Effects of gamma irradiation on total polyphenols, radical scavenging activities and decolourization of Nelumbo nucifera extracts

The ethanolic leaf extract of Nelumbo nucifera (NC) was exposed to γ-irradiation, and its antioxidant activities, total polyphenols and colour characteristics were studied to discern its potential ability as a food or cosmetic materials. The results demonstrated that the radical scavenging activities and total polyphenols of the γ-irradiated leaf extract of NC were not observed to be significantly different. However, γ-irradiation significantly increased the Hunter colour L*-value at doses of 20 and 50 kGy, while the Hunter colour b*-values were decreased under the same conditions.