The antioxidant, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition activity, and phenolic compounds of bamboo shoot extracts

This study was undertaken to evaluate the functional properties of two of the most popular species of edible bamboo shoots in Korea (Phyllostachys pubescens and Phyllostachys nigra). Powdered bamboo shoots were extracted with methanol and an aqueous suspension of the obtained methanol extract was partitioned successively with chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol, leaving a residual water extract. All obtained extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activity, and ascorbic acid and phenolic compound content. Methanol and water fractions showed a particularly high ascorbic acid contents. The ethyl acetate fraction contained a high concentration of phenolic compounds. Among all extracts, the ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed particularly high antioxidant activity. Methanol extract had a significantly higher ACE inhibitory activity than other extracts. None of the extracts inhibited the tested bacteria.