Anthocyanins and the Antioxidant Capacities of Wild Berries that Grow in Shizuoka, Japan

Abstract

Fruits from five wild edible berries that grow in the eastern region of Shizuoka (Japan) were collected, and their antioxidant activities were evaluated using the ORAC, DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays to obtain basic scientific knowledge of these species. Among the Shizuoka wild berries tested, Rubus microphyllus L. fil. exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, which is equivalent to that of commercial raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.). Furthermore, anthocyanins from these wild berries were analyzed using quantitative 1H NMR spectroscopy. Cyanidin-3-glucoside and pelargonidin-3-glucoside were detected in Shizuoka wild berries, with the latter identified as the characteristic anthocyanin. The present study revealed that Shizuoka wild berries are rich in natural antioxidants and pigments and are therefore potentially beneficial for reducing the risks of associated with lifestyle-related diseases in consumers.

Keywords

• Anthocyanin
• antioxidant
• wild berry
• quantitative NMR
• Shizuoka