Analysis of Nutrients and Phytochemicals content in Corn Silk(Zea. Mays)

When environmental conditions are degraded such that the range of tolerance is exceeded, there will be a significant impact on human health. Free radicals were well documented for playing a dual role as both deleterious and beneficial species. In lower or moderate concentration free radicals are involved in normal physiological functions but excess production leads to oxidative stress. The plant sources are rich in antioxidants. Dietary plants contain variable chemical families and enormous amount of antioxidants. The plant based foods introduce significantly more antioxidant into human diet then non- plant foods. Corn silk will be used to produce novel natural antioxidants as well as flavouring agents in various products. Organic acids like formic acids, lactic acid, succinic acid, palmitic acid, steric acid, oleic acid and linolic acid are presented in corn silk. The present study shows the nutrients present in the corn silk. Corn silk contains higher amount of fibre (6g) and less in fat (0.36g). Total antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of dried corn silk was analysed. Microwave dried corn silk contains high amount of total antioxidant activity.