Comparative analysis of the antioxidant capacity and secondary metabolites accumulation in the fruits of rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) and some closely related species

The paper presents the results of studying fruits antioxidant properties of several species, previously combined into the genus Sorbus L. (Rosaceae family). Ripe fruits were collected in September 2020 from the plants of Cormus domestica (L.) Spach, Sorbus aucuparia L., Karpatiosorbus latifolia (Lam.) Sennikov & Kurtto and Torminalis glaberrima (Gand.) Sennikov & Kurtto from the collection of the Botanical Garden of the Oles Honchar Dnipro National University. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined both in the fruits peel and pulp. In the fruits of all species, higher values of the determined indicators were found in the fruit peel than in the pulp. Moderate and strong positive correlation was found between FRAP and TPC as well between FRAP and TFC both in peel and pulp of all studied species. At the same time, notable interspecific differences of the phytochemical traits were established, indirectly confirming the ambiguity of the taxonomy of the genus Sorbus L. According to the fruits antioxidant properties and secondary metabolites accumulation, species K. latifolia (broad-leaved whitebeam) and T. glaberrima (wild service-tree) are the most promising for cultivation in arid conditions of the central steppe of Ukraine.