Proximate composition, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and nitric oxide radical scavenging ability of aqueous and methanolic extracts of red apple flesh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/bioenv.v4i3.178Keywords:
Flavonoid contents, NO radical scavenging, Phenolic contents, Red apples, Solvent extractionAbstract
Red apples are commonly consumed and widely available in global markets because of their sensory properties and sweet taste. This study determined the proximate composition, total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), and nitric oxide radical scavenging ability (NORSA) of red apple flesh (RAF). Ten fresh and ripe red apple fruits were collected, identified, authenticated, dried to a constant weight, macerated and decanted to obtain clear filtrates of the aqueous extract of red apple flesh (AERAF) and the 80% methanolic extract of red apple flesh (MERAF). Proximate analysis of RAF showed 86.665 ± 0.235% moisture, 3.235 ± 0.585% carbohydrate, 1.965 ± 0.015% protein, 5.500 ± 0.500% crude fibre, 0.835 ± 0.035% ash, and 1.800 ± 0.300% fat. AERAF had higher reported TPC (at 50 µg/mL) and TFC (at 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL). MERAF had higher reported TPC (at 25 and 100 µg/mL). Vitamin C exhibited higher nitric oxide radical scavenging activity than either extract. The reported assay responses increased with concentration for both extracts. Pearson correlation analysis identified a significant positive association between TPC and NORSA for AERAF (r = 0.9180, p = 0.0279); the other reported correlations were not statistically significant. These findings provide preliminary, sample-specific information on the proximate composition, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, and nitric oxide radical scavenging ability of red apple flesh extracts. Further research is required to characterise individual phytochemicals and evaluate the extracts using complementary chemical and biological assays to validate their potential food or nutraceutical applications.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Adefemi Oluwasegun Adefuye, Bukunola Oluyemisi Adegbesan, Esther Nkechi Ezima, Temilorun Adejoke Adefuye, Elizabeth Oluwatofunmiloba Adeyemi, Eniola Ezekiel Onabanjo, Ifeoluwa Titilayo Ogunsanya
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