Antioxidant capacity and hydrophilic phytochemicals in commercially grown native Australian fruits

Abstract

Hydrophilic phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities of eight commercially grown native Australian fruits were determined. Kakadu plum ( Terminalia ferdinandiana) contained a 6-fold higher level of total phenolic compounds and quandong ( Santalum acuminatum) a 1.9-fold higher level of total phenolic compounds (TP, Folin–Ciocalteu assay) than blueberry ( Vaccinum sp., cv. Biloxi). Both fruits displayed superior oxygen radical-scavenging capacity (ORAC-H assay) that was, respectively 4.1-fold and 6.5-fold of that of blueberry. The total reducing capacity (TRC; ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay) of Kakadu plum and quandong exceeded the TRC of blueberry, respectively, 13.1- and 2.3-times. The primary sources of antioxidant capacities in the evaluated fruits were phenolic acids (benzoic and cinnamic) and flavonoids (flavonols, flavanones and anthocyanins) tentatively detected by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–PDA–MS/MS). A high level of vitamin C was recorded for Kakadu plum and Australian citrus fruits. The major organic acids detected were citric and malic acid.