Determination of the total phenolic and anthocyanin contents, as well as the total antioxidant capacity, of black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicum) fruits

Abstract

The black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicum) belongs to the Solanaceae family. The genus Lycium comprises 87 recognized species and is distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of temperate to subtropical zones in the world. At present, China is the greatest global producer and supplier of wolfberry products. The goji berry has recently became one of the most popular fruits in Turkey due to its health-beneficial compounds such as phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids), carotenoids, tocopherol, ascorbic acid and antioxidant properties. Lycium fruits have been used as a remedy since ancient times in Asian countries, especially in China, for their emmenagogue, diuretic, antipyretic, tonic, aphrodisiac, hypnotic, and hepatoprotective effects. The purpose of this paper is to determine the biochemical characteristics (namely total phenolic and anthocyanin contents, as well as the total antioxidant capacity) of black wolfberries grown under the Aksaray ecological conditions.

Keywords

• antioxidants
• total phenol
• total anthocyanin
• black goji berry