Correlation between Antioxidant Capacity and Phenolic Compounds of Korean Red Pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.) Bark Fractions under In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestive Conditions

This study investigates the correlation between phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities of Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.) bark (RPB) fractions under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. RPB extracts were obtained using 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol and further fractionated with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. Their antioxidant capacities were evaluated using three antioxidant assays. Phenolic compounds were quantified using a liquid chromatography system to assess their stability. The antioxidant capacity of RPB extract and its fractions were found to be significantly influenced by the digestive process. Gastric digestion increased the contents of procyanidin B1 and catechin, whereas intestinal digestion degraded most of the phenolic compounds except protocatechuic acid. Principal component analysis results showed that taxifolin had the greatest impact on data variability, indicating that this polyphenol plays an important role in the antioxidant capacity of RPB. This study provides insights into the stability and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in RPB under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, supporting its potential use as a source of natural antioxidants in dietary supplements.