Conclusions
Chestnut inner shell may be utilized as a source of natural
antioxidant and deodorant because it contains phenolic compo-
nents, including tannins and flavonoids, with such activities. The
phenolics could be effectively extracted from the shell by using
aqueous alkaline or alcohol solutions with mild heating. Although
alkali assisted the extraction, it may cause the degradation of phe-
nolics, especially with excessive heating. Aqueous alcohols might
be the recommended extraction solvent for better antioxidant
activity of the extracts, whereas dilute alkaline solutions, such as 1%
NaOH,may be the preferred solvent for their use as a deodorant. The
deodorizing activity of chestnut inner shell extracts against body
and breath odors appeared to be highly dependent on the residual
amounts of condensed tannins and flavonoids.