Variability in Polyphenol Content in Areca Nut (Areca Catechu) Samples of Karnataka

B. R. Gurumurthy, S. P. Nataraju and S. K. Pavithra

Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Navile, Shivamogga-577225.

Corresponding Author E-mail: shimogagurumurthy@gmail.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/2578

ABSTRACT: The phenolic compounds or polyphenols, secondary metabolites of plants, are phytochemicals that exhibit antioxidant activity and consequently possess a beneficial physiological effect (Bravo, 1998). Plant polyphenolic compounds have been recognised for their ability to prevent oxidation of susceptible substances by virtue of their electron donating property due to presence of large number of phenolic hydroxyl groups. The seed of Areca catechu contains higher proportions of polyphenolic compounds mainly tannins (Zhang et al., 2008). In India 7.06 lakh ton of arecanut is produced annually (2016-17), major portion of which (App, 90%) utilised for human consumption. Hence it is essential to study variability in polyphenol contents of areca samples grown under diverse conditions and its impact on consumers. In the present study 850 areca samples were collected from 6 important area growing districts of Karnataka and further hobliwise pooling was done before polyphenol content was determined.  In Shimogga district high concentration of polyphenol was found in Bhadrvathi thaluk (3.02%) followed by Shimogga (2.68%) and  less concentration was found in Sorab taluk (1.17%). Polyphenol content varies from 0.82 % to 2.14 % in Chikkamagalur. The highest concentration was observed in Tarikere (2.14%) and less in Kadur (1.55%) . In Davanagere district polyphenol content was highest in Channagiri (2.50%) followed by Jagalur (1.29%). The results of total polyphenol content in different district are very different.  But the regionwise variability was not noticed.

KEYWORDS: Areca Nut;Folin-Ciocalteu Reaction Polyphenol;

[ HTML Full Text]