Abstract

The aim of this work was to determine the content of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds; to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods); to determine selected trace elements (Zn, Cu) content; to identify the selected organic acid composition; and to determine cytotoxic activity against human prostate cancer cells of six selected South Siberian fruits (Siberian mountain ash, bird cherry, Nanking cherry, Siberian apricot, Siberian elder, and prickly wild rose). These fruits have been used in traditional Siberian medicine before conventional medications were developed. During our scientific expedition, different places as big city, small villages near the lake Baikal and in the mountains were visited. We observed local customs and also interviewed women, responsible for preparing meals, about typical usage, recipes, and practical or medical application of native fruits. Siberian apricots revealed the highest total antioxidant activity, concentration of polyphenols and also the best cytotoxic activity among the examined fruits. Bird cherry and Siberian elder had the highest content of copper and zinc among all the evaluated Siberian fruits. The fruits of some of Siberian species, especially apricots and prickly wild rose, can be a good source of antioxidant compounds. Moreover, Siberian apricot, Siberian mountain ash, and bird cherry, due to their interesting activity against prostate cancer cells, may be considered as a potential anticancer prophylaxis. The findings suggest that ethno-medicinal and ethno-nutritional aspects of Siberian fruits should not be neglected.

Key words: Siberian fruits, antioxidant activity, trace element, organic acids, cytotoxic activity, ethno-nutrition, ethno-medicine.