Polyphenol content and antiradical activity of Cichorium intybus L. from biodynamic and conventional farming

Conventionally- and biodynamically-grown chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) was compared for its polyphenol content and antiradical activity. Two growing periods were analysed: in the first, the plants were subjected to severe water stress; in the second the stress was absent. The polyphenol content (Folin– Ciocalteu test) was higher in samples from the former than in the latter (about 650 and 420mg of gallic acid/100g fresh sample, respectively), and in any case did not differ between the two growing systems; antiradical activity for the second sampling was higher in the case of the biodynamic system. HPLC/DAD/ MS analysis identified five hydroxycinnamic acids and eight flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin and apigenin glycosides) and indicated changes in hydroxycinnamic content in the four samplings which were greatest in the case of conventional farming. Biodynamic farming, like organic farming, allows the achievement of good results, with particular attention to environmental conditions.