Caratterizzazione di polifenoli ed attività antiossidante (ORAC) in ciliegie di cv pugliesi

Characterization of polyphenols and antioxidant activity (ORAC) in cherry cultivars of Apulia - Extracts of sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) grown in a suitable area of cherry cultivation of Apulia (the south-east area around Bari) were characterized. High-performance liquid chromatographic methods were used to identify and quantify phenolics. A total of five phenolic compounds were characterised as hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (neochlorogenic acid, p-coumaroylquinic acid and chlorogenic acid) and anthocyanins (cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside). The total anthocyanin content ranged from 0.17 to 8.43 mg keracyanin equivalents/g dry weight. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay indicated that fruits of indigenous and rare genotypes possessed considerable antioxidant activity. The results of these studies can allow to identify genotypes with good antioxidant capacity, in order to enhance the cherry production in Apulia through breeding for improved nutraceutical characteristics.