REDUCED GLUTATHIONE LEVEL OF GREEN PEPPER AND RED PEPPER SOLD IN OZORO, DELTA STATE

The demand of natural products which promote a good health status is growing considerably. The antioxidants contained in vegetables plays an important role in the maintenance of health and prevention of diseases. A number of vitamins such as A, C, E as well as carotene are excellent antioxidants which also contribute to good health through other mechanism such as being co-factors for certain enzymes. Reduced Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide molecule that exists interchangeably with Oxidized Glutathione (GSSG). GSH plays a key role in physiological processes resulting in effects relevant to diverse diseases pathophysiology such as amino acid transport, the biosynthesis of DNA and protein, the regulation of immune system and most importantly, the protection of cell from oxidation. This research was carried out to estimate the reduced glutathione level of green pepper and red pepper aqueous extract. The result obtained shows there was significant increase in the GSH of green pepper (5.66+0.25b) compared to red pepper (2.50+0.50a). Different dietary factor and nutritional component are emerging in future therapeutic either as magical healer or as protective shield in ensuring fatal disease condition. In conclusion, green pepper has more GSH compared to red pepper. Further studies has to be carried out to evaluate various activities from the isolated compounds of green and red pepper extract.