The phytochemical analysis of some Lycium barbarum cultivars obtained by tissue culture

Abstract

The purpose of this paper included the quantitative determination of biochemical compounds (ascorbic acid, reducing sugars, tannins and titratable acidity) in the fruits of three Lycium barbarum L. cultivars ('Licurici', 'New big' and 'Amber Sweet'), propagated by tissue culture and cultivated under the ecological conditions in the Republic of Moldova. The quantifi cation of ascorbic acid resulted in close amounts (7.11 mg/100 g and 7.81 mg/100 g) in the fruits of the 'Licurici' and 'New big' cultivars and signifi cantly lower amounts (3.11 mg/100 g) in the fruits of the 'Amber Sweet' cultivar. Besides, 'Amber Sweet' goji berries contained the lowest amount of reducing sugars. The titratable acidity was between 0.29 and 0.38%, and the maximum content was found in the fruits of the 'Licurici' cultivar. The quantitative assessment of tannins indicated an almost twice lower content in the fruits of the 'Amber Sweet' cultivar, which are yellow, as compared with the other two cultivars, which have red-orange ('Licurici') and intense red fruits ('New big'). The generalization of the obtained results has revealed that the three Lycium barbarum L. cultivars ('Licurici', 'New big' and 'Amber Sweet'), multiplied by micropropagation in the Laboratory of Embryology and Biotechnology of NBGI and cultivated in the Republic of Moldova, are an excellent source of biologically active compounds and can be used for commercial production as a promising super fruit and organic superfood. At the same time, we would like to mention that the climate of the Republic of Moldova is suitable for the cultivation of wolfberry plants, which are highly appreciated for the health benefi ts of their fruits.