@article {17957, title = {Exploiting Catharanthus roseus roots: source of antioxidants}, journal = {Food Chemistry}, volume = {121}, year = {2010}, month = {2010-08-17 00:00:00}, pages = {56-61}, abstract = {

Catharanthus roseus is among the most important medicinal plants, mainly due to its anticancer alkaloids.

Phenolics and organic acids were studied in this plant{\textquoteright}s roots, using HPLC-MS and HPLC-UV, respectively. Neither phenolic acids nor flavonoids could be identified, but an organic acid profile composed by oxalic, cis-aconitic, citric, pyruvic, malic and fumaric acids was found. Concerning organic acids quantification, roots revealed to be much richer in these compounds than other plant parts previously described, surpassing 187 g/kg.

Antioxidant activity of the roots was evaluated using representative radicals: DPPH{\textbullet}, superoxide radical and nitric oxide radical. The results indicate a strong anti-radical activity, surpassing that of leaves, petals, stems and seeds, previously reported. Synergistic studies proved the contribution of organic acids to the displayed effect, although other compounds not determined herein might be responsible for part of the activity.

The results indicate that C. roseus roots could be exploited as a source of health promoting antioxidants to be used by both food and pharmaceutical industries, taking advantage of the alkaloid extraction wastes.

}, keywords = {Antioxidant activity, Catharanthus roseus, Organic acids, Roots}, author = {Pereira, D. M. and Faria, J. and Gaspar, L. and Ferreres, F. and Valent{\~a}o, P. and Andrade, P. B.} }