Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #98620
Title: ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY IN LEAVES AND FRUITS OF BLACKBERRY, RASPBERRY, AND STRAWBERRY

Author
item Wang, Shiow
item LIN, HSIN-SHAN - TAICHUNG DISTRICT, TAIWAN

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/27/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fruits and leaves from different cultivars of thornless blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry plants were analyzed for total antioxidant capacity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ORAC), and total phenolic content. In addition, fruits were analyzed for total anthocyanin content, and leaves were analyzed for total chlorophyll content. Compared to fruits, leaves were found to have higher ORAC values. In fruits, ORAC values ranged from 7.8 to 33.7 micromole Trolox equivalents (TE)/g of fresh berries, while in leaves, ORAC values ranged from 20.8 to 45.6 micromole TE/g of fresh leaves. Fruits harvested at different stages of maturity were analyzed in blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Blackberries and strawberries had their highest ORAC values during the green stages, while raspberries generally had the highest ORAC activity at the ripe stage (with exception of cv. Jewel). Total anthocyanin content increased with maturity for all three fruits. The leaves of blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry at four different ages were also analyzed. As the leaves matured, the ORAC values and total phenolic content decreased, but total chlorophyll content increased. A linear correlation existed between total phenolic content and ORAC activity for fruits and leaves and for ripe berries, there was also a linear relationship between ORAC values and anthocyanin content. Of the ripe fruits and leaves tested, raspberry plants appeared to be the richest source for antioxidants.