Physicochemical characterization, bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of bitter melon

ABSTRACT The bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is an exotic fruit that has adapted very well to the Brazilian soils, and can be found on practically all regions. Several advantages related to consumption of this fruit can be reported, highlighting its antifungal activity, reduction of glycemic indexes, and also due to the content of natural pigments, such as lycopene and β-carotene, making it promising as a functional food. Based on the demand for foods of this nature, this research aimed at the biometric characterization, physicochemical, bioactive compounds and the pulp and seeds’ antioxidant capacity of bitter melon, collected in the southwest region of Goias. The fruits were collected from plants inside a native vegetation area on Campus Rio Verde at the Instituto Federal Goiano, and the evaluations were carried out from October 2020 to April 2021. The fruits showed high variability in dimensions and weight, high concentrations of flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids, total phenolics and antioxidant capacity. According to results, the bitter melon can be used as a raw material to develop food formulations with functional characteristics and drugs potentially effective in the treatment of diabetes and diseases caused by oxidative processes.

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DETERMINACIÓN DE COMPUESTOS BIOACTIVOS DEL AGUAYMANTO (Physalis peruviana, Linnaeus, 1753) Y DE SU CONSERVA EN ALMÍBAR MAXIMIZANDO LA RETENCIÓN DE ÁCIDO ASCÓRBICO

Revista ECIPeru ◽

10.33017/reveciperu2007.0002/ ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 6-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Keyword(s):

