Analysis of βeta-carotene from Jongi (Dillenia Serrata Thunb.) as a source of vitamin A

Abstract

Beta-carotene is converted in the body to vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that plays an essential role in maintaining healthy eyes, skin, and neurological function. Beta-carotene and other carotenoids have antioxidant activities and are valued for their ability to prevent chronic disease. β-carotene is found in yellow, orange, red, and green fruits. The purpose of this study was to determine the β-carotene in Jongi. Jongi (Dillenia Serrata Thunb.) is an endemic fruit of Sulawesi which contains β-carotene. The samples used in this study were raw jongi and ripe jongi extracted with n-hexane: acetone (1:4). To the samples were analyzed quantitatively using UV-Vis spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 450.00 nm. The results showed that the β-carotene in raw jongi was 0.3554 mg/100 g and the β- carotene in ripe jongi was 1.1841 mg/100 g. Ripe jongi consist of more β-carotene than the raw jongi, hence better as a source of Vitamin A.

Development of Analytical Methods for Determination of β-Carotene in Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) Flesh, Peel, and Seed Powder Samples

“…The UV-VIS spectrum of β -carotene in acetone was scanned from 350 to 600 nm, and maximum absorption was obtained at 453 nm. This was in good agreement with that reported in literature [ 6 , 8 , 11 – 13 ]. The UV-VIS spectra of pumpkin flesh and peel extracts showed the maximum UV-VIS absorption at the same wavelength ( Figure 4 ).…”

“…Every part of pumpkin are excellent sources of bioactive compounds like carotenoid, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, volatile compounds, and phenolic compounds. It is believed that bioactive compounds of pumpkin have a protective role against many diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and cancer and coronary heart diseases [ 3 – 8 ]. Despite these features, pumpkin is an under-utilized vegetable in Ethiopia.…”

“…In Ethiopia, vitamin A deficiency leads to 80,000 deaths in a year and affects 61% of preschool children [ 5 ]. The recommended daily intake of vitamin A is 900 mcg for men, 700 mcg for women, and 300 to 600 mcg for children [ 8 ]. Consumption of pumpkin as a vegetable and/or processed food can be a good supplement of vitamin A for Ethiopians.…”

“…Different analytical methods have been reported in the literature for the determination of β -carotene in fruits and vegetables. For quantitative analysis of carotenoids, UV-VIS spectrophotometry is the most convenient method [ 6 , 8 – 12 ], by measuring the absorbance at different wavelengths. High-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods [ 13 – 15 ] were reported for the identification and quantification of β -carotene in fruits and vegetables.…”