Abstract. In fruits of wild species high content of phenolic constituents (total phenols, phenylpropanoids, flavonols and anthocyanins) accompanied by high radical scavenging activity were found. Antioxidant activity was differentiated: in extracts of some species prooxidative properties were observed.

Antioxidant properties of fruits of certain wild
tree and bush species

Summary

In fruits of eight wild species (Sambucus nigra L., Cornus mas L., Crategus monogyna Jacq., Sorbus aucuparia L., Morus nigra L., Hippophae rhamnoides L., Rosa canina L., Prunus spinosa L.) and in petals of Rosa × centifolia L. phenolic constituents (total phenols, phenylpropanoids, flavonols and anthocyanins) and antioxidant capacity were determined. In most species high level of soluble phenolics as well as high antiradical activity, measured by the DPPH method were found. The highest level of soluble phenolics and the high antiradical activity (DPPH and ABTS) were observed in fruits of Sambucus nigra L. The low level of phenolics estimated in fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides L. did not correspond with relatively high inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation and scavenging of free radicals. Low antioxidant activity and prooxidant ability was observed either in species of high or medium antiradical activity and phenolic level.