Antimutagenic and antioxidant activities of cascalote (Caesalpinia cacalaco) phenolics

There is an increasing awareness and interest in the antioxidant behaviour and potential health benefits of phenolic acids. The identification of novel sources of phenolic acids has been also of scientific interest. Cascalote (Caesalpinia cacalaco) pods are known to be a good source of tannins, the name by which industry in Mexico recognizes phenolic extract. Phenolics were determined as gallic acid equivalents g^-1. The antimutagenic activity against aflatoxin B1 and the antioxidant activity, using two different methods, of the extract were also evaluated. Gallic acid accounts for almost 90% of the phenolic extract of cascalote, the remaining 10% was tannic acid. Antimutagenic activity of cascalote phenolics was dose-dependent, showing an inhibition level of 64.42% at the highest dose assayed. Antioxidant and antiradical activities were also dose-dependent. The highest antioxidant activity showed by cascalote phenolics was 73.5%, higher than that of Trolox. The highest antiradical activity of cascalote phenolics was 75.3%, higher than that of BHT and Trolox. Cascalote pods are an outstanding source of gallic and tannic acids.