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Phytochemicals properties of avocado seed: A review

April 2021
IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science 733(1):012090

DOI:10.1088/1755-1315/733/1/012090

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Authors:

Hendrix Setyawan

University of Brawijaya

Sukardi Sukardi

University of Brawijaya

Persea americana Mill. seed or avocado seed contains phytochemical components such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolic, and alkaloid. The phenolic compounds of avocado seed are mainly catechin, hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and triterpenoid glycosides. This review also discusses various extraction methods using an organic solvent, inorganic solvent, and a mixture of solvents. The analysis methods to measure the chemical properties of extracted phytochemicals from avocado seed are discussed. The functional properties of the phytochemicals obtained from the seed are presented.

The identified polyphenols in avocado seed [10].

…

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Phytochemicals properties of avocado seed: A review

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International Conference on Green Agro-industry and Bioeconomy

IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 733 (2021) 012090

IOP Publishing

doi:10.1088/1755-1315/733/1/012090

Phytochemicals properties of avocado seed: A review

H Y Setyawan, S Sukardi and C A Puriwangi

Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas

Brawijaya, Malang 65145 East Java, Indonesia

E-mail: hendrix@ub.ac.id

Abstract. Persea americana Mill. seed or avocado seed contains phytochemical components

such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolic, and alkaloid. The phenolic compounds of

avocado seed are mainly catechin, hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumaric

acid, ferulic acid, and triterpenoid glycosides. This review also discusses various extraction

methods using an organic solvent, inorganic solvent, and a mixture of solvents. The analysis

methods to measure the chemical properties of extracted phytochemicals from avocado seed are

discussed. The functional properties of the phytochemicals obtained from the seed are presented.

1. Introduction

Avocado is a nutritious fruit native to Central and South America [1, 2]. Genus Persea and Family

Lauraceae belong to Persea americana Mill. or avocado. It has several varieties, and the most popular

one is the Hass variety [3]. The fruit characteristic depends on the cultivar, storage conditions, ripeness,

and edaphoclimatic conditions [4].

The avocado industrial processing unit generates large amounts of peels and seeds [2]. The seeds are

underutilized as a non-edible part of the fruit and discarded as wastes [5]. Untreated waste can

potentially increase the number of insects and rodents [1]. The avocado waste (seed and leaves) has a

range of useful chemicals. Thus, these seeds and leaves may potentially be extracted and produced

valuable income for the avocado industries. The avocado seed comprises 13–18% of the whole fruit's

size and is one source of phytochemicals. The seed and leaves have higher total phenolic content and

antioxidant capacities than those of its pulp and peels [6]. The leaves have more phenolic content than

avocado seed [7].

This paper reviewed the phytochemical properties of avocado seed derived from its industrial waste.

The information on avocado's phytochemical properties can be used for further derivative product

development, particularly in the phytopharmaceutical industry.

2. Phytochemical Components

Bioactive compounds are chemicals separated from plants. The components of avocado seed are protein,

sugar, starch, fat, and water. The bioactive compounds found in avocado are phenolics, flavonoids,

carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E [4]. Table 1 presents the composition of phytochemicals in the

avocado seed. Phytochemicals present in avocado seed include flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolics,

antioxidant capacity, oxalates, phytates, and alkaloids [8].

International Conference on Green Agro-industry and Bioeconomy

IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 733 (2021) 012090

IOP Publishing

doi:10.1088/1755-1315/733/1/012090

Table 1. Composition of phytochemicals in avocado seed [9].

Phytochemicals

(mg/100g)

Flavonoids

20.33±0.01

Tannins

0.76±017

Saponins

0.52±0.42

Oxalates

4.40±0.30

Phytates

0.44±0.01

Alkaloids

5.40±0.00

The polyphenols are one of the bioactive compounds distributed in all parts of avocado plants [10].

Table 2 lists the polyphenols in the avocado seed. The other polyphenol compounds found in avocado

seeds are 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, procyanidin trimer A(I), procyanidin

trimer A(II), catechin, or epicatechin gallate [11]. Other research stated that avocado seeds have tannins,

saponins, and flavonoids, which are parts of polyphenols [12].

