Determination of Phenolic Content and DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity of Functional Fruit Juices Fortified with Thymus serpyllum L. and Salvia officinalis L. Extracts

The objective of this study was to spectrophotometric determinate the total phenolic, flavonoid, hydroxycinnamic acid, and flavonol content of orange, pineapple, and apple juices fortified with wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.), Dalmatian sage (Salvia officinalis L.), and wild thyme-Dalmatian sage (3:1, v /v) extracts, and to evaluate their DPPH radical scavenging activity as a contribution to the development of a new functional beverage. The plant extracts addition increased the amount of phenolic compounds in fruit juices and improved their antioxidant properties. The highest concentrations of bioactive compounds and the greatest DPPH radical activity were obtained by adding Dalmatian sage extract to orange juice. Our study provides the novelty of fortifying fruit juices with wild thyme and Dalmatian sage extracts and offers significant potential for the creation of functional beverages.