Abstract

In this study, investigation was done on two different batches of eight flaxseed cultivars indigenous to Pakistan. Defatted flaxseed meals were extracted with 100 and 80% methanol, ethanol and acetone (solvent: water, 80:20 v/v). Acquired extracts were evaluated for Total Phenolics (TP), Total Flavonoids (TF) and their antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity was Determined by measuring radical (DPPH) scavenging activity, inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation and reducing power. The highest yield of extraction was obtained with 80% methanol, however the extract did not contained the highest amounts of phenolics. Significant (p<0.5) differences were observed in the TP, TF, DPPH scavenging activity, inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation and reducing power when different solvent systems were used. Extraction efficacy of components with antioxidant properties was observed in the following order: ethanol>methanol>acetone. The extracted components were most potent antioxidants present in the extracts. Contents of these compounds correlated well with the results from applied methods for the antioxidant assessment.

Keywords:

Antioxidant activity, flaxseed, radical scavenging, reducing power, total phenolics,

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