Antidiabetic, Anticholinesterase and Antioxidant Activity vs. Terpenoids and Phenolic Compounds in Selected New Cultivars and Hybrids of Artichoke <i>Cynara scolymus</i> L.

The aim of the study was to analyze the chemical composition of new artichoke cultivars and hybrids and to assess their potential health-promoting properties. Polyphenols, carotenoids and chlorophylls were identified by liquid chromatography-photodiode detector-mass spectrometry/quadrupole time of flight (LC-PDA-MS/QTof) and quantified by ultra performance liquid chromatography-photodiode detector (UPLC-PDA). Sugar and organic acid profiles were prepared, and antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP and ORAC) and in vitro antidiabetic (inhibition of &#945;-amylase and &#945;-glucosidase) and anticholinesterase (inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE)) potentials were evaluated. The analyses revealed a highly varied content of bioactive compounds and great health-promoting potential significantly depending on a cultivar. The content of polyphenolic compounds ranged from 1681.49 (&#8220;Sambo&#8222;) to 3638.91 (&#8220;Symphony&#8222;) mg/100 g of dry weight (DW). &#8220;Blanca de Tudela&#8222; contained the highest amounts of carotenoids and chlorophylls (3761.91 mg/100 g DW) and exhibited high ABTS and ORAC capacity. Inhibition of antidiabetic enzymes was significant in cvs. &#8220;Symphony&#8222; and &#8220;Calico&#8222;. Additionally, all tested cultivars and hybrids turned out to be effective inhibitors of neurodegenerative enzymes