Investigation of mineral components and antioxidant properties of a healthy red fruit: Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.)

Abstract

The mineral components of the foodstuff consumed by an individual are important in the growth and development of a human being. In recent years red fruits, because of their potential beneficial health effects, are getting attention of both consumers and manufacturers. One of the red fruits, Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.), was investigated in terms of both mineral components and antioxidant properties. The mineral components include calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) in this fruit were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The antioxidant activity tests were applied to the extracts obtained using different solvents to examine the antioxidant properties of this fruit. Statistical analysis indicated that while the best results were obtained from acetone extracts, the lowest results were obtained from water extracts for all antioxidant activity tests (p<0.05). The best average values for DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacity, reducing power, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content in acetone extracts were found to be 1053.72±38.12 mg TEAC/100 g FW and 2907.34±152.05 mg TEAC/100 g FW, 5894.99±251.05 mg TEAC/100 g FW, 2979.25±69.40 mg GAE/100 g FW and 255.75±14.92 mg QE/100 g FW, respectively.