Objective: Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are an important source of nutrients for consumers
thanks to the carotenoids they contain. Carotenoids are bioactive compounds which, thanks to their
anti-radical properties, can protect the human body against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the
cause of many degenerative diseases, such as cancer, blindness, and aging. This study aims to
evaluate the antioxidant content of the orange-fleshed variety BF59XCIP1, obtained by crossing
varieties adapted to local agroecological conditions, and to identify the main carotenoids in this
variety.
Study Design: The work combined cutting, tuber harvesting, and various laboratory analyses. This
work was carried out as part of my doctoral thesis.
Methodology: Two types of extracts were prepared. Extracts using an acetone-water-acetic acid
solvent system (70:29.5:0.5 v/v/v) for the evaluation of antioxidant content and hexane extracts for
structural identification. Antioxidant content was evaluated using the DPPH and FRAP methods.
HPTLC-MS and HPLC-MS/MS analyses were used for carotenoid identification.
Results: antioxidant content assessed using the DPPH and FRAP methods was estimated at 0.082
mg ET/g and 0.183 mg ET/g of fresh plant material, respectively. For the structural identification of
carotenoids, analysis of the two major spots by HPTLC-MS identified β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin,
and β-carotene. HPLC-MS/MS analysis identified capsanthin, echinenone, α-tocopherol, and β-
carotene.
Conclusion: The BF59XCIP1 variety of orange-fleshed sweet potato is a source of vitamin A.
Therefore, its consumption can compensate for vitamin A deficiency in malnourished children.

Carotenoids; antioxidant; HPLC-MS/MS; HPTLC-MS.