Impact of Extraction Solvents on Total Antioxidant Capacity of Barberry (Berberis Cratoegnia) Plant

Inactivation of free radicals formed by human body is carried out by defense mechanisms in which antioxidant molecules participate. It is important to determine the content of these molecules, which have become important in human nutrition in recent years, in consumed foods. This study aims to determine the total antioxidant capacity of the barberry (berberis cratoegnia) plant, which is consumed in many regions of our country. For this purpose, firstly, barberry plant samples were collected from Mersin in summer season, extracts were prepared with different solvents and CERAC method was used to determine the total antioxidant capacities of the samples. The highest value of total antioxidant capacity was obtained by 80% (v/v) methanol solution for flesh part of the fruit. Total phenolic compound and total antioxidant capacities of the flesh part of barberry samples were calculated as 1.954 mmol gallic acid (GA) g-1 and 1.288 mmol Tr (TR) g-1, by Folin-Ciocalteu method and Cerium Reducing Antioxidant Capacity Assay (CERAC), respectively.