Antioxidant activities of various extracts and fractions of Sorbus domestica fruits at different maturity stages

Thirty four different extracts, fractions and residues of five different maturity stages of the Greek Service tree fruits (Sorbits domestica, fam. Rosaceae) were evaluated for their antioxidant activities (DPPH center dot and luminol-induced chemiluminescence methods) and in correlation with their total phenolic contents (Folin-Ciocalteau test). Dichloromethane, diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions possessed significant radical-scavenging activities which were greater than the activity of trolox. This seemed to be correlated with their total phenolic content. Unripe yellow fruits, together with the fruit pulp, were the strongest antioxidants, while the well-matured brown fruits were the weakest ones. Results showed that the fractions of diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane, can be used as antioxidants in food and medicinal preparations. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.