Antioxidant properties of some spices were studied in lyophilized standards systems based on micro crystalline cellulose. Methyl oleate was used as substrate. Oxidation process was measured manometrically in adjusted samples at several water activities. The results show that sauce (Petroselium sativun, Hoffm) and coentro (Coriandrum sativum L) ether extracts at level of 8% increased stability of lipid substrate. The effect of source extract surpassed the other antioxidant agents used in this study, including the synthetics ones. Similar effects, however, did not occur for aqueous extracts from the same spices at the concentration mentioned above, whose results of protection of the system against oxidation were strongly lower. Concerning to aqueous extract from cebolinha, results can be considered null. Concentration lowering for aqueous and ether extracts from coentro, yielded significant descend in their potency. Concerning to water, an inhibitor effects was presented in oxidation process depending on the water activity utilized.
spices; natural antioxidants; water activity
