Reciprocal cross performance for anthocyanins and antioxidant activity of waxy corn.

Waxy corn (Zea mays var. ceratina) is a pigmented corn rich in anthocyanins. Numerous studies have proved various biological activities of anthocyanins, and one of them is antioxidants. Antioxidants will donate electrons to stop or reduce rampaging free radicals in target particles. Several methods have been used to improve pigmented waxy corn's anthocyanin content, and one of them is conventional breeding through the reciprocal cross. Thus, this research investigates the effects of reciprocal cross on the anthocyanin content and its antioxidant activity in waxy corn. The total anthocyanin content (TAC) was determined using the pH differential method. On the other hand, the total phenolic content (TPC) was analyzed by the Folin- Ciocalteu colorimetric method. Then, the antioxidant activity was assayed through 2,2-Diphenyl-2-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays. The results indicated that hybrid BL 1-7 x BL 1-8 had the highest TAC and TPC at 71.43 mg/100g and 7.04 mg of GAE/g, respectively. BL 1-7 x BL 1-8 had the lowest IC50 values which are 133.68 ug/mL for DPPH assay and 17.13 ug/mL for ABTS assay. It is an exciting finding from this study to utilize inbred BL 1-7 as maternal plant for enhancement of anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, TAC and TPC were significantly correlated with DPPH and ABTS activity. These correlations helped to add more information on the relationship between phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. The information obtained from this study is useful for making smart selection of inbreds that will result in new waxy corn hybrids that are full of health advantages and provide functional foods like natural colorants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]