Heat Treatment ◽

Ascorbic Acid ◽

Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Raw Material ◽

Major Influence ◽

Physalis Peruviana ◽

Palabras Clave ◽

Off Time

DETERMINACIÓN DE COMPUESTOS BIOACTIVOS DEL AGUAYMANTO (Physalis peruviana, Linnaeus, 1753) Y DE SU CONSERVA EN ALMÍBAR MAXIMIZANDO LA RETENCIÓN DE ÁCIDO ASCÓRBICO DETERMINATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS OF AGUAYMANTO (Physalis Peruviana, Linnaeus, 1753) AND ITS CANNED WITH SYRUP MAXIMIZING THE RETENTION OF ASCORBIC ACID Christian Rene Encina Zelada, Milber O. Ureña, Peralta Ritva Repo Carrasco DOI: https://doi.org/10.33017/RevECIPeru2007.0002/ RESUMEN El presente trabajo de investigación es el resultado del estudio de los compuestos bioactivos presentes en el aguaymanto (Physalis peruviana) proveniente del valle del Mantaro-Perú y en su conserva en almíbar. En la Etapa I se determinó los compuestos bioactivos en la materia prima, correspondientes a un estado de madurez 2 y 3 según [1] el fue de 28,55 mg de ácido ascórbico/100 g; 1,77 mg de β-caroteno/100g; 79,23 mg ácido clorogénico/100 g y capacidad antioxidante de 288,95 µg eq trolox/g (parte hidrofílica) y 297,51µg eq trolox/g (parte lipofílica) medido por el método ABTS y de 249,23 µg eq trolox/g medido por el método del DPPH. En la Etapa II se determinaron los factores y sus niveles que influyeron significativamente (p<0,05) en la retención del ácido ascórbico en el proceso de elaboración de la conserva de aguaymanto en almíbar. Mediante el Método Taguchi. El pH del almíbar y la temperatura del tratamiento térmico resultaron ser los factores de mayor influencia en la retención del ácido ascórbico. Los niveles con los que se retuvo mayor cantidad de ácido ascórbico fueron: tiempo de descerado (90 s), temperatura del descerado (80°C), pH del Almíbar (2,5), grados Brix del Almíbar (30), concentración del NaOH en el descerado (0,05%), temperatura (95°C) y tiempo (11,52 min) del tratamiento térmico. En la Etapa III se caracterizó físico-químicamente y microbiológicamente correspondiente al proceso de elaboración de la conserva de aguaymanto en almíbar realizado con los parámetros que maximizaron la retención del ácido ascórbico (50,54 %), determinando además el efecto del tratamiento tecnológico sobre el contenido de carotenos totales (1,59 mg de β-caroteno/100g), Compuestos Fenólicos (39,23 mg ác. clorogénico/100 g) y Capacidad Antioxidante (383,73 µg eq trolox/g y 132,12 µg eq trolox/g medidos por los métodos del ABTS y DPPH respectivamente). Palabras clave: Aguaymanto, Physalis peruviana, capacidad antioxidante, compuestos fenólicos, carotenos totales. ABSTRACT The present investigation is the result of the study of the bioactive compounds present in the aguaymanto (Physalis peruviana) from the valley of Mantaro-Peru and its canned in syrup. In Stage I were determined the bioactive compounds in the raw material, correspondents to maturity‟s condition 2 and 3 as [1] was of 28,55 mg of ascorbic acid /100 g; 1,77 mg of β-caroten/100g; 79,23 mg clorogenic acid /100 g and antioxidant capacity its divides in hidrofílic (288,95 µg eq trolox/g) and lipofílic (297,51µg eq trolox/g), measured by the ABTS method and of 249,23 µg eq trolox/g measured by the method of the DPPH. In Stage II were decided the factors and its levels that influenced significantly (p<0,05) in the retention of the ascorbic acid in the process of production of aguaymanto canned in syrup using Taguchi´s method. The pH of the syrup and the temperature of the heat treatment turned out to be the factors of major influence in the retention of the ascorbic acid. The levels with which major quantity of ascorbic acid was retained were: wax-off time (90 s), wax-off temperature (80°C), pH of the Syrup (2,5), degrees Brix of the Syrup (30), wax-off concentration (0,05 %), temperature (95°C) and time (11,52 min) of the heat treatment. In Stage III was characterized physicist, chemically and microbiologically corresponding to the process of production of the aguaymanto canned in syrup realized with the parameters that maximized the retention of ascorbic acid (50,54%), determining in addition the effect of the technological treatment on the content of totally caroten (1,59 mg of •-caroteno/100g), Compounds Fenólicos (39,23 mg ác. Clorogénico/100 g) and antioxidant capacity (383,73 µg eq trolox/g and 132,12 µg eq trolox/g measured by the methods of the ABTS and DPPH respectively). Keywords: Golden berry, Physalis peruviana, antioxidant capacity, phenolics compounds, carotenes.

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Electrochemical Determination of Antioxidant Capacity of Traditional Homemade Fruit Vinegars Produced with Double Spontaneous Fermentation

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9091946 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 1946

Author(s):

Maja Chochevska ◽

Elizabeta Jančovska Seniceva ◽

Sanja Kostadinović Veličkovska ◽

Galaba Naumova-Leţia ◽

Valentin Mirčeski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Activity ◽

Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Physicochemical Characterization ◽

Acetic Acid Bacteria ◽

Electrochemical Determination ◽

Raw Material ◽

Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Total Phenolic ◽

Spontaneous Fermentation ◽

Trolox Equivalent

In the current study, the antioxidant activity of traditional homemade fruit vinegars (HMV) was estimated by measuring the rate of homogeneous redox reaction with 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical cation (ABTS•+) using cyclic voltammetry. The antioxidant capacity of six HMV produced using traditional methods and the physicochemical characterization were measured in different vinegar production steps throughout a double spontaneous fermentation process, i.e., without any addition of yeasts or acetic acid bacteria. Their antioxidant capacity was compared with seven fruit commercial vinegars (ComV). Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity was independently measured with the TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) assay, aiming at correlating with the electrochemical experimental data. Obtained results from both methods, the electrochemical and TEAC assays, interestingly indicated that all HMV have at least 10 times higher antioxidant activity than ComV. Furthermore, the large range of values for antioxidant capacity in samples of commercial vinegars from apples attested the importance of the raw material quality and technological procedures. The positive correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity measured by the two type of assays indicated that rose hip homemade vinegar (HMV5) has the highest antioxidant capacity. In contrast, the lowest levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity were found in apple and persimmon homemade vinegars (HMV1 and HMV6, respectively) which indicated that the type of fruit is crucial towards the production of high-quality vinegars. In this way, the use of traditional processes for the production of fruit vinegars proved to be very promising in terms of producing differentiated vinegars and, concomitantly, reaching high levels of health-promoting antioxidant capacities.