Table 2. The identified polyphenols in avocado seed [10].

Compounds

Content (mg/100g)

Catechin

24.3-2,000

Caffeic acid

13.7-22.5

Chlorogenic acid

0.0516-1,953

(Epi)catechin

1,106-2,906

Ferulic acid

0.09-1.2

Kaempferol

10.74

Kaempferide

10.74

Procyanidins

152-5,560

Rutin

0.22

Trans-5-O-caffeoyl-D-quinic acid

163-574

Vanillic acid

286

Different varieties of avocado produce different content of phenolic compounds [13]. The phenolic

compound profile of avocado seed can be classified into alkanols, terpenoid glycosides, furan ring-

containing derivatives, flavonoids, and coumarin [14]. The type of alkanols is 4-acetoxy-1,2-dihydroxy

heptadec-16-ene, 4-acetoxy-1,2-dihydroxy heptadec-16-yne, and 1,2,4-trihydroxy heptadec-16-yne.

Part of terpenoid glycosides is (1'S, 6'R)-8'-hydroxy abscisic acid β-D-glc and (1'R, 3'R, 5'R, 8'S)-epi-

dihydrophaseic acid- β-D-glc. 14 2-(pentadecyl)furan, 16 2-(heptadecyl)furan, 2-(12-tridecyl)furan, 2-

(12-tridecyl)furan and dimethyl sciadinonate as furan ring-containing derivative. Astragalin, luteolin,

apigenin, luteolin-7-O-D-glc, quercetin-3-O-D-diglc, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, afzelin, quercetin-3-O-

D-ara, (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin are part of flavonoids and scopoletin as coumarin compound

[13].

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doi:10.1088/1755-1315/733/1/012090

3. Extraction Methods

The extraction method to obtain bioactive compounds from avocado seed varies. The freeze-drying

method is commonly used for avocado seed's pre-treatment. The avocado seed powder was extracted

using freeze-drier with 80% methanol in a 1:8 ratio of solid to solvent, heated at 60℃, and shook for 15

minutes [13]. The solvent was then evaporated using rotavapor at 40℃. The aqueous residue was

lyophilized to protect oils from oxidation in water emulsions [13]. The freeze-drying method was done

by grounding avocado seed into powder. 0.5 g of the seed powder was extracted in 10 ml solvent (70 v

acetone, 29.7 v water, and 0.3 v acetic acid) [6]. During the extraction process, there was a mixing

process using a vortex mixer for 30 s and two sonication processes for 5 min with an interlude for 20

min at room temperature. The extract was then centrifuged for 10 min [6].

Solvent extraction is another method that can be used to separate bioactive compounds from the

avocado seed. Gomez et al. (2014) extracted a lyophilized avocado seed powder using ethanol,

centrifuged at 2500 rpm for 10 minutes. The powder was macerated in ethanol at a ratio of 1:10 (w/v),

then was evaporated at 50℃ using a rotary evaporator [15]. Another ethanol extraction method was

performed by Egbuonu et al. (2018). In short, the avocado seed was sun-dried and milled, and then the

powder was extracted with cold maceration using 90% ethanol in ratio 1:2 solid to solvent. Afterwards,

the extract was filtered using filter paper. The filtrate was concentrated at 60℃ using a water bath and

dried at 50℃ with an oven [16].

Organic solvent, such as hexane, is also used for the extraction. Ogbuagu et al. (2020) used sun-dried

avocado seed and grounded the seed into a powder then extracted them using Soxhlet with n-Hexane as

a solvent in ratio 1:25 (w/v) [16]. The avocado seed powder was wrapped in filter paper and placed in a

thimble. The oil was obtained by evaporating the solvent at 50-60℃ [17]. Adaramola et al. (2016)

performed a hexane-based extraction by oven-dried avocado seed for 48 hours at 50℃ then pulverized

[5]. A 100 g sample was extracted for 8 hours using Soxhlet and n-Hexane as the solvent. The seed oil

was recovered using a vacuum rotary evaporator at 40℃ [5].

