Abstract

An apparatus which allows the direct measurement of the antioxidant capacity of volatiles compounds emitted from some herbs and culinary spices is described. The device comprises: a sample chamber, a mixing chamber, a pump and, a detection system. Volatiles from Clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry) were purged and captured into a DPPH-containing solution and changes in the absorbance were recorded on-line. Linear response was observed when temperature was set between 30-53 °C; nitrogen flow was 15 mL min 1 during 60 min; DPPH concentration was 20 μmol L -1 and a sample size (powdered Clove) ranged between 200-1000 mg.