Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Myrtle Fruits and Leaves Grown in Antalya (Turkey)

Abstract

Myrtle ( Myrtus communis L.) is an evergreen shrub belonging to the family of Myrtaceae that grows spontaneously throughout the Mediterranean area. In Türkiye, myrtle tree is grown in pine forests and riversides, particularly in the Taurus mountains, from sea level to 500–600 m. Their antioxidant activity has been attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds and essential oils. The purpose of this work is to characterize myrtle plants through its physical and chemical characteristics such as phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity for selecting the promising genotypes in Antalya coastal region of Turkey. Phenolic compounds were extracted from leaves and berries. Phenolic composition was determined by LC-MS-MS. Antioxidant activity was measured with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Phenolic substance was higher in the leaf samples collected from Kumluca (BM15 and BM16) and in the fruit samples collected from Kemer (BM13) and Kaş (BM19) when compared to other regions. High antioxidant activity was detected in the leaf sample BM16 collected from Kumluca (0.13 µl) and the fruit sample (BM19) collected from Kaş (0.45 µl). It was determined that significantly differences in the phenolic compositions and antioxidant activities of myrtle leaves and fruits were to be found among genotypes grown in different locations.