Variations in phytochemical properties of seedy barberry (Berberis integerrima L.) grown in different habitats of Kerman

Seedy barberry (Berberis integerrima L.) has many applications in pharmaceutical, food, and health industries and grows naturally in Iran. To study the phytochemical properties of seedy barberry fruits and leaves in Kerman province, 5 habitats including Bam, Jiroft, Anbarabad, Rabar, and Baft were selected. The phytochemical properties of the fruit including pH, malic acid, soluble solids, anthocyanin, dry weight, antioxidant properties, and total phenol, as well as chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of the leaves were studied in a completely randomized design. Results showed that the sample from Anbarabad habitat had the highest pH (3.66), TSS (17.10%), fruit dry weight (3.66 g), total chlorophyll (0.99 μg g-1), and carotenoids (1.82 μg g-1), showing significant differences from the samples obtained from the other habitats. In addition, the antioxidant properties of Jiroft (0.42 mg g-1) and Rabar (0.40 mg g-1) samples were significantly 5%, respectively higher than those of the other habitats. The maximum and minimum levels of malic acid contents were recorded in the samples obtained from Jiroft and Bam, by 3.51% and 2.8%, respectively. Dendrogram analysis divided the biochemical properties of the seedy barberry populations into two main groups. Bam, Rabar, Baft, and Jiroft were grouped together and Anbarabad population made another group. The study concluded that the phytochemical properties of seedy barberry varies in different habitats.