Determination of qualitative and quantitative composition of flavan-3-ols and evaluation of antiradical activity in vitro of decorative apple fruit samples

Abstract

Introduction: Apples are among the most consumed fruits all over the world and are valued not only for their taste but also for their high health value. The mentioned benefits can be mainly attributed to the high content of bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenols, in which flavan-3-ols belong. Polyphenols are a class of secondary metabolites that contain an aromatic ring with one or more hydroxyl groups. The structural combination of conjugated double bonds with hydroxyl groups in polyphenols enables the effective neutralization of free radicals, hence they play a significant role in reducing oxidative stress. These features are significant contributors to their antioxidant activity. Flavan3-ols are compounds with potent antioxidant properties and play a vital role in the mitigation of oxidative stress and the reduction of the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer [1]. The concentration of flavan-3-ols in apples is significantly influenced by the specific apple cultivar, which directly impacts their antioxidant properties and associated health benefits [2]. [...].