Antioxidant activity of the waste water of boiled Zea mays (sweet corn) on the cob

Abstract

Zea mays or corn is one of the important foodstuffs in Indonesia. Harvested area was 33 Provence, which in many cities is commonly sold on the street by hawkers as boiled or burned corn. The objective of the research is to study antioxidant activity on the waste water boiled. Sweet corn on the cob was boiled in 20 minutes. The waste water boiled was dried with freeze dryer equipment. Dried extract was screened of phytochemical constituents, and antioxidant activity was determined with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Screening of phytochemicals showed positive results from the presence of flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, and quinon. Antioxidant activity EC₅₀ was 189.8µg/ml. In conclusion, the waste water of boiled sweet corn on the cob has antioxidant activity, and maybe the waste water can be used as antioxidant supplement.