Extraction using water as a solvent was also performed. A 50 g avocado seed and 500 ml water are

placed in a water bath at 96℃ for 30 min. Then the extract filtered using flannel cloth [18]. Mixtures of

solvents were also used for avocado seed extraction. Rivai et al. (2019) macerated a 50 g avocado seed

powder using a mixture of hexane, acetone, and ethanol at a ratio of 1:1:1 [18]. The extract was then

evaporated using a rotary evaporator at 50℃ to obtain the filtrate [18].

Those various extraction methods' filtrate showed different quantities of alkaloids, flavonoids,

phenol, and tannin. Fatty acids are the chemical compounds in the extraction of hexane. Fatty acids are

also found in acetone extract with other chemical compounds like phenols, tannins, and flavonoids. In

the ethanol extraction, the extracted chemical compounds are phenols, tannins, alkaloids, and

flavonoids. In water extraction, the chemical compounds found are carbohydrates, tannins, and phenols.

0.435% of total alkaloids were only found in ethanol extraction, while 0.1068% and 0.1084% of total

flavonoids were found in acetone extract and ethanol extraction, respectively. Total phenol for extraction

using acetone was 0.0476%, 0.0309% in the ethanol extraction and 0.0494% in water extraction.

0.1989%, 0.2044%, and 0.1804% of total tannins were found in acetone extract, ethanol extract, and

water extract, respectively [18]. The levels of phytochemicals in the avocado seed are based on the

growth condition, variety of avocado, and the age of the avocado plant [11].

4. Phytochemical Analysis of Avocado Seed

The total phenolic content of avocado seed extract was determined by diluting Folin-Ciocalteu reagent

and 15% sodium carbonate. Then measured the absorbance at 765 nm using a microplate reader [6]. In

short, a 0.25 ml methanolic solution extract, 0.25 ml Folin-Ciocalteu reagent diluted with distilled water

(1:1), 0.5 ml sodium carbonate are mixed, and 4 ml water was added. The mixture was incubated at

room temperature for 30 minutes, then the absorbance at 725 nm is measured using a spectrophotometer

[13].

The presence of saponins, tannins, and flavonoids in avocado seed was tested using 0.1% ferric

chloride added with a few drops in filtered, boiled water of avocado seed [12]. Indication of tannins

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IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 733 (2021) 012090

IOP Publishing

doi:10.1088/1755-1315/733/1/012090

showed by blue-black or brownish-green colour. Indication of saponins showed by emulsion in the

solution of 10 ml filtrate water, 5 ml distilled water, and three drops of olive oil. While the indication of

flavonoids showed by yellow colouration in the mixture of 5 ml, dilute ammonia solution, 5 ml filtrate,

and 1 ml sulphuric acid.

The antioxidant properties on extracted avocado seed oil contained flavonoid content, phenolic

content, and free radicals. Assays in flavonoid content are measured using the Aluminum trichloride

spectrophotometric method and quercetin as a standard. Methanol, distilled water, 5% NaNO2 solution,

10% AlCl3, and NaOH are used in this assay. The phenolic content was evaluated using the reduction

of the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method and gallic acid as a standard. The phenolic content assays' solution

is methanol, distilled water, 10 ml of 7% sodium carbonate. The free radical scavenging was assayed

using the spectrophotometry method and gallic acid as a standard. Methanol, 2,2-diphenyl-2-

picrylhydrazyl, or DPPH, and distilled water are used to assay free radical scavenging. Reducing power

on avocado seed oil was evaluated using spectrophotometry and gallic acid as standard. Solutions of

phosphate buffer, 1% potassium ferricyanide, 10% trichloroacetic acid, 1% ferric chloride, and distilled

water are applied to evaluate the reducing power [5].

