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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 10, Issue 1, February 2014 pp 153-157

Research Article

Evaluating the Effects of Gamma Irradiation and Storage Period on the Phytochemical Stability of Some Selected Spices on the Ghanaian Market

I. D. Kottoh¹, Agyekum A. A.², F. Akuamoa², I. Asare¹

¹Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute-GAEC, Kwabenya – Accra, GHANA.

Academic Editor : Dr. Aher K.R.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of gamma irradiation treatment and storage period on the phytochemical stability of some spices (Eugenia caryophyllata, Xylopia aethiopica and Aframomum melegueta)on the Ghanaian market. The radiation processing was carried out on dose levels of 0, 5, 10 and 20kGy over a period of four months. The irradiated and control samples were analyzed for Total flavonoids, Total Phenolics, Vitamin C and DPPH radical-scavenging activity for both aqueous and ethanolic extracts with the exception of Vitamin C. The study revealed that gamma irradiation did not compromise on the innate phytochemical stability of the spice samples; however storage period showed significant effects on the phytochemical indices of the spice samples.