Abstract

JIMENEZ-ORTEGA, Luis Alfonso et al. Valorization of agricultural biomass of chili peppers to obtain nutraceuticals. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2024, vol.15, n.3, e3675.  Epub Aug 25, 2024. ISSN 2007-0934.  https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v15i3.3675.

Mexico is the largest exporter of chili peppers and the second largest producer worldwide, due to which large quantities of biomass are produced, which are not always treated in a sustainable way, which can have a negative impact on the environment. One of the utilization trends is their use to obtain nutraceuticals. This research aimed to determine the phytochemicals present in poblano, jalapeno, and bell pepper biomasses produced in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, as well as to evaluate their antioxidant activity. The study was conducted in 2022. Phytochemical screening was performed and total free and bound phenolic compounds, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, capsaicinoids, and volatile compounds were quantified. Chili pepper biomasses are an important source of free phenols (1 010.14 ±41.81 mg GAE 100 g-1), bound phenols (158.66 ±8.87 mg GAE 100 g-1), flavonoids (158 ±8.87 mg QE 100 g-1), dihydrocapsaicin (1.762 μg kg-1), phytosterols, terpenes, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids (atropine), in addition to presenting antioxidant activity (35 744.04 ±618.6 μmol TE 100 g-1). It was concluded that biomasses contain biofunctional nutraceuticals, so their valorization for this purpose can promote the generation of circular economies in Mexico.

Keywords : Capsicum annuum L.; antioxidants; phytochemicals; sustainability.

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