The determination of tannin is using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and catechin compounds

as standard. Solutions used are ethyl acetate as new solutions, catechins as comparison solutions, acetone

as test solutions, and avocado seed water extract—determination of phenol content using the Folin

Ciocalteu method to measure the absorbance in 764 nm. Gallic acid was used as a comparison solution

to test total phenol content. Flavonoid content was determined using the colourimetry method and

aluminium chloride as a reagent solution; sometimes, sodium acetate was used as a stabilizer to see the

wavelength [18].

5. Functional Properties

The high nutritional value in avocado seed, especially phenolics, was reported to have various functional

properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and analgesic. Glutathione has a role as an antioxidant to

protect cells through oxygen and free radical harm. The methanolic extract has been found as an agent

to prevent and treat bacterial infections caused by pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and S. pyogenes

[8]. Polyphenols, as natural oxidants, have some beneficial properties to human health. It can prevent

lipid oxidation and reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases [19].

Henry et al. (2015) claimed that saponins have hypertensive activity and cardiac depressant because

cholesterols are bound with saponins and form insoluble complexes. Saponins in the human body can

affect the immune system, help against cancer, and lower cholesterol levels. The characteristics of

saponins are stable in aqueous solutions forming soap-like foams and diverse in a group of compounds.

At the same time, flavonoids have beneficial effects on body health as antiviral, antitumor, antiallergic,

anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiplatelet. Tannins are known as polyphenols, which have high

molecular weight and water-soluble. It also can precipitate proteins. The benefits of tannins in the human

body are reducing the respiratory problem, improving appetite, and lowering blood pressure [12].

Yasir et al. (2010) argued that the potential activity of avocado seed due to the rich source of

nutrients, such as vasorelaxant activity, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activity, hypotensive activity,

anticonvulsant activity, antiviral activity, wound healing activity, antiulcer effect, antihepatotoxic

activity, antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic activity, and reducing body weight [14]. The avocado seed

is mentioned in research as a medical agent such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic,

antihypertensive, cholesterol reducer, dermatological effects, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and even as a

colourant [11].

Recent research of terpenoid in avocado seed extract has been investigated for an anticancer

component [22]. The isolation of the terpenoid compound used ethanol extract and in vitro cytotoxic

test using MTT assay. It showed the IC50 value is 62µg/mL as a cytotoxic activity under a safe

concentration limit of 100µg/mL for ethanol extract on normal cells. Anticancer activity against human

breast MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) cancer cells enhanced by using a purified extract of

terpenoid from avocado seed extract. Thus, isolated triterpenoid can be further developed for

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doi:10.1088/1755-1315/733/1/012090

chemotherapeutic agents to inhibit tumour and cancer cell growth [20]. Extraction of avocado seed using

chloroform and further partition with soluble methanol fractions (FLM) and non-soluble methanol

fractions (FTLM) showed the IC50 was 94.87, 34.52, and 66.03 µg/mL, respectively. More than 50%

of MCF-7 cells were killed at 30µg/mL concentration and caused cell shrinkage than FTLM within 48h.

Both FLM and FTLM avocado seed extract induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells [21].

6. Future Research

Phytochemicals in avocado seed extract are the potential for increasing health. Despite the recent

findings, there is a limited study to prove the beneficial effect of phytochemicals found in avocado seed

to treat specific diseases. The available literature on phytochemical derived from avocado seed discusses

the potential, but investigation on medicine production is scarce. Hence, further research of avocado

seed as medicine is potential.

7. Conclusions

Different varieties of avocado produce different content of phenolic compounds. The natural products

contained in avocado seeds are phytosterols, fatty acids, triterpenes, abscisic acid, furanoic acids,

polyphenols and proanthocyanidins. Several methods like water extraction solvent extraction using

ethanol, methanol, acetone, and organic solvent such n-Hexane give different levels of phytochemicals.

Those phytochemicals are beneficial due to rich sources of nutrients, such as vasorelaxant activity,

analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, hypotensive activity, anticonvulsant activity, antiviral activity,

wound healing activity, antiulcer effect, antihepatotoxic activity, antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic

activity, and reducing body weight.

