Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of kenaf leaves

HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analyses enabled to tentatively identify 29 compounds in both varieties, mainly chlorogenic acids and quercetin and kaempferol derivatives. Some of the compounds found in the kenaf leaves were related before to the Hibiscus genus. Results of Folin-Ciocalteu, DPPH and ORAC assays showed that Everglades 41 leaves were richer in phenolic compounds presenting a higher antioxidant potential than Tainung 2 leaves. This study indicates that kenaf leaves can be considered as potentially new source of antioxidants but its future use in food and nutraceutical matrices still need to be tested and evaluated.