Hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity in different leaves of three lettuce varieties

Three different Lactuca sativa L. varieties (Iceberg, Romaine and Baby head) were analysed in order to determine differences in the antioxidant activity, both hydrophilic and lipophilic, and in the total phenolic content of different leaves (stem, inner, medium and outermost leaves). Romaine showed the highest level of hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity, and its phenolic content was also higher than that of Iceberg and Baby head. According to leaf position, lipophilic antioxidant activity increased sharply from stem to outermost leaves, suggesting a protective role for the lipophilic antioxidant in mature or light-exposed leaves, while hydrophilic antioxidant activity shows a non-specific distribution. The phenolic content also increased in Romaine from stem to outermost leaves, although no significant changes were observed in Iceberg or Baby head lettuces in this respect.