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Harvest seasons have important influences on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of plants. Pyrola [ Pyrola incarnata Fisch.] is rich in antioxidants and is a valuable natural antioxidant food source in northeastern China. In order to well development and utilization of pyrola resources, in the same site, the quality of the different harvest time samples of pyrola was investigated. Variations in the active components and antioxidant activities of pyrola samples collected during six monthly harvests (from May to October) were analyzed. A principal component analysis was used to analysis of the interrelationships among total phenolic content, antioxidant activities and bioactive compound contents. The sample harvested in August had the highest total phenolic content (217.73 ± 9.14 mg/g gallic acid equivalent) and the strongest antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of the August sample was similar to the ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene activities. The results of a principal component analysis indicated that the active components included catechin, hyperin, 2′-O-galloylhyperin and quercitrin, which were strongly associated with the antioxidant activity of the August sample. Hyperin and 2′-O-galloylhyperin are the primary compounds found in pyrola, and they play major roles in mediating antioxidant activity. The August pyrola sample had the highest antioxidant potential and was a new, highly enriched resource for hyperin and 2′-O-galloylhyperin. Thus, August was the ideal time for the pyrola harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] There are few studies that refer to the healthy value of pyrola. [•] The constituents and antioxidant activities of different sites pyrola were analysed. [•] Pyrola is a valuable antioxidant natural source. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]