Insights into research on phytochemistry and biological activities of Prunus armeniaca L. (apricot)

Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosaceae) is an important medicinal edible plant species commonly known as “apricot”. Apricot is one of the most delicious and commercially traded fruits in the world. The plant is rich in mono- and polysaccharides, polyphenols, fatty acids and sterol derivatives, carotenoids, cyanogenic glucosides, and volatile components due to its appealing smell. P. armeniaca has been also investigated for various biological activities such as antimicrobial, antimutagenic, inhibitory activity against several enzymes, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive as well as antioxidant activity. Among these activities, antioxidant activity of apricot has been studied extensively and the plant displayed a high antioxidant effect in both in vitro and in vivo test systems. In this review, the relevant literature summary is given on phytochemistry and biological activity reports published on apricot. The literature survey for this review was performed using the key words “Prunus armeniaca and apricot” through the search Scopus, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, and Web of Science data bases between 1950 and 2010.     

Nutritional properties of yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) pulp

Yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) is a tropical fruit with increasing acceptance in both national and international fruit markets. The aim of this work was to evaluate the centesimal composition, mineral content, total phenolics, antioxidant activity, and characterize the carotenoids of frozen yellow mombin pulp. Results indicated that the yellow mombin pulp contained an important amount of potassium and copper. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic values scored 17.5 mmol TEAC g⁻¹ and 260 mg galic acid/100 g respectively, higher than those reported for other fruits. Five carotenoids were identified, ??-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeinoxanthin, ?? and ?? carotene, being ??-cryptoxanthin the major one, accounting for the high level of pro-vitamin A activity in the pulp. A 100 g portion of yellow mombin pulp can provide more than 37% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A.     

Antioxidant properties of roasted apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) kernel

The antioxidant properties of peeled, defatted and roasted apricot kernel flours were evaluated by determining radical scavenging power (RSP), anti-lipid peroxidative activity (ALPA), reducing power (RP), total phenolic content (TPC), assessed by DPPH test, β-carotene bleaching method, iron (III to II) reducing test and Folin method, respectively. Browning degree of the samples was also measured and found to increase almost linearly with the roasting time. Contrary to browning degree, RSP, RP and TPC did not increase linearly but showed a maximum for 10 min of roasting. Roasting reduced the ALPA values, thus unroasted sample showed the highest ALPA value. RSP, RP and TPC measurements of all samples, were in high correlation (at least, r = 0.92).     

Effect of hot air drying and sun drying on color values and β-carotene content of apricot (Prunus armenica L.)

In this study, sulphurated and nonsulphurated Hacihaliloglu apricots (Prunus armenica L.) which is the most widely produced cultivar in Turkey were used to study the effects of different hot air drying temperatures (50, 60, 70, and 80 °C) and sun drying on color and β-carotene content of apricot. The time required to obtain the desired final dry matter in hot air drying was lower than sun drying. Sulphuration also decreased drying time at all drying conditions. Color values and β-carotene content of hot air dried samples were favorable in comparison to air drying. β-carotene content in dried apricots at 70 and 80 °C was 7.14, 7.17 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry matter and 6.12, 6.48 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry matter for sulphurated and nonsulphurated apricots, respectively. A good relationship was found between treatments (drying temperatures and drying times) and β-carotene content for sulphurated and nonsulphurated apricots (R²=0.9422 and 0.9129, respectively).     

The influence of electron-beam ionization on ethylene metabolism and quality parameters in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L., cv Búlida)

The possibility of extending the post-harvest shelf-life of apricots (Prunus armeniaca, Búlida) by applying electron-beam ionization at doses of 0.5 and 1.0 kGy has been studied. Ionization treatment caused a decrease in the ethylene concentration in the climacteric peak; this effect was more pronounced at the greater dose (1.0 kGy). The free 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) increased in control fruits and in those treated at 0.5 kGy, while it decreased at 1.0 kGy. The conjugated ACC showed an initial increase, sharper in control fruits, and a later decrease during the whole experiment. Both ACC synthase and ACC oxidase showed a lower maximum activity in ionized fruits than in control fruits. The texture of ionized fruits showed a higher loss of firmness than untreated fruits during storage, especially when they were ionized at doses of 1.0 kGy. However, the other physico-chemical parameters studied, color, total soluble solids content (TSSC), titrable acidity (TA), and carotenoids, showed no significant changes between control and ionized apricots. The ionization treatment at 0.5 or 1.0 kGy, despite its influence on the ethylene metabolism of fruit, was not effective for extending the shelf-life of apricot variety Búlida since, during storage, no significant differences between control and treated apricots were found in the physico-chemical parameters indicative of ripening.     

