The Chemical Composition and Phenolic Antioxidants of Areca (Areca catechu L) Seeds

The chemical composition, phenolic constituents and contents, antioxidant activities of areca seeds are examined. High contents of phenolics and flavonoids contributed to strong antioxidant activity. Areca seeds contain considerably high amounts of phenolics, in which a large proportion is flavonoids. Two phenolic compounds, syringic acid and epicatechin were identified from the extract by HPLC and their structures are confirmed by electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy. Antioxidant properties of areca seeds extracts appear to be dependent upon the contents of phenolics. In addition, as rich for the contents of phenolic and flavonoids and high antioxidant activity, areca seeds may be a good resource to the antioxidant status and disease chemoprevention of people in future.