Variation in total anthocyanin, phenolic contents, antioxidant enzyme and antioxidant capacity among different mulberry (Morus sp.) cultivars in China

•Evaluating the fruit quality and antioxidant property in twenty-two mulberry cultivars.•Substantial variations were found among cultivars on anthocyanin content, antioxidant enzyme activity and antioxidant capacity.•Positive correlations were found between antioxidant activities and antioxidant enzyme activities or nonenzyme components.•Zhongshen 831, Huayang novel and Zhongsang 5801 exhibited higher antioxidant capacity.

In the present work, fruit quality and antioxidant property of twenty-two cultivars of mulberry (Morus sp.) from China were evaluated. The results showed that contents of total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acid (TA), phenolics and anthocyanin as well as antioxidant enzyme activity and antioxidant capacity varied with cultivars. Among the twenty-two cultivars, contents of TSS and TA ranged from 6.2 to 16.00% and 0.20 to 2.05% citric acid, with Jiguihua and Mengjian 5 showing the highest level, respectively. Most of cultivars were rich in anthocyanin and phenolics, and the highest contents were detected in Zhongshen 831. Highest activities of antioxidant enzymes, including As-POD, G-POD, CAT, GR, GSH-POD and SOD were found in Taiwanguosang, Zhenzhubai, Mengjian 4, 72C002, Da 10, and Jiguihua, respectively. Moreover, principal component analysis revealed that Zhongshen 831, Huayang novel and Zhongsang 5801 exhibited higher antioxidant capacities.