Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Selected Wild Berries (Rubus moluccanusL.,R. fraxinifoliusPoir., andR. alpestrisBlume)

Abstract

Berries, from the genusRubus, are among the vital components in a healthy diet. In this study, 80% methanol extracts from the three wildRubusspecies (Rubus moluccanusL.,Rubus fraxinifoliusPoir., andRubus alpestrisBlume) were evaluated for their phytochemical contents (total phenolics, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and carotenoid content), antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays), antiacetylcholinesterase, and antibacterial activities. GC-MS was used for quantification of naturally occurring phytochemicals. The results showed thatR. alpestriscontained the highest total phenolic [24.25±0.1 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g] and carotenoid content [21.86±0.63 mgβ-carotene equivalents (BC)/g], as well as the highest DPPH scavenging and FRAP activities. The highest total flavonoid [18.17±0.20 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g] and anthocyanin content [36.96±0.39 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents (c-3-gE)/g] have been shown byR. moluccanus. For antibacterial assays,R. moluccanusandR. alpestrisextracts showed mild inhibition towardsBacillus subtilis,Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli, andSalmonella enteritidis. Anticholinesterase activity for all extracts was in the range of 23–26%. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of at least 12, 21, and 7 different organic compounds in 80% methanol extracts ofR. alpestris,R. moluccanus, andR. fraxinifolius, respectively, which might contribute to the bioactivity.