining popularity globally due to its nutritional value and bioactive components. The study aimed to assess the phytochemical, nutritional composition, antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties of extracts from the South Chinese red dragon fruit peel, flesh, and seeds. Extract fractions with increasing polarity (ethyl acetate<acetone<ethanol<methanol) were prepared. Significant amounts of nutritional components (minerals, protein, sugars, vitamins, fatty acids) were found in all parts of the fruit. The ethanol (ET) and methanol (MT) fractions of all the extracts exhibited significant antioxidant activity, with EC50 values ranging from 3.25-8.30μg/mL. The flesh MT and ET extract fractions demonstrated substantial inhibitory effects, with MIC50 ranging 73.62-98.85μg/mL, against several multidrug-resistant bacteria. Cytotoxicity assays revealed no adverse effects of the crude extract fractions on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells (from adult human skin). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) analyses unveiled a wide array of compounds with known and unknown antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Thereafter, pharmacological property screening and molecular docking were performed. The results identified four active compounds, baicalein, quercetin, morin, and isorhamnetin, which demonstrated strong binding affinity with the selected target proteins and complied with most of the pharmacological parameters. In conclusion, this study provides essential information on the key nutrients present in the peel, flesh, and seeds of the red dragon fruit from Southern-China. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of ET and MT fractions, which contain compounds with promising antibacterial properties.