Comprehensive phytochemical analysis of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) from different regions of China and their potential antioxidant and antiproliferative activities

Abstract

Lingonberry are underutilised due to the lack of evaluating active compounds in different parts. In this study, the phytochemical profiles, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of lingonberry's fruits, leaves and stems from different regions of China were compared. Ninety-five bioactive compounds were rapidly identified using a molecular network based on UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method combined with principal component analysis (PCA) quantified 18 bioactive components in 6 classes. The highest content of arbutin (15 mg/100 g DW) was found in leaves of Huzhong (P6). Ursolic acid and cyanidin-3-O-galactoside were highest in fruits of Tahe (P4) (4.5 mg/100 g DW and 3.2 mg/100 g DW, respectively). Antioxidant activities determined by DPPH, ABTS⁺ and FRAP methods were significantly correlated with total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total anthocyanin content (TAC). The results indicate that the strongest antioxidant activity and antiproliferative efficacy are observed in the fruits of Tahe (P4) and leaves of Huzhong (P6), respectively. Our results provide valuable insights into lingonberry's comprehensive development and utilization.