Characterisation of cell wall polysaccharide profiles of apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.), peaches (Prunus persica L.), and pumpkins (Cucurbita sp.) for the evaluation of fruit product authenticity

Cell wall polysaccharides were investigated for their suitability as markers for quality and authenticity control of fruit products. For this purpose, the alcohol-insoluble residue (AIR) from several cultivars of apricots and peaches of different harvest seasons, provenances, and stages of ripeness was extracted and subsequently fractionated into acid- and EDTA/alkali-soluble pectins, hemicellulose, and cellulose. Each fraction was analysed for its neutral sugar composition by gas chromatography. In addition, analyses were also carried out on several cultivars of pumpkins because of their potential for use in fraudulent admixtures. Within the respective fruit species, characteristic neutral sugar profiles of the AIR and its fractions were observed, which were found to be independent of the cultivar, harvest season, and provenance. The fruit specific saccharide composition may be used for the differentiation of fruit products devoid of carbohydrate-based hydrocolloids. Furthermore, the isolated hemicellulose may also allow the detection of admixtures of non-specified fruit in complex fruit products, such as jams, spreads, and fruit preparations.     

Changes in physicochemical characteristics and volatile compounds of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L. cv. Bergeron) during storage and post-harvest maturation

The effects of storage and post-harvest maturation on the physicochemical characteristics and volatile constituents of Bergeron apricot were investigated during the 2007 season over two experiments. Fruits, harvested at two distinct stages of maturity, in two different experimental orchards, were stored in cold chambers at +1 °C for up to 3 weeks and then subjected to a post-harvest maturation in ripening chambers at 20 °C and 60–70% RH up to 7 days. Firmness, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), and the levels of the main volatiles were determined. Physicochemical changes included a significant decrease of firmness during both storage and post-harvest maturation whereas the levels of SS and TA were found to be very similar. The results also indicated that, whatever their initial stage of maturity at harvest, the rates of softening of apricots during storage and/or post-harvest maturation were very comparable. During post-harvest maturation, the levels of C₆-compounds decreased drastically whereas, at the same time, those of esters, lactones and terpenic compounds greatly increased. During storage at 1 °C, a decrease of C₆-compounds was also observed. As regards other compounds, there were some statistically different results between samples but the changes observed for lactones, esters and terpenic compounds were relatively small in comparison to those observed during post-harvest maturation at 20 °C. The results also showed that, at the end, qualitative and quantitative differences can be observed in the “ready-to-eat” apricots according to their initial stage of maturity at harvest. On average, apricots harvested at the most advanced stage of maturity have, on average, the highest levels of soluble solids and the highest levels of volatile compounds of interest.     

Sensorial and chemical quality of electron beam irradiated almonds (Prunus amygdalus)

This work reports the effects of irradiation with accelerated electrons (0, 3, 7, and 10 kGy) on the chemical composition (water content, proteins, neutral detergent fiber, sugars, lipid content, organic acids, and color) and sensorial properties (rancidity, sweetness, off-flavors and odors, texture, and whiteness) of the shelled almond variety Guara, packaged under air atmosphere and stored for 5 months at 20±1 °C. Changes observed where a decrease for glucose in samples treated at all irradiation doses. An increase of citric acid, at doses above 3 kGy and then a decrease to values similar to those of the control was observed. With respect to the sensorial analysis, there was no treatment effect on the sweetness, texture or color but there was a marked rancidity in the samples treated with 10 kGy that decreased the overall appreciation of the samples. Irradiation doses of up to 7 kGy seem to be a suitable post-harvest sanitation treatment since they did not cause significant changes in the sensorial quality or in the contents of protein, fiber, water, or lipid with respect to the control samples, both following the treatments and after 5 months of storage.     

Nutrient composition of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) varieties cultivated in Turkey

In this study, chemical composition of the 17 different hazelnut varieties grown in the Black Sea Region of Turkey was investigated. The main fatty acids in hazelnut varieties were oleic (79.4%), linoleic (13.0%) and palmitic acid (5.4%). The ratios of polyunsaturated/saturated and unsaturated/saturated fatty acids of hazelnuts varieties were found to be between 1.23 and 2.87, and 11.1 and 16.4, respectively. The average niacin, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, vitamin B₆, ascorbic acid, folic acid, retinol and total tocopherol contents of hazelnut kernels were 1.45 mg/100 g, 0.28 mg/100 g, 0.05 mg/100 g, 0.5 mg/100 g, 2.45 mg/100 g, 0.043 mg/100 g, 3.25 mg/100 g and 26.9 mg/100 g, respectively. The amount of the essential amino acids, mostly as arginine (2003 mg/100 g) and leucine (1150 mg/100 g), and the non-essential amino acids, mostly as glutamic acid (2714 mg/100 g) and aspartic acid (1493 mg/100 g) were also determined in the hazelnut varieties. Mineral compositions of the hazelnut varieties, e.g., K, Mn, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Na and Cu were (averagely) measured as 863 mg/100 g, 186 mg/100 g, 173 mg/100 g, 5.6 mg/100 g, 4.2 mg/100 g, 2.9 mg/100 g, 2.6 mg/100 g and 2.3 mg/100 g, respectively.     

