Preliminary comparative phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of varieties Vaccinium corymbosum L. (Ericaceae) shoot’ extracts

Nowadays, the created varieties of Vaccinium corymbosum L. (Ericaceae) are widespread in different regions of all continents with a suitable climate. Until now, mainly the fruits of these plants have been used, and the vegetative aerial part that remains when pruning the bushes has not been employed. Meanwhile, shoots of other species of Ericaceae have long been used as raw materials for the needs of pharmacy, medicine and veterinary medicine. Phytochemical screening methods were used for the detection of various phytochemicals in shoots of three varieties V. corymbosum introduced in Ukraine by qualitative chemical tests to give a general idea regarding the nature of constituents present in plant material, especially with antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the content of extractives was determined in the obtained extracts and their antioxidant activity by determining the total antioxidant capacity using the DPPH radical scavenging method on various stages of plant development. Phytochemical screening on the shoots of three V. corymbosum varieties (Bluejay, Bluecrop, Elliott) showed the presence of carbohydrates, reducing sugars, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, phlobatannins, hydroquinone and arbutin that exhibit antioxidant properties; the extractive value depends on the solvent and stage of plant development. Bluejay in aqueous extracts had the greatest amount of extractives during flowering and at the beginning of the winter period; in Bluecrop it was during fruiting and at the beginning of the winter period; and in Elliott — at the beginning of the winter period. Thus, we can assume the prospects of their study on antimicrobial properties, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, as well as a feed additive for animal feed.