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Background This study sought to quantify the levels of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, as well as the IC50 values of avocado seed and aloe vera extracts. Methods The materials included in the investigation consisted of 70% ethanol extracts derived from avocado seeds and Aloe vera. Both samples underwent quantitative phytochemical analyses to ascertain total component content and an antioxidant activity assessment utilizing the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) technique to evaluate % inhibition and IC50 values. The absorbance of the samples was quantified using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, which facilitated the calculation of total chemical content and antioxidant activity. Results The avocado seed extract comprised saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins at concentrations of 0.21%, 0.0232%, 19.94%, and 10.66%, respectively, with an IC50 value of 135 μg/mL. The aloe vera extract comprises saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins at concentrations of 0.74%, 0.0313%, 0.99%, and 4.68%, respectively, with an IC50 value of 4614 μg/mL. Conclusion Avocado seeds exhibited elevated levels of flavonoids and tannins, while aloe vera demonstrated increased concentrations of alkaloids and saponins. In the antioxidant activity assessment, avocado seeds demonstrated superior antioxidant efficacy.

Inherent Safety Index Evaluation of an Extractive-Based Creole-Antillean Avocado Biorefinery in Montes De María, Colombia

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

In Colombia, different varieties of avocados are produced. In the Montes de María region, Creole-Antillean avocados are grown, but part of the production is lost due to the presence of fungi and pests, lacking marketing strategies, poor road conditions, and other factors. For this reason, we propose utilizing avocados under the concept of biorefinery to produce value-added products such as bio-oil, biopesticide, and chlorophyll from the pulp, seed, and peel, respectively. The objective is to evaluate the safety of establishing an avocado biorefinery by determining the inherent safety index of the chemical processes. The process inherent safety index is a methodology that allows the assessment of processes in the conceptual design stages. This technique identifies the characteristics of the process by determining the properties of the chemical substances, maximum operating conditions, types of equipment, construction materials, reported accidents, and other relevant factors. In the present study, the safety performance of the process is observed. A total inherent safety index of 18 points was obtained, indicating that the process is viable from a safety perspective if we compare it to the permitted limit of 24 points. This is because the process does not represent a considerable safety hazard, though some precautions must be taken due to the maximum operating temperature of 81 °C. Additionally, the chemical substances (methanol, acetone, and ethanol) necessary for obtaining bio-oil, chlorophyll, and biopesticide must be handled appropriately.

Investigation of Avocado Pear ( Persea americana ) Seed Starch as Binder and Disintegrant in the Formulation of Paracetamol Tablet

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

Background : Avocado pear seeds are usually discarded as agricultural waste, the need arises therefore, to investigate their potentials as pharmaceutical excipients. Objective: The objective of this research was to extract, characterize, formulate and do in-vitro evaluation of the formulated paracetamol tablets. Methods : Ripe avocado ( Persea americana ) fruits were harvested in the month of April from a farm at Okada town. The seeds were authenticated by a taxonomist at the Department of Plant Biology, University of Benin, with Harbarium number UB/PB/24 0201. The seeds were prepared, dried and milled to fine powder and extracted using a standard procedure by Silva et al ., 2013. The powder was subjected to phytochemical analysis and characterized for its micromeritic properties, and high-resolution analyses using differential scanning calorimetry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffractometry. Batches of paracetamol granules were prepared with avocado starch powder as disintegrant (2.5 - 15%w/w) and starch mucilage as binder (5.0 – 15 %w/v) using the wet granulation method. Granule flow properties were investigated before compression into tablets. Tablets were evaluated for physicochemical properties and drug-excipient interaction was investigated using DSC and FTIR. Results : Phytochemistry shows presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and glycosides. The starch was light-brown, odorless, tasteless and smooth in texture. Slightly soluble in water at room temperature, melting point range 102 - 114°C, moisture content 22.7 ± 2.40%; hydration capacity 2.76 ± 1.20 (g/g), swelling and moisture sorption capacities of 46.43 ± 1.50% and 115.34 ± 1.55%, respectively. Thermogram exhibited a single sharp peak of the extracted starch, FTIR shows no interactions, SEM and XRD results confirmed semi-crystalline powder with fluffy discrete particles. Granules exhibited fair to good flow properties; the tablets were uniform in weight, mean hardness values ≥ 58.84 N, friability 0.14 -1.56 %, disintegration times 0.50 – 11.12 mins and variable drug release 72.78 - 90.67% in 1.0 h. sss Conclusion : Tablets formulated with the extracted starch as disintegrant gave superior tablet properties, hence a viable local substitute that can be employed at higher concentrations as super-disintegrant and good mucilage binder at higher %w/v concentrations for oral solid dosage formulations.

