Determination of Vitamin C Content in Cornus mas L. Fruits from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.), known for its strong antioxidant and antiproliferative activity, is rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and iridoids.Its fruits exhibit a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties and are used in the food and cosmetic industries.Considering the importance of vitamin C for the immune system and the protection of cells from oxidative stress, the aim of this study was to determine the vitamin C content in fresh fruits collected from five different locations across Bosnia and Herzegovina.After harvesting and cleaning, the fruits were stored at -18 °C until analysis.Total ascorbic acid (AA + DHA), which includes both the reduced and oxidised forms of vitamin C, was determined using the spectrophotometric DNPH method.Vitamin C concentrations were calculated using a calibration curve and expressed as mg g -1 of fresh mass.The obtained concentrations ranged from 0.031 to 0.105 mg g -1 , with the highest vitamin C content found in fruits from Sarajevo and the lowest in fruits from Bileća.The observed differences among locations are the result of various factors, including climate conditions, genetic variations, fruit maturity, and the susceptibility of ascorbic acid to degradation during storage and sample preparation.Although the values of certain concentrations were lower in comparison to those reported in the literature, the results indicate that cornelian cherry remains a valuable source of vitamin C, and contribute to a better understanding of the nutritional profile of autochthonous populations of Cornus mas in Bosnia and Herzegovina.