Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties of Wild and Cultivated Blueberry Leaves and Their Phenolic Compound

Abstract

Aim of study: This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity and polyphenol and flavonoid content of blueberry leaves, which could have positive effects on human health. Area of study: The research was conducted in three cities of Türkiye's Karadeniz region, where blueberry cultivation is prevalent: Giresun, Trabzon, and Rize. Material and method: In this study, 29 blueberry leaves (27 cultivated and two wild) were selected as sample materials. The total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu method), total flavonoid content (aluminum (III) chloride method), and total antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) of the samples were analyzed. Phenolic characterization was performed using HPLC. Main results: The total phenolic content varied between 8.36 and 121.61 mg GAE/g, whereas the total flavonoid content ranged from 0.91 to 3.07 mg QE/g. The results revealed that blueberry leaves had high antioxidant activity and contained considerable amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids. Chlorogenic acid was identified as the dominant compound in all leaves samples. Research highlights: These findings indicate that blueberry leaves could be a valuable source of antioxidants in the food and cosmetic industries, comparable to the fruit itself.