Some physicochemical characteristics, bioactive content and antioxidant capacity of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) fruits from Turkey

Overwhelming evidence from epidemiological, in vivo. in vitro, and clinical trial data indicates that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, particularly cancer. Some important physicochemical characteristics, bioactive content and antioxidant capacity of fruits of seven commercially grown loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) cultivars ('Akko XIII', 'Champagne de Grasse', 'Guzelyurt 6', 'Hafif Cukurgobek', 'KKTC 3', 'KKTC 4' and 'Sayda') harvested from Antalya province in Turkey were investigated. The results indicated cultivar-specific differences for most of the physicochemical characteristics, bioactive content and antioxidant capacity tested. Fruit mass and fruit flesh ratio ranged from 33.18 g ('Champagne de Grasse') to 61.38 g ('KKTC 3') and 80.44% ('Akko XIII') to 86.29% ('KKTC 3'). Total phenolic content varied from 140 ('Guzelyurt 6') to 253 mu g GAE per g ('Akko XIII'). The cultivar 'Champagne de Grasse' had the highest soluble solids content (14.58%). The highest total antioxidant capacity was observed in fruits of 'Akko XIII' with all three antioxidant-determining methods. There were close positive correlations between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content in loquat fruits. Results show that the loquat represents a good source of biofunctional phytochemicals because of their high phenolic, carotenoid and antioxidant contents. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.