(464) Antioxidant Activity in Lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)

Abstract

Lingonberries have been shown to contain high antioxidant activity. Fruit from different cultivars of lingonberry (Vacciniumvitis-idaea L) were evaluated for fruit quality, antioxidant activity, anthocyanin and phenolic contents. The fruit soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acids (TA), antioxidant capacity, anthocyanin and phenolic contents varied with cultivars. The SSC ranged from 12.9% to 16.9%, the TA ranged from 0.31% to 0.41% and the ratios of SSC/TA ranged from 35.37 to 51.21. Lingonberries contain potent free radical scavenging activities for DPPH·, ROO·, ·OH and O .-2 radicals. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values from acetone extraction of lingonberries ranged from 58.5–223.6 μmol of Trolox equivalents (TE)/g fresh berries. The ED50 values for DPPH-radical scavenging ranged from 5.91–11.77 mg fresh weight. The DPPH-radical scavenging activity correlated with ORAC values with a R2 of 0.8009. ESR spectrum showed that 50 mg·mL-1 of lingonberry extract decreased ·OH radicals by 83% and O .-2 radicals by 99%. Cyanidin 3-galactoside was the most dominant anthocyanin and contributed the most antioxidant activity in lingonberries. The antioxidant properties of lingonberries may play an important role in protecting cells against the oxidative damage caused by free radicals.