Stone Fruit as Biofactories of Phytochemicals With Potential Roles in Human Nutrition and Health

Abstract

Phytochemicals or secondary metabolites present in fruit are key components contributing to sensory attributes like aroma, taste, and color. In addition, these compounds improve human nutrition and health. Stone fruits are an important source of an array of secondary metabolites that may reduce the risk of different diseases. The first part of this review is dedicated to the description of the main secondary organic compounds found in plants which include (a) phenolic compounds, (b) terpenoids/isoprenoids, and (c) nitrogen or sulfur containing compounds, and their principal biosynthetic pathways and their regulation in stone fruit. Then, the type and levels of bioactive compounds in different stone fruits of the Rosaceae family such as peach ( Prunus persica ), plum ( P. domestica , P. salicina and P. cerasifera) , sweet cherries ( P. avium ), almond kernels ( P. dulcis , syn. P. amygdalus ), and apricot ( P. armeniaca ) are presented. The last part of this review encompasses pre- and postharvest treatments affecting the phytochemical composition in stone fruit. Appropriate management of these factors during pre- and postharvest handling, along with further characterization of phytochemicals and the regulation of their synthesis in different cultivars, could help to increase the levels of these compounds, leading to the future improvement of stone fruit not only to enhance organoleptic characteristics but also to benefit human health.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Late Season Peach Varieties (Prunus persica L.): Fruit Nutritional Quality and Phytochemicals

“…Chlorogenic acid was the predominant phenolic acid in all analyzed samples; the highest content was found in the peel extracts—315.10 (“Flat Queen“), 428.95 (“Evmolpiya”), and 986.95 (“Morsiani 90”) µg/g fw. This result is consistent with other studies related to the fact that chlorogenic acid is one of the main phenolic acids in different peach varieties [ 45 , 79 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 ]. This phenolic acid is associated with various valuable biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory [ 88 ], anticancer [ 72 , 89 ], antioxidant [ 90 ], antiepileptic, neuro-protective [ 91 ], antidiabetic [ 92 ], antimicrobial activity [ 93 ] and others.…”

Review about Non-Lipid Components and Minor Fat-Soluble Bioactive Compounds of Almond Kernel

“…They are synthesized from carbohydrates and are generally produced as defense mechanisms against pathogens and the excess of ultraviolet radiation and to attract pollinators [ 104 ]. A general description of the biosynthetic pathways and regulation of phenolic compounds in stone fruits appears in the review by Lara et al [ 105 ]. They are responsible for the sensorial and nutritional quality and antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties are also attributed to them.…”

Comparative Study of Early- and Mid-Ripening Peach (Prunus persica L.) Varieties: Biological Activity, Macro-, and Micro- Nutrient Profile

“…However, fruits also contain innumerable phytochemicals, which, although at relatively low concentrations, play a key role in overall quality [ 5 , 6 ]. Some of these substances can be major factors for their color and aroma [ 7 ]. In addition, many of these compounds have been found to play a protective role against certain diseases [ 8 ].…”