Many species of the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae) are popular edibles throughout the tropical and subtropical world. In addition, some are used medicinally in divergent traditional practices from South America to Southeast Asia. The fruits of two species of Eugenia (Myrtaceae) have shown a strong antioxidant activity in the 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and subsequent ethnomedical and chemotaxonomic study of related plants in the subtribe Eugeniinae have led to the hypothesis that these fruits contain flavonoids or other polyphenolic compounds that exhibit an oxidative protection to biomolecules in humans. The fruits of ten popular edible species from this taxa will be analyzed for antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay. The most active extracts will be studied in greater detail to isolate and identify specific polyphenolic antioxidant phytochemicals. It is expected that novel antioxidant compounds will be discovered, and their chemical structures will be fully elucidated. This research will then use the analytical tools developed to look closely at beverages and vinegar made from the most active fruit to ascertain whether the beneficial phytochemicals in the fruit can be detected in commercial products.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31AT000801-03
Application #
6656315
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAT1-H (09))
Program Officer
Hopp, Craig
Project Start
2002-09-17
Project End
2006-09-16
Budget Start
2003-09-17
Budget End
2004-09-16
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$30,928
Indirect Cost
Name
Herbert H. Lehman College
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
620128301
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10468
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