STABILIZATION OF SUNFLOWER OIL USING CORN SILK EXTRACT AND ITS METAL CHELATES

Antioxidants are wisely employed in various food products, physiology and pathology for controlling different oxidative routes. Natural antioxidants should replace synthetic ones since they are destructive for human's health. In this regard, corn silk extract (CSEE) was obtained and subsequently screened for antioxidant potential by different assays (DPPH, beta-carotene, FRAP, ABTS, total phenol CSE and flavonoids content). Cu(II) and Zn(II) chelates of this extract were also prepared to compare their antioxidant potential with uncomplexed extract. Stabilization of sunflower oil by CSEE and its respective chelates [CSE-Cu(II) and CSE-Zn(II)] at variable concentrations (250 ppm, 500 ppm, 1000 ppm) was investigated by applying three parameters, like PV, FFA and IV values. The results were compared with synthetic standards such as BHA and BHT. BHT and CSEE 1000 ppm possessed maximum oil stabilizing capacity.