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Bitter Melon: A Multifunctional Medicinal Plant with Powerful Bioactive Compounds

10.5772/intechopen.98812 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fadime Eryılmaz Pehlivan

Keyword(s):

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Folk Medicine ◽

Bitter Melon ◽

Comprehensive Overview ◽

Tropical Regions ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Life Saving ◽

The World ◽

Treatment Of Diabetes

Nature is full of poisons as well as life-saving entities. Extracts of natural products in medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine throughout the World. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a member of Cucurbitaceae family, widely distributed in tropical regions of the World, that has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, and its fruit has been used as a vegetable for thousands of years. It contains phytochemicals, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, ascorbic acid, steroids, proteins, and polysaccharides. This plant is a traditional herbal medicine, possesses various biological, medicinal activities and pharmacological functions, namely antidiabetic, anthelmintic, contraceptive, antimalarial, laxative, antihyperglycemic, antimutagenic, antiulcer, antilipolytic, antifertility, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, immunomodulation, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities of M. charantia have been reported. Its fruit has a special bitter taste, parts of M. charantia, such as fruits, vines, leaves and even roots have been used as folk medicine for the remedy of diseases like toothache, diarrhea, and diabetes. It is also used for the treatment of eczema, gout, jaundice, pneumonia, psoriasis, and rheumatism. These beneficial effects are attributed to the various bioactive components of M. charantia, which are important sources of phytoconstituents used to treat various diseases since ancient times. This chapter reviews various aspects of the results of investigations involving M. charantia in the recent years, providing a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical application of M. charantia to attract more attention to their biological activities for better utilization of M. charantia; focusing on the review of benefits that bitter melon offers in terms of its potential as a source of bioactive compounds and its role in the control of different diseases.

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Development of functional beverage from wheat grass juice

Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Food Science and Technology ◽

10.15835/buasvmcn-fst:12279 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 73 (2) ◽

pp. 155 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Liana Claudia SALANTA ◽

Maria TOFANA ◽

Boglarka DOMOKOS ◽

Sonia A. SOCACI ◽

Carmen R. POP ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin C ◽

Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Sour Taste ◽

High Concentrations

The juice from wheat grass is called "green blood" and is an excellent detoxifying, facilitating the elimination of toxins and fats from body. In the form of fresh juice, it has high concentrations of chlorophyll, active enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients. The aim of this work was the development and characterization of a functional beverage from green wheat juice by adding apple and limes. The antioxidant capacity, vitamin C, polyphenols and flavonoids content were quantified by using spectrophotometry. The final product was pasteurized and evaluated by the content of bioactive compounds during storage at intervals of 7 and 14 days. During storage there were found slight decreases of the contents of bioactive compounds. The juice obtained has a sweet-sour taste, a unique flavor and a very pleasant smell. This product targets all categories of consumers and represents an ideal morning snack for those who are concerned about a healthy lifestyle.