Sugars,organic acids,phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.)

Sugars, organic acids, phenolics and anthocyanins in fruits of 13 sweet cherry cultivars: Badascony, Burlat, Early Van Compact, Fercer, Fernier, Ferprime, Lala Star, Lapins, Noire de Meched, Sylvia, Vesseaux, Vigred (red-coloured) and Ferrador (bi-coloured) were quantified by HPLC. Sweet cherry cultivars of different pomological characteristics and different time of ripening were evaluated sensorily. Cultivars were evaluated for their total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The sum of sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose and sorbitol) ranged from 125 to 265 g/kg fresh weight (FW) and the sum of organic acids (malic, citric, shikimic and fumaric) ranged from 3.67 to 8.66 g/kg FW. Total phenolic content ranged from 44.3 to 87.9 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g FW and antioxidant activity ranged from 8.0 to 17.2 mg ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity mg/100 g FW. The correlation of antioxidant activity with total phenolics content and content of anthocyanins was cultivar dependent.     

Determination of cis- and trans- α- and β-carotenoids in Taiwanese sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) harvested at various times

A HPLC method was improved to determine sweet potato carotenoids rapidly with good separation efficiency. A C30 column and a gradient solvent system consisting of methanol–acetonitrile–water (84/14/2, v/v/v, solvent A) and dichloromethane (solvent B) (a mixture of 80% A and 20% B was used initially, and then the mixing was programmed to 55% B within 15 min and kept to the end) were used for analysis. The flow rate was 1 ml/min and detection was at 450 nm. A total of 11 all-trans and cis forms of α- and β-carotene in Taiwanese sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) could be resolved within 16 min. The orange-fleshed sweet potato (Tainung 66) had higher total carotenoid content than the yellow-fleshed one (Tainung 57) at the same harvest time. The total carotenoid levels in both crops harvested at various times were in the order: October > July > April > January.     

Antioxidant potentials and rosmarinic acid levels of the methanolic extracts of Salvia verticillata (L.) subsp. verticillata and S. verticillata (L.) subsp. amasiaca (Freyn & Bornm.) Bornm

This study was designed to examine the in vitro antioxidant activities and rosmarinic acid levels of the methanol extracts of Salvia verticillata subsp. verticillata and S. verticillata subsp. amasiaca. The extracts were screened for their possible antioxidant activity by two complementary test systems, namely DPPH free radical-scavenging and β-carotene/linoleic acid systems. In the first case, S. verticillata subsp. verticillata was superior to the subsp. amasiaca with an IC₅₀ value of 14.5 ± 1.21 μg mg⁻¹. In the β-carotene/linoleic acid test system, inhibition capacity of S. verticillata subsp. verticillata was 74.4 ± 1.29%. Antioxidant activities of BHT, ascorbic acid, curcumin and α-tocopherol were determined in parallel experiments. Activity of rosmarinic acid was also screened for better establishing the relationship between rosmarinic acid level and antioxidant activity for the plant extracts. S. verticillata subsp. verticillata had the highest rosmarinic acid level with a value of 28.7 ± 0.89 μg mg⁻¹. There is a strong correlation between the rosmarinic acid level and antioxidant activity potential. Our results showed that rosmarinic acid and its derivatives are more likely to be responsible for most of the observed antioxidant activities of Salvia species.     

