Total Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Activity of Solanum lycopersicum L.

Abstract

Tomato, the edible berry of the plant tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is currently one of the most widely used crops worldwide. Tomatoes are considered to be one of the most popular vegetables, although, from a botanical point of view, it is a fruit. It is a rich source of numerous important bioactive substances that have a positive effect on human health. Antioxidant compounds of tomatoes, with their protective properties, have a significant effect on oxidative stress. Seven tomato cultivars, namely Perun, Tornado, Bejbino F1 60S, Darinka F1, Glazier, Tramezzino, and Brioso were analysed in this study, that aimed to determine the total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of tomatoes. The total polyphenol content has been determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, using an UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The values have ranged from 231.48 mg.kg^-1 FW to 559.81 mg.kg^-1 FW. Statistically highest TPC was determined in the cultivar Bejbino F1 60S. Statistically lowest TPC was determined in the cultivar Brioso. The total antioxidant activity (AA) has been determined by the DPPH radical scavenging assay, using an UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The values have ranged from 0.261 to 0.554 mmol TE.kg^-1 FW. Statistically highest AA was determined in the cultivar Bejbino F1 60S. Statistically lowest AA was determined in the cultivar Darinka F1. Statistical evaluation of the results showed a weak correlation between total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of tomatoes. These results indicate that content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity of tomatoes are influenced by cultivar.