Cold-field fruit extracts exert different antioxidant and antiproliferative activities in vitro

Consumption of plant phenolics in the daily diet has been recognised as lowering the risk of aging-associated diseases. A total of 11 cold-field fruits in China were evaluated for total contents of phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins, and antioxidant and antiproliferation activities. Total phenolic contents of the fruits extracts had a positive correlation with antioxidant activity (R(2) > 0.7112). Among the 11 fruits, the extracts of raspberry had the highest capacities for scavenging DPPH(.) (EC(50) 25.6 +/- 0.51 mu M TE/g FW) and ABTS(+.) (EC(50) 63.6 +/- 1.67 mu M TE/g FVV). Proliferation of HepG2 and HT-29 cells was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent pattern after exposure to the fruit extracts, among which lingonberry and rowanberry exhibited the highest antiproliferative activities. These results provide new knowledge on health functions of fruits and the fruits with high antioxidant contents are recommended for potential health benefits. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.