Manipulating the taste-related composition of strawberry fruits (Fragaria × ananassa) from different cultivars using deficit irrigation

Demand and, consequently, production of strawberry fruits has increased over the past few years and, as a result, the water abstractions for cultivation of this fruit have risen considerably. To limit the amounts of water used for several horticultural crops, water deficit irrigation (DI) has been seen as a potential alternative for new cultivation systems. DI in strawberry fruits is generally associated with reduction in berry size and yield; however, a recent study demonstrated that DI on strawberry can increase the concentration of some taste- and health-related compounds in fruits from cv. Elsanta. Hence, the aim of the present study was to further corroborate such findings and to assess the response (and variability) among different strawberry cultivars (namely Christine, Elsanta, Florence, Sonata and Symphony) to imposed water-DI conditions. Water-DI affected both fruit physiology and biochemistry. Nevertheless, the response to drought stress was different for each of the cultivars tested. Plants from cvs. Elsanta, Sonata and Symphony showed a greater reduction in berry size, accompanied by a significant increase in dry matter content for fruit harvested from DI-treated plants. Concomitant to this, and where dry matter was increased, the concentrations of sugars and some acids were generally higher in DI-derived fruit. In contrast, cvs. Florence and Christine did not show significant variations in berry weight or any of the target analytes measured when grown under the conditions imposed in this study. The results presented herein suggest that reducing water irrigation between flower initiation and fruit harvest may be a viable technique for increasing the concentrations of taste-related compounds in cvs. Elsanta, Sonata and Symphony and it may not have a negative impact on overall fruit size of cvs. Christine and Florence.     

Chicoric acid found in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves

This is the first report to identify the presence of chicoric acid (cichoric acid; also known as dicaffeoyltartaric acid, which is a caffeic acid derivatized with tartaric acid) in basil leaves. Rosmarinic acid, chicoric acid and caftaric acid (in the order of most abundant to least; all derivatives of caffeic acid) were identified in fresh basil leaves. Rosmarinic acid was the main phenolic compound found in both leaves and stems. Chicoric acid was not detected in sweet basil stems, although a small amount was present in Thai basil stems. Other cinnamic acid monomers, dimers and trimers were also found in minor quantities in both stems and leaves. Basil polyphenolic contents were determined by blanched methanol extraction, followed by HPLC/DAD analysis. The characterization of the polyphenolics found in the basil extracts were performed by HPLC/DAD/ESI–MS/MS and co-chromatographed with purchased standard. The influence of inoculation with an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), Glomus intraradices, on plant phenolic composition was studied on two basil cultivars,‘Genovese Italian’ and ‘Purple Petra’. Inoculation with AMF increased total anthocyanin concentration of ‘Purple Petra’ but did not alter polyphenolic content or profile of leaves and stems, of either cultivar, compared to non-inoculated plants. In the US diet, basil presents a more accessible source of chicoric acid than does Echinacea purpurea, in which it is the major phenolic compound.     

Use of passive and active modified atmosphere packaging to prolong the postharvest life of three varieties of apricot (Prunus armeniaca, L.)

The evolution of the atmospheric composition (O₂ and CO₂ and ethylene) passively produced by three varieties of apricots (Beliana, Rouge de Rousillon and Polonais) stored at 10 °C under four plastic films of different permeabilities was studied. The results corresponding to respiratory intensity (IR) revealed that, while the IR decreased during the storage period under modified-atmosphere packaging, it increased again with the opening of the bags and the exposure of the fruits to air. The modified atmosphere inside the bags (O₂ and CO₂) and the time necessary to reach equilibrium depended on the IR of the fruits and the permeability of the film. The ethylene concentration decreased from the second day onwards in all the cases studied; this decrease being more pronounced in the films of least permeability due to a combination of its diffusion through the film and the inhibition of its synthesis as the CO₂ concentration increased and O₂ concentration decreased. Partial deviations in the metabolism of the three varieties were detected in the two films of lowest permeability (6060 and 12100 cm³ of O₂ and CO₂ m⁻²/24 h⁻¹ atm⁻¹ at 25°C) due to anoxia. The use of the active modified atmosphere, replacing the initial atmosphere of the bags with an atmosphere enriched with CO₂ (20% CO₂ and 80% air), did not modify the gas composition at equilibrium, although it shortened the time necessary for it to be reached. For the Beliana variety a slight decrease in ethylene concentration was observed inside the bags with an active modified atmosphere in relation to that of the bags with a passive modified atmosphere. The accumulation of ethanol in the tissues was not higher under the active modified atmosphere than under the passive modified atmosphere. Received: 19 July 1999 / Revised version: 29 September 1999     

Nutritional components and anti-oxidant capacity of ten cultivars and lines of cactus pear fruit (Opuntia spp.)

