VITAMIN C AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN THE MATURATION OF Berberis lobbiana “UNTUSHA”

Abstract

Berberis lobbiana is an Andean shrub that produces various nutritional and bioactive
compounds. This research conducted to expand our knowledge about vitamin C and
physicochemical parameters in the maturation. The samples were obtained from the wild
flora of La Unión, Huánuco and analyzed using standard techniques The vitamin C content
showed a wide variation with significant differences in the fruit (p < 0.05), and the mature
state presented the higher content (181.86 ± 4.45 mg/100 g of fruit). The physicochemical
parameters presented a wide variation very marked in ripe fruits (p < 0.05). We also found
positive correlations in the vitamin C content, pH, soluble solids, glucose but negative to
density of fruit and treatable acidity. In conclusion, B. lobbiana has a wide variation in
vitamin C and y in the physicochemical parameters of it fruits, mainly due to the influence of
genetic factors, own of the maturation.