Abstract
Background: Gamma radiation has
been widely used as a post-harvest food preservation process for many years.
Irradiation can affect the content of phytochemicals. During processing of
almonds, large amounts of by-products such as hull and shell are produced. This
study evaluates the effect of gamma radiation on phytochemical content and
antioxidant activity of none stored (H1) and stored (H2) almond hull. Methods:
Both almond hull samples were irradiated with 0, 2, 6 and 10 kGy gamma
rays. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and
bioactivity of the treated samples extracts were investigated by various In
vitro colorimetric methods. Results: Irradiation
dose of 10 kGy slightly decreased the TPC and TFC values but maintained FRAP
value in H1 extracts. The TPC of H2 was increased (p<0.05) at the
dose of 10 kGy, while the TFC and FRAP values were constant. 2 kGy dose of
gamma irradiation slightly increased the antiradical activity of H1 and H2, but
the other doses significantly reduced antiradical activity of extracts. Conclusion:
Results
showed that gamma irradiation can change the antioxidant content and activity
of almond hull.