Characterization of Rubus fruticosus L. berries growing wild in Morocco: phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity and chromatography analysis

Rubus fruticosus L. is a widespread shrub species which has recently attracted a great attention due a plethora of different pharmacological activities. A comparative study of the volatile profile and polyphenols along with the antioxidant activity of 27 blackberries collected in 3 different locations of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region in Northern Morocco, between June and August 2018, is reported. In terms of antioxidant activity, the highest IC50 values were attained for the Rubus fruticosus EtOAc extract coming from Beni Messaouar (2.5 mg/mL +/- 0.01). Concerning the volatile content of the Rubus fruticosus n-hexane extract belonging to Beni Messaouar, a total of 42 compounds were detected and oleic acid turned out to be the most abundant one (14.49%), whereas among the 29 polyphenols detected in the Rubus fruticosus EtOAc extract, coming from the same location, quercetin-3-O-glucoside occurred in major concentration (364.58 mg/kg). This is the first report on the physico-chemical and phytochemical properties of Moroccan Rubus fruticosus highlighting how these fruits do have a great potential as natural source of antioxidant compounds to be used as a nutraceuticals or functional foods.