Student Research Projects

Antioxidant Activity in Citrus Fruits and Berries

Student Name(s)	Caitlin Ward
Faculty Mentor(s)	Dr. Joyce Easter
Department	Chemistry
Course	CHEM 489: Research in the Natural Sciences

Abstract

A nutritious and healthy diet includes the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables. The health benefits of citrus fruits have been known for a long time, but more recently berries have begun to be associated with antioxidant benefits. The vitamin and phytochemical content of citrus fruits and berries are the major contributors to health benefits such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic disease, and cancer. This study will determine the characteristics of the total phenolics in citrus fruits and berries, including the soluble free form as well as the bound form (bound-E and bound-W). This study will also determine the total antioxidant activity in the citrus fruits and berries. The citrus fruits that will be examined are: limes, mandarins, tangerines, tangelos and the berries are: cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and white and red grapes. The total phenolic content will be analyzed by standard deviation and the total antioxidant activity will be analyzed using the TOSC assay.