Phytochemical Profiling of Fruit Powders of Twenty Sorbus L. Cultivars

Abstract

Rowanberries have been traditionally used in various processed foods. Scientific research demonstrates the pharmacological effects of Sorbus L. fruits are determined by their unique composition of biologically active compounds. The aim of this study was to determine the composition of flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, organic acids and sugars as well as the total antioxidant activity in fruit powders of 20 Sorbus cultivars. Chemical profiles of rowanberry fruit powders vary significantly. Cultivars ‘Burka’, ‘Likernaja’, ‘Dodong’, and ‘Fructo Lutea’ distinguish themselves with exclusive phytochemical composition and high antioxidant activity. Fruit powders from ‘Burka’, ‘Likernaja’ contain the highest contents of anthocyanins while fruit powder samples from ‘Fructo Lutea’ and ‘Dodong’ contain the highest levels of phenolic acids, ascorbic acid and the lowest levels of fructose. Fruit powder samples from ‘Dodong’ also contain the highest levels of β-carotene and sorbitol and the lowest levels of malic acid. Cultivars ‘Burka’, ‘Likernaja’, ‘Dodong’, and ‘Fructo Lutea’ could be selected as eligible raw materials for the preparation of rowanberry fruit powders.

The Sorbus spp.—Underutilised Plants for Foods and Nutraceuticals: Review on Polyphenolic Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Potential

“…It is evident that among phytochemicals and other nutrients, polyphenolic compounds and ascorbic acid may be considered as the most valuable health beneficial constituents, which have been reported in various anatomical parts of Sorbus spp. The polyphenolics, which may influence the colour and flavour, have demonstrated antioxidant [54,81], antidiabetic [11,82] anti-hyperlipidemic [83], anti-inflammatory [84], antimicrobial [85], anticancer [86,87] antiviral [67], antifungal [79], antitumoral [88], anti-periodontal [89], and anti-osteoarthritis [90] effects, as well as vasoprotective [84], neuroprotective [26,91,92], cardioprotective [36], hepatoprotective [7], properties and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) inhibitory [93] activities. Many of these activities are correlated to antioxidant capacity of bioactive compounds, which at cellular level may neutralize excessive reactive oxygen species, and thereby protect important biomolecules in the conditions of oxidative stress, which can cause cellular injury and development of chronic diseases.…”

Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Total Phenolic Compounds Content and Antioxidant Activity of Indigenous Pyracantha coccinea M. Roem. Fruits

“…Among the close relatives of firethorns are cultivated rowans and service trees (Sorbus sp.). A study on different rowanberry cultivars found from 39 to 2659 mg/kg total carotenoids (23 -1262 mg/kg β-carotene), with variations dependent on cultivar, soil, geographical location [6]. These values are comparable to those found in Pyracantha coccinea M. Roem.…”

“…Depending on cultivar and ripening stage, fruits from cultivated rowans and service trees (Sorbus sp.) contain 435 -37000 mg/kg [6,23].…”

“…They include flavonoids, phenolic acids and tannins. All these can act as antioxidants, through radical scavenging, lipid oxidation inhibition, or reducing activity [6]. Flavonoids (low mass polyphenolic compounds) have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antitumor properties [5].…”

Anti-Melanoma Activities and Phytochemical Compositions of Sorbus commixta Fruit Extracts

“…Furthermore, the S. commixta fruit also has been used for the treatment of bronchitis and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as for its anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, diuretic, and vasorelaxant properties [ 12 , 19 ]. Phytochemical analysis of S. commixta fruits has revealed the presence of active ingredients often used in cosmetics, including rutin, isoquercitrin, caffeoylquinic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acid, neosakuranin, chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid [ 20 , 21 , 22 ], suggesting the potential applicability of S. commixta fruits for the production of herbal cosmetics with anti-melanoma activity. Nonetheless, the anti-melanoma properties of S. commixta fruits are yet to be comprehensively characterized.…”