A Comparative Study of Antioxidant Activity and Total Phenolic Content of Fresh Juices of Some Common Indian Fruits with their Commercial Counterparts

Oxidative stress caused by overproduction of free radicals has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative and immunological disorders. Physiologically, these free radicals are scavenged continuously by numerous beneficial substances known as antioxidants. Fruits are rich in antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, flavonoids and polyphenols that strengthen our immunity and help us maintain good health. In recent times, there has been an increasing trend to supplement our diet with packaged fruit juices. In light of this, the present study aims to compare the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC) of commonly available fresh juices of some fruits found in the Indian subcontinent with their commercial counterparts, available in two popular brands. Folin–Ciocalteu method was used to determine TPC, while ferric reducing antioxidant power assay was performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of fruit juices. Among fresh juices, the highest antioxidant property and TPC was found in pomegranate followed by litchi. Amongst packed fruit juices, the antioxidant property and TPC was highest in pomegranate and lowest in apple. However, when compared with fresh fruit juices, the antioxidant activity as well as TPC of commercial juices were observed to be significantly less in all cases. These observations prompt serious rethinking on the use of commercial juices as a source of antioxidants.