Comparison of two wild‐grown Berberis varieties based on biochemical characterization

In this study, some physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, mineral content, and phenolic profiles of Berberis vulgaris and Berberis crataegina wild‐grown in Bayburt are analyzed and compared. The level of total phenolic content in B. crataegina DC. (73.48 µg GAE/mg KM) was found higher than B. vulgaris (71.54 µg GAE/mg KM). According to three methods (β‐carotene, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) the antioxidant activity of the B. crataegina is also higher. The change in color (L*, b*) is found statistically important (p < .05). There are no meaningful differences between the dry matter, C vitamin, pH value, and water activity (p > .05). It was observed that the fruit type has a great effect on brix and ash content (p < .05) and glucose, total sugar, and malic acid content. Chlorogenic acid is the dominant phenolic component for both types. It is followed by syringic, sinapic, and gallic acid in B. vulgaris and sinapic, syringic, and gallic acid in B. crataegina. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Wild fruits have been consumed for centuries in nutrition or pharmacology applications. They are known as rich resources of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. For that reason, wild fruits play an important role in the prevention and treatment of some diseases especially cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In this study, wild‐grown B. vulgaris and B. crataegina were analyzed in detail according to their bioactive properties and an assessment was made in terms of industrial and medical usability. This study reports mineral content, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and the phenolic acid profile (sinapic, syringic, gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, vanillic, trans‐ferulic, p‐coumaric, and 4‐hydroxybenzoic acids) of two Berberis varieties. According to results, these fruits may be used as natural flavoring and coloring material in food sector. Thanks to the active ingredients and minerals; these fruits may be used in pharmaceutical industry. They have a good potential for commercial exploitation and positive effects on health.