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Biological Potential of Fruit and Leaves of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) from Croatia

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25215102 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (21) ◽

pp. 5102 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jana Šic Žlabur ◽

Sandro Bogdanović ◽

Sandra Voća ◽

Martina Skendrović Babojelić

Keyword(s):

Chemical Composition ◽

Vitamin C ◽

Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Average Value ◽

Physical Chemical ◽

Strawberry Tree ◽

Total Anthocyanins ◽

Adriatic Coast ◽

Β Carotene

The strawberry tree fruit and leaf are a rich source of minerals, easily digestible sugars, dietary fibers, vitamins (especially vitamin C) and many bioactive compounds of significant functional value. Due to their favorable chemical composition, fruits have recently become increasingly popular in consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the physical-chemical composition, content of bioactive compounds, and also the antioxidant capacity of the fruit and leaves of wild strawberry tree populations among the Adriatic coast in Croatia, as well as to investigate the influence of location on the content of specific bioactive compounds. According to the obtained results, both fruit and leaves are pronouncedly high in vitamin C content, the average value for fruits amounted to 224.21 mg/100 g FW, while that for leaves amounted to 138.08 mg/100 g FW. Additionally, significantly high values of total polyphenolic compounds were recorded both in fruits (average value of 637.94 mg GAE/100 g FW) and especially in leaves (average value of 2157.01 mg GAE/100 g FW). Several pigments from different categories were determined in the fruit depending on fruit maturity, including: total anthocyanins, β-carotene and lycopene; while in leaves chlorophylls and carotenoids. Given the high content of different bioactive compounds high values of antioxidant capacity were determined (the average value for fruits was 2269.96 µmol TE/kg and for leaves, 2237.16 µmol TE/kg). Location strongly influenced the physical-chemical composition and also the content of specialized metabolites; populations collected from southern areas (central and south Dalmatia) of the Adriatic coast tended to have higher amounts of vitamin C, total phenols, total anthocyanins and β-carotene.

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Chemical Composition, Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Two Wild Edible Mushrooms Armillaria mellea and Macrolepiota procera from Two Countries (Morocco and Portugal)

Biomolecules ◽

10.3390/biom11040575 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 575

Author(s):

El Hadi Erbiai ◽

Luís Pinto da Silva ◽

Rabah Saidi ◽

Zouhaire Lamrani ◽

Joaquim C.G. Esteves da Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Activity ◽

Chemical Composition ◽

Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Edible Mushrooms ◽

Wild Edible Mushrooms ◽

Armillaria Mellea ◽

Ms Analysis ◽

Β Carotene ◽

Macrolepiota Procera

The present study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of two wild edible mushrooms, the honey fungus (Armillaria mellea) and the parasol mushroom (Macrolepiota procera), collected from Northern Morocco (MA) and Portugal (PT). Those species were chosen due to their edibility, nutraceutical, and medicinal properties. Bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, tannin, total phenolic, total flavonoid, β-carotene, and lycopene) and their antioxidant activity were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Herein, the fruiting body of the samples revealed a significantly higher amount of bioactive compounds, and values varied between the Moroccan and the Portuguese ones. Methanolic extracts shown a strong antioxidant capacity: Using DPPH free radical-scavenging activity radicals (IC50 1.06–1.32 mg/mL); inhibition of β-carotene bleaching radicals (IC50 0.09–0.53 mg/mL); and, reducing power radicals (IC50 0.52–1.11 mg/mL). The mushroom species with the highest antioxidant capacity was A. mellea from MA. Chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS and LC-MS methodologies. GC-MS analysis showed that the most abundant biomolecules group was sugar compositions in the four samples (62.90%, 48.93%, 59.00%, and 53.71%) and the main components were galactitol 16.74%, petroselinic acid 19.83%, d-galactose 38.43%, and glycerol 24.43% in A. mellea (MA), A. mellea (PT), M. procera (MA), and M. procera (PT), respectively. LC-MS analysis of individual phenolic compounds revealed that vanillic acid (198.40±2.82 µg/g dry weight (dw) and cinnamic acid (155.20 ± 0.97 µg/g dw) were the main compounds detected in A. mellea, while protocatechuic acid (92.52 ± 0.45 and 125.50 ± 0.89 µg/g dw) was predominated in M. procera for MA and PT samples, respectively. In general, the results of this comparative study demonstrate that the geographic and climatic conditions of the collection site can influence biomolecule compounds and antioxidant properties of wild mushrooms. This study contributes to the elaboration of nutritional, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical databases of the worldwide consumed mushrooms.

