Functional Food Formulation Of Spinach (Amaranthus) With Pineapple (Ananas Comosus) Which Is High In Antioxidants As A Potential Antidepressant

Abstract

Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus paracasei, are living microorganisms that, if administered sufficiently, may provide
beneficial health properties to the host through balancing the gastroenteric microbiota. There is growing evidence that
probiotics may have a beneficial effect on depression, stress, and mental health as an antidepressant which are known
as psychobiotics. A recent review also highlighted the health benefits of pineapple, such as hypocholesterolemic,
antiatherogenic, anti-inflammatory, and affecting nervous system function while spinach is also known for its many
beneficial health properties, such as antiviral, anti-stress and anti-depressive, anticancer, anti-obesity, and
hypoglycemic effects. This research aims to process pineapple and spinach into a probiotic drink and determine the best
formula with the highest antioxidant activity and vitamin C content. There was 3 samples formulation based on spinach,
pineapple, and water concentration (S1 = 1:1:0.5; S2 = 2:1:1; and S3 = 3:2:2). All ingredients are mixed and stirred using
a blender-type mixing machine for 15 minutes. Next, all samples were inoculated with Lactobacillus paracasei 5% b/v
for 14 days under anaerobic conditions. Sample variation was carried out to determine the best formulation based on
average antioxidant activity and vitamin C content in it. The vitamin C content was determined using the Titration
Iodometric Method while antioxidant activity was determined with 2.2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), each with a
triplicate. The results of vitamin C content and antioxidant activity in each sample of probiotic drinks were as follow; S1
contains 110.50mg/100g vitamin C with 30.31% antioxidant activity, S2 contains 111.67mg/100 g vitamin C with 33.74%
antioxidant activity, and S3 contains 127.66mg/100g vitamin C with 37.42% antioxidant activity. A significant difference
(p<0.05) was found in both the vitamin C content and antioxidant activity between samples. This shows that the
formulation of probiotic drinks from pineapple and spinach fermented with Lactobacillus paracasei contains high
vitamin C content and antioxidant activity with the potential as an antidepressant functional food.