Compositional and free radical scavenging properties ofZea maysfemale inflorescences (maize silks) from Mexican maize landraces

Abstract

Maize silks are used worldwide as a natural-based treatment for various illnesses. The biological activity of maize silks is mainly attributed to their content of polysaccharides and polyphenols. Therefore, it is worthwhile the identification of maize varieties or races that accumulate large amounts of these compounds in their staminate flowers. In the present study, the compositional and antioxidant properties of silks from three maize races (Cónico, Gordo and Cristalino) natives to Mexico were investigated. In general, the content of phenolic compounds including flavonoids and anthocyanins as well as the antioxidant capacity of maize silks from the landrace Cónico were higher than values reported in silks of hybrid maize varieties. The presence of the flavonoid maysin was confirmed in the silks of the landrace Cónico but not in the other two races. Whereas, the largest amount of polysaccharides was observed in silks from the landrace Cristalino. Propiedades de composición y captación de radicales de las inflorescencias femeninas de Zea mays (sedas del maíz) de razas nativas de maíces mexicanos RESUMEN Las sedas del maíz (estigmas de maíz) se utilizan en todo el mundo como un tratamiento natural para diversas enfermedades. La actividad biológica de las sedas del maíz se atribuye principalmente a su contenido de polisacáridos y polifenoles. Por lo tanto, es importante identificar variedades o razas de maíz que acumulen una gran cantidad de estos compuestos en sus estigmas. En el presente estudio se investigaron las propiedades de composición y antioxidantes de las sedas de tres razas de maíces nativos de México (Cónico, Gordo y Cristalino). El contenido de polifenoles como flavonoides y antocianinas así como la capacidad antioxidante fue mayor en las sedas de la raza Cónico que lo reportado previamente para las sedas de maíces híbridos. La presencia del flavonoide maysina fue confirmado en las sedas de la raza Cónico, pero no en las otras dos razas. Mientras que la mayor cantidad de polisacáridos se observó en las sedas de de la raza Cristalino.

Characterisation, rheological properties and immunomodulatory efficiency of corn silk polysaccharides

“…Meanwhile, a lower molecular weight (385 kDa) has been reported by Mendoza‐López et al . (2018). The monosaccharide composition of CSP was identified utilising HPLC analysis.…”

“…The molecular weight of CSP was 2846 kDa (as analysed by LC-20A HPLC), which is lower than that reported byChen et al (2014) who obtained lower molecular weight distribution (10.52 × 10 4 and 6.88 × 10 4 Da) from CSP by enzymolysis-ultrasonic-assisted extraction. Meanwhile, a lower molecular weight (385 kDa) has been reported byMendoza-L ópez et al (2018). The monosaccharide composition of CSP was identified utilising HPLC analysis.…”

Bioactive Compounds in Pigmented Maize

“…Flavonoids are the main bioactive compounds in pigmented corn silk [35] as shown in Table 9. Some authors reports until 3644.9 mg/100 g in Serbian purple corn and Mexican pigmented corn reports 797.1 a 2602.4 mg/100 g [61]. Among the flavonoids identified and quantified in pigmented corn silk is the maysin with 12.6-17.1 mg/100 g [35], quercetin (1.58 mg/100 g) and narigenin glucoside (6.45 mg/100) [21].…”

Isolation of Natural Steroids from Corn Silk Using Recycling Preparative HPLC: A Natural Products Discovery Assignment for the Undergraduate Chemistry Student

“…Due to its potential benefits, several in vitro and in vivo studies have reported its biological activities. These activities include antioxidant, ,− anti-inflammatory, , hyperglycemia reduction, − antifatigue, , antidepressant, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, , and antiobesity activity . It also showed protection against radiation and nephrotoxicity. , Therefore, this assignment was developed to serve as a meaningful hands-on exercise to introduce undergraduate Chemistry students to a common procedure in the early phase of drug discovery using corn silk.…”