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Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Exotic Fruits and Commercial Frozen Pulps from Brazil

Food Science and Technology International ◽

10.1177/1082013208092151 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 207-214 ◽

Cited By ~ 92

Author(s):

M.I. Genovese ◽

M. Da Silva Pinto ◽

A.E. De Souza Schmidt Gonçalves ◽

F.M. Lajolo

Keyword(s):

Vitamin C ◽

Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Scavenging Activity ◽

Total Phenols ◽

Scavenging Capacity ◽

Dpph Scavenging Activity ◽

Dpph Scavenging ◽

Exotic Fruits ◽

Β Carotene

The objective of this work was to characterize exotic fruits (cambuci, araça-boi, camu-camu, jaracatia, araça) and commercial frozen pulps (araça, cambuci, umbu, coquinho, pana, native passion fruit, cagaita) from Brazil in relation to their bioactive compounds contents and antioxidant capacity. Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) presented the highest vitamin C and total phenolics contents (397 and 1797 mg/100 gf.w., respectively) and the highest DPPH• scavenging capacity. Coquinho (Butia capitata) also showed a significant vitamin C content (43 mg/100 gf.w.). Among the commercial frozen pulps, cagaita presented the higher DPPH scavenging activity and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching. A good correlation between total phenols and DPPH scavenging activity was found for fruits (r = 0.997) and commercial frozen pulps (r = 0.738). However, no correlation was found for total phenols and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching. Quercetin and kaempferol derivatives were the main flavonoids present in all samples and cyanidin derivatives were detected only in camu-camu. Camu-camu and araça (Psidium guineensis) showed the highest total ellagic acid contents (48 and 63.5 mg/100 gf.w.). All commercial frozen pulps presented lower contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity than their respective fruits. According to our results, camu-camu and araça might be sources of bioactive compounds.

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BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY FROM FIVE TYPES OF SEEDLINGS

Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Animal Science and Biotechnologies ◽

10.15835/buasvmcn-asb:12285 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 73 (2) ◽

pp. 263

Author(s):

Florina Maria Copaciu ◽

Andrea Bunea ◽

Loredana Berengea ◽

Sanda Andrei ◽

Dumitrita Rugina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Natural System ◽

Human Consumption ◽

Artificial System ◽

Wheat Seedlings ◽

Germination Process ◽

Seedling Germination ◽

Germination And Growth ◽

Β Carotene

After germination process, the green seedlings accumulate important quantities of bioactive compounds such as: enzymes, vitamins, minerals, chlorophylls and nutrients. The current study presents a comparison between different bioactive compounds and their antioxidant capacity, after the seedling germination and growth of five seeds (arugula, lentil, wheat, beans and mustard) both on soil, in a pot (natural system), and directly on cotton wool soaked, in water (artificial system). In this study the carotenoids content and the antioxidant capacity were analysed. The data of the present study showed that the highest amount of zeaxanthin and β - carotene was found in cultivars of wheat grown in natural system, while the highest antioxidant activity was found in cultivars of wheat, lentils and beans, though in this case with no statistical differences between the systems. The results show statistical differences between the values of bioactive compounds in the five types of seedlings but also in the values obtained for the same seedlings in different systems. The best cultivars for improving the nutritional quality for human consumption are wheat seedlings followed by lentil ones.

