Antioxidant and Biochemical Characterisation of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.)

Abstract

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is a naturally growing plant especially in Europe and Asia used mainly in traditional medicine in the past. At present, it is beginning to be given the importance again, as it can be an excellent source of bioactive substances with a high antioxidant activity. In this study, antioxidant capacity, total polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, basic dry matter components and carbohydrates were investigated. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH method, the total polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were determined by spectrophotometric analyses. Analysis of selected bioactive substances showed that cornelian cherry is a rich source of polyphenols, which was reflected in its high antioxidant activity, especially in the stone due to significantly higher values (p < 0.001) of total antioxidant capacity, total polyphenols and total phenolic acid content when compared to the pulp. The stone of cornelian cherry also showed positive values of polyunsaturated fatty acids and carbohydrates content. This study contributes to the analysis of cornelian cherry, which can be used in the preparation of functional foods or in the medicine.