Antioxidant capacity of different broccoli (Brassica oleracea) genotypes using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay

J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Aug 28;50(18):5053-7. doi: 10.1021/jf025535l.

Abstract

Antioxidant capacity of hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts from eight broccoli genotypes was compared using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Each genotype was analyzed for carotenoid, tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and flavonoid content. Results indicate that the antioxidant capacity of hydrophilic extracts ranged from 65.8 to 121.6 micromol trolox equivalents (TE)/g of tissue, and the capacity of lipophilic extracts ranged from 3.9 to 17.5 micromol TE/g. Ascorbic acid and flavonoid content of the hydrophilic extracts did not explain the total variation in antioxidant capacity of those extracts, suggesting either the presence of other antioxidant components that have yet to be identified or that the known antioxidants are producing synergistic effects. The carotenoids did correlate with antioxidant capacity of the lipophilic extracts and accounted for the majority of the variability in that fraction. The variability in hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant capacity found among these genotypes suggests that potential efficacy from antioxidants will vary considerably from genotype to genotype.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / analysis
  • Antioxidants / chemistry*
  • Ascorbic Acid / analysis
  • Brassica / chemistry*
  • Brassica / genetics*
  • Carotenoids / analysis
  • Flavonoids / analysis
  • Genotype*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / chemistry*
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Tocopherols / analysis

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Flavonoids
  • Plant Extracts
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Carotenoids
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Tocopherols