Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of strawberry genotypes from Fragaria x ananassa

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the value in phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of two genotypes of strawberry fruit (Fragaria x ananassa, Duchesne, Rosaceae), one represented by the cultivated variety (cv) “Tudla” and the other one, “Maletto”, by a type selected in the mountain region of Etna (Italy). Moreover, we have considered the influence of soil on fruit quality. Total phenolic compounds and antocyanin content were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Phenolics, recovered from pulp juice, were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method, whereas total anthocyanins were estimated by a pH differential method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and ORAC assays, using quercetin and Trolox as standard respectively.

Our results indicate that the different genotypes of strawberries, in particular those cultivated in volcanic soil of the Etna mountain region, that we call “Maletto” strawberry, could be considered an important resource. They are a good source of antioxidants and could be used to prevent deleterious effects induced by free radicals. The scientific importance of these results may be significant for industry concerning food quality and disease prevention.

Keywords::

• Antioxidant capacity
• DPPH assay
• Fragaria x ananassa strawberries
• ORAC assay
• total anthocyanins
• total phenolics

Acknowledgments

Financial support from the following institutions is gratefully acknowledged: the Italian MURST, in the framework of the Progetto di ricerca di Ateneo 2005 Università degli Studi di Catania and L.AG.AM.ESA-CT, Laboratorio Agrochimico-Ambientale dell’Ente di Sviluppo Agricolo di Catania.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.