Biological activity and nutritional profile of apricot, plum-apricot, and plum fruits

Abstract

Fruits have long been recognized as vital sources of nutrition. The "Stendesto" is the only successful hybrid, registered in Bulgaria. It is a product of the "Modesto" apricot and the "Stanley" plum. Despite the widespread popularity of Prunus spp., information regarding its characteristics remains relatively scarce. This study evaluated the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total monomeric anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity (utilizing four contemporary assays) to uncover the biological activity of the three fruits under examination. Additionally, the levels of protein, lipid, and carbohydrates were analysed. Data pertaining to the micro- and macro-elements present in the three fruits were also included. The findings revealed that the antioxidant potential of the fruit extracts containing free phenolic compounds exhibited higher values across all samples analysed compared to those containing bound compounds. The fruits of the "Stendesto" hybrid exhibited traits that are more similar to those of the "Stanley" plum rather than the "Modesto" apricot. The "Stendesto" hybrid is characterized by possessing the highest concentrations of free phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and total monomeric anthocyanins. This research is considered one of the first studies on plum-apricot hybrids in Bulgaria and aims to expand the existing scientific knowledge base, thereby facilitating future comparisons.