Resveratrol content and antioxidant properties of underutilized fruits

In the present study, resveratrol content and antioxidant properties of underutilized fruits such as Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.), Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and Mulberry (Morus rubra) were investigated keeping Grape (Vitis vinifera) as a reference. Ethanol/water (80:20 v/v) extracts of different parts of fruit samples including skin, pulp and seeds were analyzed by HPLC and MS for the quantification of resveratrol. Total polyphenols, flavonoids, DPPH scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity were also investigated. Among the samples analyzed, mulberry fruit (whole) showed highest resveratrol content (50.61 mu g g(-1) dry weight) followed by jamun seed (34.87 mu g g(-1) dry weight), jamun pulp (13.70 mu g g(-1) dry weight) and skin of jamun (11.19 mu g g(-1) dry weight). Jamun seed extract exhibited the highest polyphenol content (55.54 mg gallic acid equivalent g(-1) dry weight) and highest antioxidant property (IC50 value-0.40 mg ml(-1)). The results suggest that underutilized fruits high in resveratrol and other polyphenols can be used as functional beverages.