Determination of Some Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Plum (Prunus domestica), Black Mulberry (Morus Nigra) and Carob (Ceratoniasiliqua L.) Fruits

Abstract

Objective: Antioxidants prevent and/or slow down many adverse effects on the body, especially oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Phenolic compounds in fruits and vegetables have beneficial effects by neutralizing free radicals. Since most phenolic compounds have antioxidant effects, they help to protect cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. In our study, we aimed to determine some enzyme activities thought to be present in black plum, carob and black mulberry plants. Material and Methods: In this study, antioxidant enzyme activities were determined using the spectrophotometric method. The extracts of the fruits used in the study were measured manually by preparing reagent solutions. Statistical significance level was taken as 5%, and SPSS 26 statistical package program was used for calculations. Results: Plum (prunus domestica), black mulberry (morusnigra) and carob (ceratoniasiliqua) fruits were found to have higher Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) values. SOD and CAT values were much higher in black mulberry than in white mulberry. CAT activity was low in black plum and high in green plum. Similarly, SOD activity was low in black plum and high in green plum. Green plum was significantly higher than black plum in terms of both CAT and SOD activity. SOD activity measured in carob was almost twice as high as CAT activity. Conclusion: Antioxidants, which are known to be effective against diabetes, the disease of our age, and many various diseases, protect the body against diseases. Due to the high amounts of antioxidants found in black mulberry, carob and plum, adding extracts to the treatment of chronic patients can stop and/or slow the progression of diseases.