Abstract
The popularity of small berries has rapidly increased in Western countries given their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities and health-promoting properties. The aim of this study was to compare the fatty acid (FA) profile, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of extracts of 11 berries cultivated in the North West of Italy. Berry samples were extracted and evaluated for FA profile and total anthocyanin (TAC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and for their radical scavenging activities against 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical. The main polyphenols of berry extracts were characterized by HPLC-DAD-UV-ESI HRMS in positive ion mode. Results showed that the highest TAC and TFC contents were recorded in black currants, blackberries, and blueberries. Maximum and minimum DPPH• radical scavenging activities, Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity, and FRAP measurements confirmed the same trend recorded for TAC and TFC values. HPLC-HRMS analyses highlight how blueberries and blackberries have the highest concentration in polyphenols. Palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic, and γ-linolenic acids significantly differ between berries, with oleic and α-linolenic acid representing the most abundant FAs in raspberries. Among the berries investigated, results of phytochemical characterization suggest choosing black currants and blueberries as an excellent source of natural antioxidants for food and health purposes.
Highlights
Due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities [1], the popularity of small berries has rapidly increased in Western countries given their composition and health-promoting properties related to the prevention or the onset delay of chronic age-related diseases [2]
Regarding the total anthocyanin (TAC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of blackberries and raspberries, Sariburun et al [18] found that blackberries have a higher value than raspberries in a similar trend to that found in our work
Regarding TAC, maximum values expressed on the fresh material, which ranged from 5.92 mg/g
Summary
Anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities [1], the popularity of small berries has rapidly increased in Western countries given their composition and health-promoting properties related to the prevention or the onset delay of chronic age-related diseases [2]. These beneficial effects are provided by a structurally varied range of bioactive compounds, such as dietary phenolics [3].
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