Phytochemical contents, in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and anticancer activities of avocado ( Persea americana Mill.) seed extract against MCF-7 and HMVII cancer cells

Article

Dec 2024

Background and aims: Avocados are unique in Nigeria for their taste and medicinal uses. This study was performed to determine the phytochemicals and evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of avocado seed extracts (ASEs). Methods: The phytochemicals were analyzed using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) apparatus. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant activity were evaluated using standard methods. In contrast, in vivo, antioxidants were used in a group of thirty healthy Wistar rats randomly grouped into five groups of six, with cytotoxicity activity by benchtop and MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assays and apoptosis by assessing caspase-3-like activity. Results: The GC-MS revealed polyphenols and fatty acids. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were 1178.67 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram (GAE/g) and 86.24 mg rutin equivalent per gram (RE/g), respectively. High radical scavenging toward 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ABTS, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) reducing power with IC50 values of 25.25±1.01 µg/mL, 38.22±2.01 µg/mL, and 43.99 mM Fe (II) equivalent, respectively, in vitro antioxidation as well as dose-dependent in vivo antioxidant activities with reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (TSOD), and catalase (CAT) and increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) contents in vital organs were obtained. Cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 and HMVII cells were detected, with IC50 values of 16.51±0.02 µg/mL and 31.71±2.03 µg/mL, respectively, which was statistically significant (P=0.001) when compared to doxorubicin standard drug and a higher selective index on breast cancer (BC). Conclusion: The findings revealed that avocado seed possessed antioxidant and anticancer activities on human MCF-7 and HMVII cancer cell lines.

Advances and trends in compressed fluid extraction to recovering bioactive compounds from avocado: Effect of extraction parameters, biological properties, and applications

Article

Apr 2025
J SUPERCRIT FLUID

A Review on Avocado Seed: Functionality, Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2019

The seed of avocado is considered as one of the non-edible part of the fruit, which are usually discarded as residues and can cause ecological problems. Exploring the possible dietary and therapeutic potentials of especially such underutilized wastes will in addition reduce the possible environmental waste burden. The objectives of this review article is to alert the functionality, chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of avocado seed for its use as food and justification for its medicinal use. The composition like proximate (

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Chemical Content of Hexane, Acetone, Ethanol and Water Extract from Avocado Seeds (Persea americana Mill.)

Article

Full-text available

May 2019

Avocado seeds (Persea americana Mill.) have been recommended in traditional medicine which has therapeutic effects for hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. This study aims to analyze qualitatively and quantitatively the chemical compounds contained in hexane, acetone, ethanol and water extract from avocado seeds. The results obtained from the qualitative test showed that avocado seed hexane extract contained fatty acids. Avocado seeds acetone extract contains fatty acids, phenols, tannins, and flavonoids. Ethanol extracts of avocado seeds contain phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Avocado seed water extract contains carbohydrates, phenols, and tannins. Quantitative tests of alkaloids are determined by the gravimetric method, as well as the ultraviolet spectrophotometer method for flavonoids, phenols, and tannins. The results obtained from the quantitative test showed the total alkaloid content of ethanol extract was 0.435 %, the total flavonoid levels of acetone and ethanol extract were 0.1068 % and 0.1084 % respectively, the total phenol content of acetone, ethanol and water extracts were 0.0476 %, 0.0309 %, and 0.0494 % respectively. The total tannin content of acetone, ethanol and water extracts were 0.1989 %, 0.2044 %, and 0.1804 % respectively.

