Study of the chemical composition of fruits of far eastern plant species of the heather family (Ericaceae)
Objective: The analysis of a chemical composition of fruits of far eastern species of plants of heather family (Ericaceae). Methods: Fresh fruit and juice of Kamchatka bilberry (Vacciniumpraestans) and crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) were used. The composition of the organic acids in fruits and juice was studied using high performance liquid chromatography, quantifying free organic acids - alkalimetry method using automatic titrator, quantifying phenolic acids - direct spectrophotometry method. Results: Malic, citric and tartaric acids were identified in juice of Empetrum nigrum fruit. In addition to abovementioned acids, such acid as succinic was found in the juice of Vaccinium praestans fruit. The sum of free organic acids in terms of malic acid in Kamchatka bilberry juice was 4.98±0.04 %, in crowberry juice - 1.01±0.01 %. Gallic acid was also detected in the fruits of studied plants. The quantitative content of phenolic acids in alcohol extracts from Kamchatka bilberry and crowberry equaled 3.59±0.09 % and 2.43±0.06 %, respectively. Conclusions: Vaccinium praestans and Empetrum nigrum fruits can be considered as a perspective source of malic, citric, tartaric and gallic acids.