Soil effect on polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity of new hybrid variety of cocoa from Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Polyphenols have gained much interest recently due to their antioxidant capacity and possible benefits to human health. Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is a rich source of polyphenols and has higher antioxidant activity than teas and red wines. Cocoa and its derived products contain different types of polyphenols and possess different levels of antioxidant. New hybrids called "cocoa mercedes" have been developed in Côte d’Ivoire for their precocity of production and an improved yield per hectare. The aim of this study is to assess the polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity of these new hybrids in correlation with their geographical sources. Crude extracts were obtained from freeze-dried beans and juice of cocoa in 80% methanol. Polyphenols were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu’s assay and antioxidant capacity by ORAC assay. Total extractable polyphenols were important with almonds followed by fermented juice and Abengourou gave the highest polyphenol content. Antioxidant capacity of almonds was found significantly higher than the other cocoa samples. Abengourou provided the best antioxidant capacity in comparison with other production areas of cocoa such as Adzope, Divo and Yamoussoukro. Effects of geographical sources could influence the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of cocoa.

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Keywords: Cocoa Mercedes, Folin-Ciocalteu, ORAC, human health, geographical sources