Proximate, Functional, Antinutrient and Antimicrobial Properties of Avocado Pear (Persea americana) Seeds

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2018

Anthony Cemaluk C. Egbuonu

Cytotoxic activity and apoptosis induction of Avocado (Persea americana) seed extract on MCF-7 cancer cell line

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2018

Avocado Persea Americana Mill. is a commercially important crop and studies have shown that the pulp may have benefits to cardiovascular health, dermatological health and possibly anti-cancer activity. Avocado seeds have several medicinal properties such as anti-hyperglycemic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammation. This study aim to evaluate the effect of avocado seed extract on viability and apoptosis of breast cancer cell line MCF-7. The anticancer effect was evaluated by cytotoxic test using MTT assay and the effect on apoptosis and cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry method. The cytotoxic test showed that chloroform extract had strong cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 value of 94.87 μg mL-1. Furthermore, the chloroform extract was partitioned with methanol and yield of soluble methanol fraction (FLM) and non soluble methanol fraction (FTLM). The cytotoxic activity of the methanol soluble fraction (FLM) and non soluble methanol fraction (FTLM) against MCF-7 cell lines was increased with IC50 of 34.52 and 66.03 μg mL-1, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis using annexin-V and propidium iodide staining revealed that methanol soluble fraction could induce apoptosis and modulating the cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 cell. This research indicated that avocado seed has a potency to induce apoptosis and as anti-proliferative to MCF-7 cells lines.

Avocado Seed: A Comparative Study of Antioxidant Content and Capacity in Protecting Oil Models from Oxidation

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2018
MOLECULES

Increasingly, consumers want products containing little or no synthetic compounds. Avocado seeds, which are a residue of the food industry, could be used to obtain extracts with high antioxidant power. In the present study, the most popular radical scavenging methods are presented, establishing a comparison between them, besides working with two different extractions: pure methanol and ethanol–water (50:50 v/v). The radical scavenging assay methods ORAC and ABTS were performed, as well as a novel method: the reaction to methoxy radical, as determined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid reactive compounds (TBARs) were used to monitor the oxidation of avocado seed oil, as well as the power of the avocado seed extract (ASE) to delay oil oxidation by oxidation induction time (OIT) and measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Radical scavenging methods have values between 1310–263 µmol TE/g of mass dissolved for ORAC and ABTS, respectively. The individual contribution of each of the compounds present in the extract was analyzed. The sum of all of them contributed up to 84% of the total radical scavenging activity. The concentration of 0.75% ASE causes a delay in the oxidation that is close to 80%, as measured by OIT. This implies that avocado seed residue may have a use as a natural antioxidant source, providing added value to organic waste.

Triterpenoid of avocado (Persea americana) seed and its cytotoxic activity toward breast MCF-7 and liver HepG2 cancer cells

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2017

Objective: To determine the structure of triterpenoid isolated from avocado seeds and the cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 and HepG2 cells. Methods: The powder sample was macerated with ethanol, followed with separation of the extract by column chromatography. The target compound was monitored on thin layer chromatography plate and reagent Lieberman–Buchard. The isolated compound was characterized by spectral analysis, mainly ultraviolet, infrared, and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy and their spectroscopic data with those reported in literature were compared. In vitro cytotoxic activity was investigated against Vero, MCF-7, and HepG2 cell lines using MTT assay. Results: A triterpenoid compound was isolated from ethanol extract. The extracts, fraction (F3), and the isolated compound showed a significant cytotoxic activity against all investigated cell lines. MTT assay showed that the triterpenoid isolate inhibited cell proliferation of MCF-7 and HepG2 cell line with the IC50 values of 62 μg/mL and 12 μg/mL, respectively, and was safe to normal cells. Conclusions: The results of the present study reveal that triterpenoid from avocado seeds have the potential for further development as anticancer agents.

