Antiradical properties of commercial cognacs assessed by DPPH• test

Antiradical activities of some commercial cognacs were evaluated by the DPPH• test. Different mathematical models for the evaluation of the antiradical efficiency of the cognac samples were proposed and discussed. Nonflavonoid phenols were found to be the main substances responsible of the radical scavenging activity of cognacs. In particular the strongest correlations between antiradical activity measurements and cognac chemical characteristics was found for ellagitannins, high molecular weight polyphenols, which are extracted from the wood and solubilized in the spirit mainly during first year aging.