Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on functional properties and quality characteristics of Aloe vera gel (Aloe barbadensis Miller)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high hydrostatic pressure treatment at three pressure levels (300, 400 and 500 Mpa) on the functional and quality characteristics of Aloe vera gel including vitamin C and E, aloin, minerals, phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The results show that HHP exerted a clear influence on minerals content, vitamin C and E content, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and aloin content. After 35 days of storage all treated samples presented a decrease in mineral content, except for phosphorus. Total phenolic content and vitamin C and E content decreased at high pressures (500 MPa), while all pressurised samples showed a higher antioxidant activity and aloin content than untreated sample after 35 days of storage. The maximum values of antioxidant activity and aloin were 6.55 ± 1.26 μg/ml at 300 MPa and 24.23 ± 2.27 mg/100 g d.m. at 400 MPa.