Investigation of Antioxidative Activity from Apple (Malus pumila Miller) Peel by Various Extraction Solvents

Consumption of fruits and vegetables has been conducted to be effective in the prevention of chronic diseases. In this study, 70% methanol, 70% ethanol and chloroform-methanol mixture (CM, 2:1, v/v) were used as solvents in the extraction of apple peels. The total phenol content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of various extracts were investigated using in vitro assays. The extract obtained by 70% methanol showed the highest total phenol content(20.87±0.17 mg CAE/g), ABTS [2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt] radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. However, 70% ethanol extract possessed the strongest antioxidant activity assayed by DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity and β-carotene bleaching method. And CM extract was found to show the highest total flavonoid content with the value of 9.26±0.06mg QE/g. These results indicated that apple peels can be used in dietary applications with a potential to reduce oxidative stress.