University Archives

Squalene is a naturally occurring triterpene found in plants such as amaranth, known for its antioxidant and health-promoting properties. Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable rich in glucosinolates and other bioactive compounds, may interact with squalene during co-extraction, potentially affecting its stability or detectability. While both plants have individually documented benefits, little is known about how their combination influences squalene content. This study investigates squalene levels in broccoli-amaranth mixtures to assess whether broccoli alters squalene quantification.

To evaluate squalene content, a stock solution was prepared, and serial dilutions were used to create a calibration curve. Broccoli-amaranth mixtures were homogenized, filtered, and, when needed, saponified to release squalene from lipid complexes. UV/Vis spectrophotometry at 210 nm was employed to measure absorbance, and concentrations were determined from the standard curve.

Results indicate that broccoli slightly reduces detectable squalene compared to amaranth alone, likely due to matrix interactions. Despite this, serial dilution and careful spectrophotometric analysis allowed reliable quantification. These findings provide insight into plant-plant interactions affecting bioactive compounds and highlight the importance of optimized extraction methods for accurate measurement. This study contributes to understanding the nutritional and functional potential of combined plant foods.