Evaluation of the Composition of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Fourteen Apricot Varieties of North India

Abstract

Variation in the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity was evaluated in fourteen apricot varieties grown in north India. In the present study, the bioactive composition of apricot varieties of north Indian Kashmir was assessed by HPLC-MS/MS and their contribution towards free radical scavenging was assessed using DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays. Studies revealed that content of bioactive compounds in apricot varieties was found to vary significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among cultivars. Content of total phenols was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in Rakausilk variety (72.5±3.12 mg/100 g GAE) followed by Viva-gold (71.2±2.11 mg/100 g GAE) and Rakhchekarpo (69.6±1.65 mg/100 g GAE). Halman apricots exhibited the highest content of total carotenoids (12.2±2.13 mg/100 g) followed by Nugget (10.5±1.11 mg/100 g). HPLC analysis of apricot samples revealed the presence of fifteen phenolic acids in Halman, Venatchaa, Rakausilk and New Castle varieties; nine phenolic acid in Rakchekarpo and Sterling apricots; twelve phenolic acids in Shakanda, Nugget, Shakarpara and CITH-1 varieties; fourteen phenolic acid in Viva gold and Turkey varieties; seven phenolic acid in Khante and nineteen phenolic acids in CITH-2 apricots. Strong correlation existed between total phenolics and antioxidant activity for DPPH assay (r = 0.91) and ABTS radical inhibition (r = 0.86) while as moderate correlation existed for FRAP (r = 0.76). For DPPH and FRAP assays; EC 50 values among apricot varieties were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower in Rakausilk (69.2, 123.6 mg/ml) followed by Viva Gold (74.3, 129.5 mg/ml) and Rakhchekarpo (77.4, 132.4 mg/ml). For ABTS .+ inhibition the EC 50 values among apricot varieties were in the order of EC 50(Rakausilk) < EC 50(Khante) < EC 50(Viva Gold) . The present study reported the first time presence of p-coumaric acid-O-hexoside, isorhamnetin-O-glucouronide, Kaempferol-3-O-acetylhexoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, sinapic acid-Ohexoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, vitexin and luteolin-7-O-rutinoside compounds in apricot varieties of north India.

Optimization of extraction methods for characterization of phenolic compounds in apricot fruit (Prunus armeniaca)

“…The phenolic content of apricots [26][27][28][29]31,32 as well as the beneficial health effects 23 has been largely studied. However, when apricot phenolics are analysed in the literature unspecific extraction methodologies are usually used.…”

“…Considering that apricot characterisation has been mainly realised using unspecific phenolic extraction methodologies, [26][27][28][29]31,32 we used our specific optimised method to precisely and fully characterize the phenolic profile of Charisma apricots. Moreover, methanolic and ethanolic extractions were performed under the optimised conditions to evaluate the effect of these solvents on the phenolic extraction and characterisation.…”

“…25,29 The phenolic composition of apricots has been widely determined by using different extraction methods, 24,25,30 nonspecific for apricots. For instance, many of the studies that evaluate phenolic compounds in apricots use adaptations of the method described by Bengoechea et al, [26][27][28][29]31,32 which was developed for the extraction of phenolic compounds from peach and apple purees and concentrates. 6 Importantly, the selection of one extraction method over another has crucial effects on the extraction of phenolic compounds and thus the characterisation of the food matrix.…”

Phenolic compounds and antiproliferative activity of apricots: Influence of canning, freezing, and drying

“…For assessment of phenolic compounds, the method illustrated by Wani et al. (2017) was followed. 1.0% solution (w/v) of concentrated extracts of all the samples was prepared in methanol (HPLC grade).…”

The pharmacological effect of apricot seeds extracts and amygdalin in experimentally induced liver damage and hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), the Prunus species of Rosaceae family, has become a product of great interest, being a rich source of health beneficial nutrients (carbohydrates, vitamins A, C and E, minerals, fibers) and phytochemicals (polyphenolics, carotenoids and glycosides) (9). It is well-known that apricot is rich in phenolic substances such as catechin, epicatechin, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and their esters (10).…”