Phenolic compounds and multivariate analysis of antiradical properties of red fruits

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the antiradical properties of red fruits commonly consumed in Europe, i.e. strawberry (Fragaria ananasa), raspberry (Rubus ideaus), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and pomegranate (Punica granatum) extracts by various in vitro tests as well as the determination of qualitative and quantitative features of their phenolic compounds. Our results indicated richness of red fruits in phenolic compounds and variability of their chemical mixtures dominated generally by anthocyanins, ellagic acid and their derivatives. The selected fruit extracts exhibited notable antiradical activity by DPPH, ABTS, ORAC and PCL assays with significant correlation to phenolic content and remarkable influence of the chemical composition. This investigation indicated that the red fruits examined constitute prosperous natural sources of antiradical substances of high value which would benefit the product quality and consumers’ health.