Characterization of Prune (Prunus domestica L., europaea) fruits as a source of polyphenolic nutraceuticals within an innovative fruit processing chain

Phenolic compounds in foods have been associated with reduced incidences of heart disease by acting as antioxidants for low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Prunes may be a good source of natural antioxidants: neochlorogenic acid, and flavonoids (quercetin derivatives, in particular rutin) [1]. Further uses for atherosclerosis, breast cancer and osteoporosis have been described and investigated [2]. During the drying process the anthocyanin content is lost, nevertheless prunes are a source of nutraceuticals, due to their high polyphenolic content and the antioxidant activity. A pitted prune extract inhibits LDL oxidation by 24, 82 and 98% at 5, 10, and 20 µM gallic acid equivalents. Fresh and dried epicarp and mesocarp extracts from prunes grown in selected areas of Central Italy were analyzed by HPLC/DAD/MS/MS quali-quantitative analyses [3]. The classes of detected polyphenols were: hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins (where presents). 100 g of fresh fruits contained 120 mg of total polyphenols, with an average concentration of 1.81 mg/g of dried fruit. Total phenol contents were in the range 0.28-0.33% in the dried epicarp, and 0.98-1.07% in the dried mesocarp. An innovative fruit processing chain has been under development with Azienda Farmaceutica Galenica Senese within the Regione Toscana funded project BIOGATO. Different parts of the fruit have been exploited for their nutritional value, and functional properties according to various stabilization methodologies, included freeze drying. The high polyphenol content of prune extracts makes these fruits very suitable to obtain nutraceuticals, supplements, functional foods and food ingredients as natural antioxidants, to enhance food quality and provide safer products. References [1] Kim D.O., Jeong S.W., Lee Ch. Y.. Antioxidant capacity of phenolic phytochemicals from various cultivars of plums. Food Chem. 81 (2003) 321-326. [2] Gallaher C. M., Gallaher D. D.. Dried plums (prunes) reduce atherosclerosis lesion area in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Brit. J. Nutr. 2009, 101, 233-239. [3] Banelli L., Miele S., Bargiacchi E., Romani A., Pinelli P.. Prune (Prunus domestica L., europaea) fruits as a source of polyphenolic nutraceuticals. Paper presented at 102nd AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo, Cincinnati (OH)-USA, 01/05-05-2011, Abstract book page 63, H&N 5: General Nutrition Session.