LC–DAD–MS (ESI+) analysis of the phenolic content of Sorbus domestica fruits in relation to their maturity stage

The aim of this study was the detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the phenolic content of several extracts and fractions of Sorbus domestica fruits. The analysis was realized by LC–DAD–MS (ESI+). Twenty-four different extracts and fractions of five different maturity stages of the fruit were analyzed for comparison reasons in order to determine the most beneficial for health type of consuming. Sixty-two different phenolics were identified. There were significant qualitative and quantitative differentiations in the phenolic content among the different types of the fruits. All categories were rich in benzoic, phenylpropanoic and cinnamoylquinic acids and derivatives. Unripe fruit categories were also rich in flavonoids, while well matured fruit categories had a low content of flavonoids. Fruit pulp, which was proved to be a strong antioxidant according to previous research work, contained very low amounts of both acids and flavonoids, but its phenolic content was highly qualitatively differentiated from the other categories.