Evaluación de la actividad antioxidante de subproductos del aguacate (Persea americana mill, variedad Hass)

Abstract

Avocado is a fruit known for its richness in healthy lipids and antioxidants. However, much of these benefits are wasted in the waste generated during consumption and processing, such as the seed and peel. This research sought to evaluate these by-products for their antioxidant and phenolic content. For the study, Hass avocados were selected. Their seeds and peels were subjected to a freeze-drying process to dry them. Subsequently, their extracts were obtained using the ultrasound-assisted technique with ethanol as solvent. Total phenolic content (TPC) was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant capacity (AC) by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. In addition, phenolic compounds present in the extracts were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that avocado seed has significant antioxidant activity, with 56,48% inhibition in the DPPH assay. On the other hand, the peel presented a notably higher total phenolic content of 150,00 mg GAE/g extract, compared to the seed, which showed 63,20 mg GAE/g extract. HPLC analysis identified specific compounds in each by-product: rutin in the seed, with a concentration of 445,42 mg/kg of extract, and chlorogenic acid in the peel, with a concentration of 368,55 mg/kg of extract. This study revealed the significant potential of avocado by-products as valuable sources of bioactive compounds. The results support the importance of considering these by-products as valuable resources rather than waste, thus promoting more sustainable practices in the avocado industry and contributing to the principles of the circular economy