2455-0299 / JACS Directory©2017. All Rights Reserved Cite this Article as: N. Chaturvedi, N. Sahrawat, D. Gupta, Development of functional herbal pomegranate aqualete enriched with Coffea arabica and Cymbopogon citratus, J. Nat. Prod. Resour. 3(2) (2017) 119-121. J. Nat. Prod. Resour. - Volume 3 Issue 2 (2017) 119–121 Share Your Innovations through JACS Directory Journal of Natural Products and Resources Visit Journal at http://www.jacsdirectory.com/jnpr Development of Functional Herbal Pomegranate Aqualete Enriched with Coffea arabica and Cymbopogon citratus N. Chaturvedi*, N. Sahrawat, D. Gupta Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Banasthali University, Dist-Tonk, Vanasthali – 304 022, Rajasthan, India. A R T I C L E D E T A I L S A B S T R A C T Article history: Received 24 April 2017 Accepted 01 June 2017 Available online 04 August 2017 Coffea arabica (Green coffee bean) and Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) are well- known medicinal herb found in India and possess bioactive components which attribute to a strong antioxidant activity which could modulate many diseases. In view of the above aspects the present work comprised to determine antioxidant potential of developed pomegranate aqualetes incorporated with Coffea arabica and Cymbopogon citratus singly and their equi-proportioned mixture. The pomegranate aqualete of 5% incorporation enriched with Cymbopogon citratus was found to be insignificant at P≤ 0.05 level when compared with standard aqualete. Therefore, it was acceptable and comparable to standard aqualete in terms of all sensory attributes. In antioxidant activity it was shown that pomegranate aqualete with Coffea arabica extract had higher TPC (16.43±0.34 mgGAE/g) and TFC (8.8±0.04 mgQE/g) whereas tannins content (13.89±0.06 g/100 g) was higher in Cymbopogon citrates extract. DPPH % free radical scavenging activity was high in equi-proportioned mixture (IC50=18 µg/mL) which was followed by Coffea arabica (IC50= 24 µg/mL) and Cymbopogon citratus aqueous extract (IC50=40 µg/mL) when compared to standard ascorbic acid. It is concluded that extracts of the above herbs can be used as a valuable ingredient for the production of herbal beverage with powerful antioxidant properties. Keywords: Coffea arabica Cymbopogon citratus Aqualete Antioxidant Activity Organoleptic Evaluation 1. Introduction Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of aging and can be caused by various negative impacts such as gamma or UV radiations, environmental factors, polluted and poor-quality food, stress, some medications or treatments, smoking, alcoholism, etc. Prolonged oxidative stress inevitably leads to dangerous diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes and premature aging. Oxidative stress can be reduced by antioxidant therapy, i.e., by consumption of certain amounts of natural antioxidants contained in vegetables, fruits, berries, vegetable oils, honey, tea, coffee, cocoa, juices, wine, sprouted grains, and other foods [1]. However, in order to control consumption of antioxidants, it is necessary to know their content in foods and beverages. In this regard, quantitative measurement of antioxidants in foods and beverages and compilation of a corresponding databank becomes a highly important goal. The pomegranate fruit is processed commercially into various forms mainly juice, squash and RTS drinks which provide moderate quantity of vitamin C, potassium, bioflavonoid and folic acid and also reported to be a rich source of antioxidants such as anthocyanins, phenolics, etc. which have considerable health-promoting properties with antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant and anti-mutagenic effects. It is refreshing, thirst quenching and energizing drink that improves health and nutritional requirements [2]. Hence, in the light of the above research facts, the present investigation was undertaken with the objective to incorporate antioxidant rich herbal extracts of Coffea arabica and Cymbopogon citratus in the development of delicious and nutritious aqualetes that could therapeutically help in improving the health of consumers. Green coffee is an unroasted, green coffee bean which belongs to the Rubiaceae family, genus Coffea. It has been used as an ingredient in sports food products for weight control. Prospective and epidemiologic studies stated that green coffee quickly absorbed and increases in plasma concentrations and is a strong cardiovascular stimulant that increases epinephrine output to a greater extent to enhance performance of athletes [3]. Various scientific evidences have demonstrated that regular green coffee beverages present high antioxidant properties and have indicated that soluble extracts of green coffee were effective against the high blood pressure and exert a greater ergogenic effect. Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) belongs to Poaceae family, genus Cymbopogon and is an aromatic perennial grass which has been traditionally used to remediate a plethora of medical conditions. This is due to the broad spectrum of secondary metabolites that it produces. It has been used to treat fever, cough, elephantiasis flu, leprosy, malaria and digestive problems among many other illnesses [4]. Medical conditions like hyperlipidemia, hypercholesteremia and hyperglycemia lead to metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes mellitus, it has been reported that lemon grass is bestowed with hypolipidemic, hypocholesteremic and hypoglycemic properties; additionally the antagonistic activity of lemon grass towards different pathogenic bacteria, protozoa and fungi has also been reported [5]. Hence, in the light of the above research facts, the present investigation was undertaken with the objective to develop herb based functional fruit aqualete that could therapeutically help in improving the health of consumers. 2. Experimental Methods 2.1 Collection of Samples Coffea arabica was collected from local fields of Chamrajnagar (Bangalore) under National Horticulture Board and Cymbopogon citratus was collected from Khari baoli market (Delhi). Green coffee bean and Lemongrass were washed and dried in open air for 2-3 weeks at 35-40 °C and then dried material was pulverized in an electric grinder and stored in plastic containers in refrigerator (5 °C), for further analysis. 2.2 Aqueous Extract Preparation and Development of Herbal Pomegranate Aqualete 20 g of powdered plant material was kept in 200 mL conical flask and add 100 mL of distilled water. The mouth of the conical flask was covered with the aluminum foil and kept in a reciprocating shaker for 25 min for continuous agitation at 150 rev/min for thorough mixing. Then extract was filtered by using muslin cloth followed by Whatman filter paper No. 42 (125 mm). The content was filtered by using rotator vacuum *Corresponding Author Email Address: neelam295chaturvedi@rediffmail.com (N. Chaturvedi ) ISSN: 2455-0299