Phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of Georgia-grown blueberries and blackberries

J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Apr 10;50(8):2432-8. doi: 10.1021/jf011097r.

Abstract

Blueberries and blackberries grown at various locations in Georgia were collected and analyzed for flavonoids, total anthocyanins, total polyphenols, and Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Each sample was analyzed for phenolic acids (gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and ellagic acid) and flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol). A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with photodiode array detection was used for analysis. Compounds were analyzed as aglycons after acid hydrolysis with 1.2 M HCl. Identification of each compound was based on retention time and UV spectra by comparison with pure commercial standards. Phenolic acids ranged from 0.19 to 258.90 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), and flavonoids ranged from 2.50 to 387.48 mg/100 g FW. Total polyphenols ranged from 261.95 to 929.62 mg/100 g FW, and total anthocyanins ranged from 12.70 to 197.34 mg/100 g FW. TEAC values varied from 8.11 to a maximum of 38.29 microM/g FW. A linear relationship was observed between TEAC values and total polyphenols or total anthocyanins. The data indicate that blueberries and blackberries are rich sources of antioxidants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anthocyanins / analysis
  • Antioxidants / analysis*
  • Blueberry Plants / chemistry*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Flavonoids / analysis
  • Fruit / chemistry*
  • Georgia
  • Phenols / analysis*
  • Polymers / analysis
  • Rosaceae / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anthocyanins
  • Antioxidants
  • Flavonoids
  • Phenols
  • Polymers