Comparative Assessment of Proximate and Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant, Anti-diabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Pericarp and Seeds of Capsicum annum L.

Abstract

This study evaluates the proximate and phytochemical composition and antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties of Capsicum annum L. seed powder (CSP) and pericarp powder (CPP). The CSP and CPP were analyzed for moisture, crude protein, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, flavonoids, phenol, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS), ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, lipase and albumin inhibitory properties and anti-proteinase properties. The moisture, crude protein, ash and crude fat concentrations were significantly higher in CPP compared to CSP; while the concentrations of crude fiber and nitrogen-free extracts were significantly lower in CSP than CPP. The phenol, alkaloids and saponins concentrations of the CPP were significantly higher than CSP; while the flavonoids and steroid concentrations were higher in CPP compared to CSP. The vitamin C, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and lipid peroxidation inhibition of CPP was significantly higher than CSP. The alpha-amylase inhibition and alpha-glucosidase inhibition of CPP were significantly higher than in CSP. The lipase inhibitory and anti-proteinase properties of CSP were higher than CPP; while the albumin inhibitory property was higher in CPP than in CSP. In conclusion, CPP offers better protein, minerals, and fat content compared to CSP with stronger antioxidant, anti-cholesterol, and anti-diabetic properties.