Determination of somebiochemicalproperties of "Cefan" melon (Cucumis melo L. C.V./cucurbitaceae) grown in Siirt province

In this thesis, the characteristics of melon which is grown in Tulumtaş region of Kurtalan district of Siirt province and which is known as Cefan melon with high nutritional value was investigated. It was examined by two different (lyophilized and extraction) method by the shell, fleshy part and core of melon.For these purpose total phenolics, total flavonoids, mineral substances and organic acid contents were analyzed for content analysis. Biochemically, DPPH, FRAP, iron chelation, as well as CAT, GR and SOD enzyme activities were determined. In general, ethanol extracts were found to have higher antioxidant activity than water extracts. It was determined that Cefan melon, which is preferred in regions between melon varieties, has high content of phenolics and flavonoids especially in the shell part, and it has been determined that it has appropriate DPPH and FRAP activities. In addition, high CAT and SOD activities were calculated in the shell part. In the analysis of the mineral matter, Fe, Ca, and Al, the core portion; Mn, Cu, P and Mg, and the fleshy portion is rich in Na and K. Organic acid analysis showed that shell and core parts contained high gallic and vanilic acid. When all the analysis results were evaluated together, it was found that the Cefan melon variety, which is known with the taste of sour, has high antioxidant and mineral content, especially in the non-consuming shell and core parts. Therefore, it is considered that shell parts used as waste should be considered as additional products. Future bioassay studies and analysis of active matter are expected to reveal the potential of Cefan melon. Keywords: Antioxidant, Biochemical, Cefan, Melon, (Cucumis melo L.).