Physicochemical Characteristics and Antioxidant Capacity of Yellow and Orange Andean Floral Species

Flowers are used for ornamental purposes and to enhance the appearance, taste, and value of foods. Ecuador is a country with great biodiversity including flowers. There is limited information on the physicochemical characteristics of these plants, particularly those related with human health. In this context, thirteen floral species in the Andean region of the Province of Pichincha, Ecuador were characterized. The following parameters were evaluated: pH, soluble solids, ash, moisture, and color; the content of carotenoids and total phenolic compounds by spectrophotometry; and the antioxidant capacity, which was determined by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity. These results demonstrated that the Cassia fistula and Tecoma stans flowers had high pH; Pyrostegia venusta showed high soluble solids content; Tecoma stans had high total titratable acidity; Abutilon pictum had high ash; Gazaniax hybrida had high moisture. The highest contents of total carotenoids and total phenolics were presented by Gazania x hybrida (69.28 ug/g) and Glaucium flavum (355.46 mg eq. Gallic acid/g), respectively. The highest values of antioxidant capacity were presented by Oxalis tetraphylla and Glaucium flavum (166.90 and 164.00 µMeq trolox/g, respectively). These results indicated that Andean floral species could have potential beneficial properties that can be applied for human health.