Cactus pear fruit (Opuntia) are harvested from various species of the genus Opuntia of the cactus family (Cactaceae), and are produced and consumed in several countries. We have characterized the nutritional content and antioxidant capacity (AC) of the fruit of ten cultivars/lines of distinct pulp colors. ‘Camuesa’ had the highest betalains, total carotenoids, ß-carotene, ascorbic acid, and was one of the highest in total phenolic compounds, but its AC did not demonstrate outstanding differences with some other cultivars/lines that were not as rich in these compounds. ‘Roja Pelota’ had high AC when measured with the DPPH assay, but had low total carotenoids, ß-carotene and total phenolic content. ‘Reyna’ had slightly low AC as measured by the FRAP assay, practically no betalains, and low vitamin C, tocopherols, ß-carotene, and total phenolic content.     

Chemical changes of three native Turkish hazelnut varieties (Corylus avellana L.) during fruit development

Three native hazelnut varieties from Turkey, namely, Tombul, Palaz, and Badem, were examined for their proximate composition, minerals, and fatty acid profiles, as well as polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and lipase activities during fruit development stages (early stage: ES, middle stage: MS, and harvest stage: HS). Proximate composition varied considerably (dry weight basis) from ES to MS. Fat was the predominant component at all stages and showed increasing trends. Six essential minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc) were analysed (dry weight basis). Consuming recommended daily amount of 42.5 g hazelnut at HS supplies 23.3–25.0% of phosphorus, 11.6–18.1% of magnesium, 7.0–18.9% of iron, 4.9–8.9% of zinc, 5.1–5.7% of calcium, and 5.1–5.3% of potassium for recommended dietary allowances or adequate intake for adults. Significant (P < 0.05) decreasing trends were found in all mineral contents from early development to maturity, with some exceptions. Sixteen fatty acids were identified, among which 18:1ω9 was by far the most predominant one, followed by 18:2ω6, 16:0, and 18:0. As expected, total monounsaturated fatty acids constituted the main group of fatty acids ranging from 75.51 to 81.07% in Tombul, from 78.21 to 82.71% in Palaz, and from 73.69 to 81.65% in Badem through the maturation stages. In contrast, total polyunsaturated fatty acids showed decreasing trends from ES to HS. No significant changes (P > 0.05) were observed in total saturated fatty acids at different maturation stages. Tombul variety had the lowest PPO activity compared to those of Palaz and Badem. Badem showed highest POD activity compared to Tombul and Palaz at three stages of maturation and significant decreases (P < 0.05) in all hazelnut samples were observed in POD activity from ES to HS. No lipase activity was detected in any hazelnut samples at ES and MS, except in Badem at MS. In contrast, lipase activity was detected in all hazelnut samples at HS. These results suggest that some proximate compositions, minerals, and fatty acids gave good indications during fruit development stages, whereas enzymatic activities of PPO, POD, and lipase behaved differently among varieties and fruit development stages.     

Effect of processing on antioxidant contents in selected dry beans (Phaseolus spp. L.)

Dry beans are rich sources of dietary fiber and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and phenolics. In the current study, we determined the effects of two processing methods (soaking and toasting) on total phenolics, flavonoids, proanthocyanidin and antioxidant potential by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) in selected dry beans (red kidney beans (K), black-eyed peas (B), pinto beans (P) and soy beans (S)).Total phenolics (mg/g dwb) expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE), total flavonoids (mg/g dwb) as catechin equivalents (CE) and proanthocyanidin expressed as leucocyanidin equivalent (mg LE/g) ranged from 3.42 to 7.21, 0.61 to 0.84 and 0.51 to 3.13 in raw beans; 3.58 to 6.94, 0.19 to 0.99 and 0.43 to 3.13 in soaked beans and 4.55 to 9.52, 0.23 to1.00 and 0.20 to 3.25 in toasted beans, respectively.FRAP (μg/g) in raw, soaked and toasted dry beans ranged from 0.00097 to 0.00424 while DPPH_(T30) (%) ranged from 43.9 to 62.61.Our results indicate that processing methods (soaking and roasting) influenced total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant contents (DPPH, FRAP) in selected dry beans.     

The importance of almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) and its by-products

Almond fruit consists of three or correctly four portions: kernel or meat, middle shell, outer green shell cover or almond hull and a thin leathery layer known as brown skin of meat or seedcoat. The nutritional importance of almond fruit is related to its kernel. Other parts of fruit such as shells and hulls were used as livestock feed and burned as fuel. In the past decades, different phenolic compounds were characterised and identified in almond seed extract and its skin, shell and hull as almond by-products. In addition, polyphenols are abundant micronutrients in the human diet, and evidence for their role in the prevention of degenerative diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases is emerging. The health effects of polyphenols depend on the amount consumed and on their bioavailability. In this contribution, various phenolic compounds present in almond and its by-products, their antioxidant properties and potential use as natural dietary antioxidant, as well as their other beneficial compounds and applications are reviewed.