Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Content of Eight Mediterranean Fruit Juices

Abstract

Antioxidants play an important role in health and disease by reducing oxidative damage. In this study, eight local Mediterranean fruit juices (orange, grapefruit, blackberry, black mulberry, black sweet cherry, strawberry, pomegranate and red grape) were assessed for their total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. These fruits are known for their health effects and antioxidant properties which can be attributed to their phenolic compounds. Total phenolic content was determined according to Folin-Ciocalteu method. The highest in content was black mulberry juice with amounts from 4.24 gGAE/Ljuice to 11.03 gGAE/Ljuice, while the lowest was red grape juice with amounts from 0.35 gGAE/Ljuice to 0.64 gGAE/Ljuice. Antioxidant activity was subsequently determined using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay and reducing power assay. Black mulberry juice had the highest antioxidant activity, while red grape juice had the lowest antioxidant activity. The study indicates that black mulberry juice is the richest source of phenolic compounds and provides the highest antioxidant potential compared with other fruit juices in this study