Influence of three echotipes on the antioxidant capacity and phenolic compounds of maca instant flour (Lepidium meyenii walp)

Abstract

The purpose of the research was determining the influence of the yellow, red and black ecotypes on the antioxidant capacity and phenolic compounds of instant maca meal. Previously, the chemical analysis of the ecotypes of dry black, yellow and red maca was carried out, finding significant differences for a level of significance of P <0.05, in the contents of moisture, protein, fat, fiber and carbohydrates, but the ashes. The instant flours of the three ecotypes of maca were elaborated, obtaining a flour yield of 74.53%. Emphasis was placed on extrusión and milling operations. The proximal chemical analysis of the three instantaneous meals of black, yellow and red maca was carried out, finding significant differences for a level of significance of P <0.05, in humidity, protein, fiber, ashes and carbohydrates, except fats. The extruded flours presented a fineness modulus of 3.0771 in yellow maca; 3.0215 in red maca and 3.0078 in black maca, prevailing the average particles. The physical-chemical analyzes confirm the instantaniety characteristics of the flours. The titratable acidity values and pH are within the recommended values for flours.

The results show that the maca ecotypes influence the content of total phenols and antioxidant capacity of the instantaneous maca flours, decreasing these in flours. Regarding the antioxidant capacity, the black, yellow and red maca presented percentages of free radical inhibition of 47.83, 15.46 and 28.95% respectively, while the instant flours of black, yellow and red maca presented 36, 25, 14.01 and 27.07% inhibition of free radicals respectively, noting that there was a decrease in each ecotype. The total phenols for black, yellow and red maca were: 289, 364 and 278 mg. GAE / 100g), while in black, yellow and red maca flours were: 239.33, 302.33 and 232.33 respectively. The statistical analysis shows that there is a significant difference between the means of the treatments at a 95% probability level.