An Overview of the Phytochemical Composition of Different Organs of <i>Prunus spinosa</i> L., Their Health Benefits and Application in Food Industry

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze prospective approaches that emphasize the beneficial biofunctional and metabolic effects of different anatomic parts of the Prunus spinosa L. on maintaining human health and improving some pathophysiological processes. Our research is based on recent data from literature on the biology and ecology of P. spinosa L., focusing on its bioactive compounds. Based on such bifunctional parameters, we aim to conceptualize path-breaking approaches that have as a goal the incorporation of P. spinosa L. fruits into certain food products to make use of their potential metabolic benefits in cardiovascular pathologies and other disorders that are prevalent at present and respond to nutritional intake of antioxidants. It is well known that dietary interventions allow the search for mechanisms leading to the development of effective nutritional therapies. This review has mainly focused on the identification of bioactive and functional nutrients of P. spinosa L. that can be incorporated into diverse food formulations. This is because nutrition plays a pivotal role in the development, validation, and recommendation of the nutritional composition of food, with demonstrated impacts on metabolic processes in specific diet-related pathologies.

Keywords

• <i>Prunus spinosa</i> L.
• phenol compounds
• oxidative stress
• health benefits
• food application