Proximate composition, phytochemical profile and free radical scavenging activity of radiation processed Emblica officinalis

Medicinal plants and their products are often prone to microbial contamination. Gamma irradiation is a well-recognized phytosanitary treatment for the elimination of bacteria, moulds and insects. The present study was carried out to see the effect of gamma radiation treatment on the proximate nutrients, ascorbic acid, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics and alkaloidal content, as well as on the DPPH radical scavenging activity of Emblica officinalis. The radiation treatment up to the dose level of 12 kGy showed increase in the levels of phenolics and flavonoids. No effect of irradiation was observed on the concentrations of saponins and alkaloids. Tannin content remained unaffected at low doses. Gamma irradiation also enhanced the DPPH scavenging activity and extraction yields of the methanol and aqueous extracts of the samples. The proximate analysis showed no significant effect on the levels of moisture, protein, fiber and carbohydrates. The crude fats increased with the increase in gamma irradiation dose. The data suggest that gamma irradiation up to 12 kGy could safely be used to sanitize the Emblica officinalis fruits and it may also be beneficial for enhancing the certain biological activities and phytochemicals.