CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF FOXTAIL LILY (Eremurus spectabilis)

Eremurus spectabilis is used as a vegetable in Turkey, especially in Eastern Anatolia region. In this study, eight E. spectabilis from different growing areas have been analyzed for its nutrition value and antioxidant properties. The results showed that there were significant differences among samples in terms of all above parameters. The mean values of the parameters investigated were 86.62-91.35% for water content, 4.78-5.15 for pH; 0.42-0.70% for acidity, and 0.61-1.11% for ash content. The antioxidant activity tests evaluated by using 2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and beta-carotene/linoleic acid assays indicated that the extracts of E. spectabilis samples had high antioxidant capacity. In the DPPH and beta-carotene/linoleic acid systems, average values were 73.69 mu g extract. ml(-1) and 94.56%, respectively. The average amount of total phenolics in samples was 223 mg GAE . 100 g(-1) FW. Protein, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Cu contents of E. spectabilis species were found higher than in some other commonly used vegetables. The results suggest that E. spectabilis could be a valuable source of antioxidants, phenolics and minerals.