Fingerprints of anthocyanins and flavonols of Vaccinium uliginosum berries from different geographical origins in the Greater Khingan Mountains and their antioxidant capacities

The Greater Khingan Mountains region is the largest natural distribution area of wild Vaccinium uliginosum L. in China. V. uliginosum berries from 16 representative geographical origins in this region were systematically investigated in this study. The anthocyanin and flavonol contents and the antioxidant capacities of V. uliginosum berries measured in this study were generally higher than those reported from previous studies investigating berries from other regions of China, but significant variations were detected. Significant positive correlations were detected between the bioactive component content in fresh berry peels of V. uliginosum and latitude. Our results indicated that the 'Greater Khingan Mountains' can be used as a geographical indication for V. uliginosum berries produced in this region to reflect their high bioactive component content. However, we suggest that some more specific geographical indications should be used to ensure quality control and to label V. uliginosum with superior bioactive component content, such as V. uliginosum from locations L14 and L15.