Analysis of carotenoids from the most commonly consumed varieties of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus thunb.) and rock melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Date

5-2003

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Evelyn B. Rodriguez

Abstract

The total carotenoid contents of watermelon (Sugar Baby) and rock melon obtained from eight different consumer outlets were determined by visible ,7,,trophotometry to rapidly determine the content of the major carotenoid present in of these samples. To obtain more accurate results, the major carotenoids of both samples were separated by open-column chromatography employing 1:2 MgO-Hyflosupercel as adsorbent, and their concentrations were determined by visible spectrophotometry. Experimental results showed that watermtelon had a 46.29 ± 1.51 jig/g of total carotenoids expressed mainly as lycopene while rock melon contained 16.5 ± 1.1 ug/g of total carotenoids expressed mainly as 0-carotene. On the other hand, the carotenoids isolated by open-column chromatography from watermelon were 43.22 ± 1.64 ug/g lycopene and 2.5 ± 0.3 ug/g 0-carotene while the carotenoid isolated from rock melon was 15.3 ± 1.1 u/g 0-carotene. Based from these results, watermelon was found to contain 93.4% lycopene and 5.4% 0-carotene while rock melon was found to be 92.7% (I-carotene. These results support the findings of other studies on carotenoid composition of watermelon and rock melon done in other countries.

Language

Filipino

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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