Polyphenols Content and Antioxidant Activity of Bilberry Juice Obtained from Different Altitude Samples

Abstract

There are about 30 different types of blueberries. In Bulgaria, there are 4 species of genus Vaccinium - red (vitis-idaea), black (myrtillus), blue (uliginosum) and Caucasian (arctostaphylos). Bilberries are a source of carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin D, manganese, soluble and insoluble fibres like pectin. Blueberries contain significant amounts of anthocyanidins, antioxidants and ellagic acid. The main wealth of blueberries are the antioxidants that bind free radicals and thus prevent malignant tumors. This is why blueberry is an excellent remedy for oncology. Objective of study was to investigate the content of total polyphenols, antioxidant activity and total anthocyanins of bilberry depending on altitude. Systematic approach and critical analysis of the available scientific periodicals and DPPH method for determining the antioxidant activity (radical trapping activity). It has been established a direct relationship between altitude and antioxidant activity. In the range of 900 to 1450 m the relationship between altitude and total anthocyanins is inversely proportional. After 1500 m, the dependency becomes proportional. There is no correlation between pH, total polyphenols and titratable acidity.