PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF SPRAY DRIED

PREPARATIONS FROM Psidium guajava L.

Fernandes, M.R.V.; Azzolini, A.E.C.S.; Martinez, M.L.L., Souza, C.R.F., Lucisano-Valim, Y.M.;
Oliveira, W.P. University of Sao Paulo/FCFRP, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil

This work evaluated the antioxidant activity and physicochemical properties of spray dried preparations
(SDP) from leaves of Psidium guajava L. Different drying carriers, namely: maltodextrin, colloidal
silicon dioxide, Arabic gum and -cyclodextrin at concentrations of 40 and 80% relative to solids
content were added to drying composition. SDP were characterized through determination of the total
phenolic, tannins and flavonoid content. Antioxidant activity of the SDP was assessed by two assays:
cellular test that measure the luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (LumCL) produced by neutrophils
stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and the DPPH radical scavenging. SDP containing
40% of maltodextrin showed the best result with respect to total phenolics (18.09% w/w), tannins
(10.21% w/w) and flavonoid contents (16.56% w/w). SDP were effective inhibitors of the PMA-
stimulated neutrophil function [IC
50
(in g/10
6
cells) ranging from 5.42 to 6.50 g/mL. LumCL (IC
50
of
quercetin = 1.67 g/mL]. SDP showed antioxidant activities (IC
50
) ranging from 6.16 to 10.31 g/mL
by the DPPH method (IC
50
of quercetin = 0.96 g/mL). The neutrophil reactive oxygen species
generation, triggered by PMA and assessed by luminol was inhibited by SDP in a concentration-
dependent manner, with insignificant toxicity to the cells under the tested conditions. Two chemical
markers, catechin and quercetin which could be used in the monitoring of the quality of SDP were
identified. Structural information of the compounds was obtained from the retention times, UV and
mass spectra. In conclusion, SDP from Psidium guajava presented significant antioxidant activity with
high potential as an active phytopharmaceutical ingredient for herbal medicine.