Phytochemical Characterization of Blue Honeysuckle in Relation to the Genotypic Diversity of Lonicera sp.

Abstract

The phytochemical characteristic analysis of a group of 30 haskap berry genotypes was carried out bearing in mind the concern for the consumption of food with high nutraceutical value that helps maintain good health. Phytochemical fruit composition and antioxidant activity were assessed by the Folin–Ciocalteau, spectrophotometric, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) as well as ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method. Evaluation of antioxidant activity was referred to as the Trolox equivalent. The observed differences in the content of phenolics, flavonoids, vitamin C and antioxidant activity allowed us to select genotypes which, due to the high level of the analyzed compounds, are particularly recommended in everyone’s diet. In addition, the analysis of the prospects of increasing the analyzed phytochemical properties, estimated by parameters such as heritability and genetic progress, indicates the effectiveness of breeding in relation to each of the analyzed traits. The results of the presented research can be used in the implementation of future breeding programs for this valuable species.

Phenolic Profiles, Antioxidant Activity and Phenotypic Characterization of Lonicera caerulea L. Berries, Cultivated in Lithuania

“…The origin place of the cultivar determines the phytogeographical profile in a qualitative and quantitative manner. Numerous studies support information, that Russian cultivars contain higher amounts of phytochemicals [ 3 , 4 , 17 ]. In our study, the PCA analysis on phenolics clearly defined the cultivars into groups in the relation to their origin.…”

“…In our study, Russian cultivars contained the greatest amounts of flavonoids in the following order ‘Nympha’ > ‘Amphora’ > ‘Leningradskij Velikan’. Gawronski et al, 2020 determined ‘Aurora’ with the highest amounts of flavonoids from the 30 tested L. caerulea cultivars [ 17 ]. Great variation in total contents of flavonoids was determined by various authors for the ‘Indigo Gem’, ‘Leningradskij Velikan’, ‘Nimfa’ cultivars due to different environmental conditions and growing techniques [ 17 ].…”

“…Gawronski et al, 2020 determined ‘Aurora’ with the highest amounts of flavonoids from the 30 tested L. caerulea cultivars [ 17 ]. Great variation in total contents of flavonoids was determined by various authors for the ‘Indigo Gem’, ‘Leningradskij Velikan’, ‘Nimfa’ cultivars due to different environmental conditions and growing techniques [ 17 ]. Anthocyanins and flavonoids are mainly located in skin tissues [ 6 ], therefore whole fruits or pomace materials could be selected for obtaining fruit powders for further functionalization [ 10 ].…”

“…The research on cultivated blue honeysuckle is performed in Canada, Asia, and European countries and the cultivars differ in pomological characteristics, sensory properties, and phytochemical compositions [ 2 , 7 , 9 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. The cultivars with determined phytochemical profiles and markers can be selected for standardized plantations [ 17 ]. Plantations have already been established in Russia and Japan, and the emerging research in other countries confirms the relevance.…”

Potential Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables

“…In this manuscript, different spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric methods were used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and the amount of different phenolic compounds and vitamin C. This study allowed for the identification of those genotypes, which were more interesting for a high content of the studied phytochemicals, and that could be recommended to consumers for a healthy diet. Furthermore, the heritability and genetic process analyses allowed for the indication of the effectiveness of breeding for the transmission of the analyzed traits to the progeny, suggesting the most suitable genotypes for the implementation of future breeding programs aimed at obtaining healthier fruits [3].…”