Abstract. The highest content of polyphenols was noticed in flowers of 5 cultivars of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.). ‘Mandaryn’ and ‘Geisha Girl’ cvs and the lowest in ‘Orange King’ cv. In flowers of ‘Tokaj’cultivar the lowest level of total carotenoids was observed and the higher content of chlorophyll a+b. Cultivars ‘Mandaryn’ and ‘Geisha Girl’ had a higher antioxidant activity investigated by FRAP and ABTS methods.

The effect of cultivar on antioxidant activity
of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)

Summary

In the experiment conducted in 2005-2006 there were estimated antioxidant activity, as well as contents of polyphenols, carotenoids and chlorophyll a+b in inflorescence of 5 cultivars of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.). The highest content of polyphenols noticed in flowers of ‘Mandaryn’ and ‘Geisha Girl’ and the lowest in ‘Orange King’ cv. In ‘Tokaj’ cv. there was observed the lowest level of total carotenoids and a higher content of chlorophyll a+b. Cultivars ‘Mandaryn’ and ‘Geisha Girl’ had a higher antioxidant activity investigated by FRAP and ABTS methods.