Physiochemical properties and antioxidant potential of Persea Americana seed oil

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2016

Oil extracted from Persea Americana seed was assayed for its physiochemical properties and antioxidant potential using various standard methods. The oil content of the seed was found to be < 10%. Brownish-red color oil was liquid at room temperature, with specific gravity of 0.91±0.02 g/mL. Other physiochemical parameters determined were; acid value (4.51±0.08 mgKOH/g), %FFA (2.26±0.08), peroxide value (2.40±0.57 mgO2/Kg), ester value (31.26±0.03 mgKOH/g), saponification value (35.76±0.07 mgKOH/g) and iodine value (23.5±0.07). The results of the antioxidant activities of the seed oil showed that the flavonoid content (80.00±1.41 mgQE/g) was ~10 folds higher than the phenolic content (8.27±0.06 mgGAE/g). The DPPH radical scavenging value was found to be 51.54±0.25% with an IC50 value of 4.68±0.02 mg/mL and reducing power with an average absorbance of 0.85±0.01 and an IC50 value of 0.001±0.02 mg/mL. Gallic acid showed better antioxidant activities than the oil studied. The results obtained in this study showed that Persea Americana seed oil has nutritional, industrial as well as medicinal potentials.

Pulp, Leaf, Peel and Seed of Avocado Fruit: A Review of Bioactive Compounds and Healthy Benefits

Article

Jan 2020
FOOD REV INT

Avocado (Persea americana Mill) is a native American fruit. Its industrial processing generates a large number of wastes (leaves, peels, and seeds). These wastes are a source of bioactive compounds which have been attributed biological activities. We aim to compile scientific research on bioactive compounds of avocado pulp and wastes and their potential biological properties. Main bioactive compounds identified in pulp and wastes are polyphenols, carotenoids, tocopher-ols, and phytosterols. Thus, wastes extracts have reported numerous biological activities, e.g., antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive. Therefore, potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries can be issued.

Avocado seed: Modeling extraction of bioactive compounds

Article

Jul 2016
IND CROP PROD

Avocado seed is a by-product that contains a large amount of extractable polyphenols, which have attracted the attention of food and cosmetic industries due to their high antioxidant capacity. This fact makes it a promising candidate for the cheap and sustainable extraction of such compounds. This work aims to evaluate the effect of ultrasound power (0-104 W) and temperature (20-60 °C) on the extraction of total polyphenols from avocado seed using water as a green solvent. Increasing temperature and ultrasound power resulted in extracts with higher polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. Different mathematical models (Peleg's, empirical, film theory and Fick's law) were also used to find the one that best fit the extraction kinetics. Models based on film theory and Fick's law were able to predict the ultrasound-assisted batch and continuous extractions, respectively, at 95% accuracy. Using a model based on Fick's law, diffusion coefficients of polyphenols in both fast and slow stages were calculated for the extractions. In addition, a linear relationship between total polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity was proposed.

Aqueous extracts of avocado pear (Persea americana Mill.) leaves and seeds exhibit anti-cholinesterases and antioxidant activities in vitro

Article

Jan 2016

Avocado pear ( The inhibitory effects of extracts on AChE and BChE activities and antioxidant potentials (inhibition of Fe The extracts inhibited AChE and BChE activities and prooxidant-induced TBARS production in a dose-dependent manner, with the seed extract having the highest inhibitory effect and the leaf extract exhibiting higher phenolic content and radical scavenging abilities, but lower Fe chelation ability compared with that of the seed. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, and terpenoids in both extracts, whereas the total alkaloid profile was higher in the seed extract than in the leaf extract, as revealed by GC-FID. The anti-cholinesterase and antioxidant activities of avocado leaf and seed could be linked to their phytoconstituents and might be the possible mechanisms underlying their use as a cheap and natural treatment/management of AD. However, these extracts should be further investigated in vivo.