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Potential sources of bioactive compounds and antioxidants from 7 Brazilian native fruits

Current Bioactive Compounds ◽

10.2174/1573407216666200303110113 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fernanda Camboim Rockett ◽

Helena de Oliveira Schmidt ◽

Carlos Henrique Pagno ◽

Jucelaine Possa ◽

Renato Queiroz Assis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Performance Liquid Chromatography ◽

Liquid Chromatography ◽

Vitamin A ◽

Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

High Performance ◽

Vitamin B3 ◽

Trolox Equivalent ◽

Equivalent Complex ◽

Β Carotene

Background: Brazil is considered a country with the highest biological biodiversity in the world and exploring this underutilized food source could diversify food production and reduce nutritional problems. Objective: This study aimed to determine the antioxidant capacity and the bioactive compounds of seven native fruits from Brazil. Method: The samples were obtained from different cities of Brazil after confirmation of the botanical species. Carotenoids and anthocyanins were exhaustively extracted and injected into high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant capacity was determined by the capture of the free radical ABTS. Vitamin A activity was calculated based on retinol activity equivalent. Complex B and C vitamins were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Result: The main carotenoid for all species was β-carotene, and Jaracatiá showed the highest amount of β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, α- and β-carotene. Açaí Juçara and the Butiás stood out among fruits analyzed with the highest antioxidant capacity (trolox equivalent). Concerning the anthocyanins, in the Açaí Juçara were identified the compounds Cyanidin 3-glucoside and Cyanidin 3-rutinoside. The values of all the compounds vary according to the harvest location. Jaracatiá is distinguished by the high vitamin A, C, B2, and B6 content, as well the Butiás (Praia and Serra), for B1, B2, B5 and B7. Vitamin B3 was only detected in Fisális fruits and Açaí showed higher content of B5. Conclusion: Fruits included in this study had considerable amounts of bioactive compounds, vitamins and antioxidant capacity showing that they can contribute to the improvement of the population diet.

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Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Anthocyanin-Rich Carrots: A Comparison between the Black Carrot and the Apulian Landrace “Polignano” Carrot

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10030564 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 564

Author(s):

Federica Blando ◽

Stefano Marchello ◽

Gabriele Maiorano ◽

Miriana Durante ◽

Angelo Signore ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Capacity ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Anthocyanin Content ◽

Total Anthocyanin ◽

Black Carrot ◽

Total Anthocyanin Content ◽

Acylated Anthocyanins ◽

High Level ◽

Β Carotene

The carrot is one of the most cultivated vegetables in the world. Black or purple carrots contain acylated anthocyanins which are of special interest to the food industry for their stability and nutraceutical characteristics. Anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables have gained popularity in the last ten years, due to the health benefits they provide. In this paper, the characterizations of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities of different anthocyanin-containing carrots (a black carrot—BC, and a local purple carrot, the “Polignano” carrot—PC), compared to the commercial orange carrot (OC) (lacking of anthocyanins), are reported. The anthocyanin profiles of the polyphenolic extracts of BC and PC were similar, but differences were observed at quantitative levels. The total anthocyanin content in BC was more than twice that in PC (13.84 ± 0.61 vs. 5.64 ± 0.48 mg K Eq. g−1 DW). Phenolic acids (mostly chlorogenic acid) were also present at high level in anthocyanin-rich carrots compared to OC. High polyphenol content accounted also for a high reducing capacity (evaluated by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, FCR), and antioxidant capacity (evaluated by TEAC and ORAC assays) which were the highest for BC (FCR value: 16.6 ± 1.1 mg GAE. g−1 DW; TEAC: 76.6 ± 10.6 µmol TE. g−1 DW; ORAC: 159.9 ± 3.3 µmol TE. g−1 DW). All carrot genotypes (mostly OC) were rich in carotenoids (BC 0.14 ± 0.024; PC 0.33 ± 0.038; OC 1.29 ± 0.09 mg. g−1 DW), with predominance of α and β-carotene, in OC, and lutein in BC. PC showed the highest malic acid and sugar (glucose plus fructose) content. In conclusion, while BC is remarkable for nutraceutical features, the local genotype (“Polignano” carrot) is worth considering in genetic biodiversity conservation programme.

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