Polyphenols Content, Antioxidant Properties and Allergenic Potency of Organic and Conventional Blue Honeysuckle Berries

Abstract

Blue honeysuckle berries are a rich source of polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of organic and conventional cultivation on the polyphenols, antioxidant and allergenic potency of blue honeysuckle berry cultivars: ‘No 30’, ‘Jolanta’ and ‘Indygo’ in two growing seasons. Identification of individual polyphenols was performed using the HPLC method; the total polyphenols content and antioxidant activity were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The determination of allergic potency was tested by ELISA. In the second year of the study the total polyphenols were significantly higher in organic blue honeysuckle than in the conventional blue honeysuckle. In both growing seasons, the ‘Indygo’ cv. was characterized by the highest concentration of all bioactive compounds 3241.9 mg and 3787.2 mg per 100 g−1 D.W. A strong correlation was found between the polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity for organic fruit in both years, as well as for allergenic potency. Contrary to the best bioactive properties was ‘Indigo’ cv., with the highest allergenic potency (108.9 and 139.2 ng g−1 D.W.). The lowest content of specific allergens was found in the ‘No 30’ cv. Since honeysuckle is still a new cultivated plant, information about its allergenic potency is insufficient.