Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of commonly consumed fruits and vegetables in Algeria

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of some commonly foods consumed in Algeria. 22 vegetables and 14 fruits extracts were evaluated for their polyphenolic content and antioxidant potential using different methods. Results showed that beans, cauliflower and courgette were rich in total polyphenols. However, Jew's mallow was the richest in flavonoids and the highest content of tannins was noticed in the pomegranate. The antioxidant activity of fruits and vegetables extracts using beta-carotene bleaching assay showed that lettuce, courgette, cauliflower, artichoke, mallow, bean, green bean, green pea, peach and apricot were the most effective with antioxidant activity percentage greater than 70%. However, eggplant, lettuce, courgette, artichoke, mallow, chard, green bean, green pea, black grapes and pomegranate showed the highest antioxidant activity against DPPH radical with IC50 <= 0.8 mg/ml. Also, potato, lettuce, carrot, courgette, pumpkin, turnip, cucumber, fennel, cauliflower, cabbage, artichoke (flower), Jew's mallow, chard, green bean, bean and green pea showed the highest chelating activity with IC50 <= 0.8mg / ml and onion, potato, courgette, Jew's mallow, chard, green bean, bean and green pea showed the highest reducing power (IC50 <= 5 mg / ml). Finally, these selected consumed fruits and vegetables are natural source of polyphenols and have an important antioxidant activity and their consumption may reduce the risk of pathologies induced by oxidative stress.