Distribution pattern of antioxidants in white cabbage heads (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata f. alba)

The aim of this paper has been to investigate the occurrence of health-promoting antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E as well as antioxidative enzymes, e.g. superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase in different parts of the cabbage head (the outer one green leaves, the central leaf layer and the inner layer young, etiolated leaves). Vitamin C content in both the central (209 mg/dm³) and inner (202 mg/dm³) layers of cabbage heads was higher in comparison to the outer one (163 mg/dm³), while vitamin E content (α-tocopherol) in the outer layer (4 μg/g FW) was higher by about 26 and 34% in comparison to the central and inner layers, respectively. The cooperation between vitamins and enzymatic antioxidants led to the highest H₂O₂ level in the outer layer, while the O₂^·− level was the highest in the inner part of the cabbage head. We conclude that leaf layers in cabbage heads reflect the different potential of bioactive compounds accumulation, related to the stage of tissue development, as well as tissue-specific stress response.