Bioactive compounds of strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo L.) genotypes grown in East Black Sea and Marmara regions

Abstract

The research was carried out to determine the total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity (according to DPPH and FRAP assays) of 21 strawberry tree genotypes grown naturally in Piraziz (Giresun, East Black Sea) and Gebze (Kocaeli, Marmara regions) districts. A wide variation was determined between strawberry tree genotypes in terms of the properties investigated. In the strawberry tree genotypes examined, total phenolics was determined from 528 to 985 mg 100 g-1, while total flavonoids was detected from 21 to 134 mg 100 g-1. According to DPPH and FRAP tests antioxidant activity was determined from 2.1 to 15.5 mmol 100 g-1 and 20.5 to 50.9 mmol 100 g-1, respectively. According to the principal component analysis result, the first two components explained 88.1% of the total variation. PC1 was related to total phenolics and antioxidant activity (both DPPH and FRAP), while PC2 was associated with total flavonoids. As a result, the G-14 genotype had remarkable results in terms of the properties investigated. This genotype, which stands out in terms of beneficial substances on human health, is thought can be used as genetic material in future breeding programs.