# Pharmacognostic Evaluation and Antioxidant Profiling of Five Varieties of Ribes nigrum Grown in Romania

## TL;DR

This study compares the health-benefiting compounds in five blackcurrant varieties from Romania, finding that Ruben has the highest antioxidant and anthocyanin levels.

## Contribution

The study identifies Ruben as the most antioxidant-rich blackcurrant variety and explores the relationship between anthocyanins and antioxidant activity.

## Key findings

- Cyanidin-rutinoside is the predominant anthocyanin in all five blackcurrant varieties.
- Ruben variety has the highest anthocyanin concentration and antioxidant activity.
- Antioxidant activity correlates strongly with anthocyanin content but not consistently with polyphenolic levels.

## Abstract

Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum L.) are recognized for their rich anthocyanin content, contributing to their health-promoting properties. This study explored the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of five blackcurrant varieties (Gofert, Tiben, Ceres, Ronix, and Ruben) cultivated in Mureș County, Romania. Using HPLC-DAD analysis, cyanidin-rutinoside was identified as the predominant anthocyanin in all varieties. Ruben stood out with the highest anthocyanin concentration and antioxidant activity, highlighting its potential for functional food and nutraceutical applications. The high anthocyanin content determined in these varieties suggests the influence of hybridization and unique regional growing conditions. Antioxidant activity, assessed through 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) (ABTS) assays, showed strong correlations with anthocyanin content, though polyphenolic levels did not consistently align with antioxidant efficacy. These findings emphasize the importance of tailoring blackcurrant cultivation to optimize bioactive compound production and support further exploration of their therapeutic potential.