Nutritional, phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Prunus armenicus

Abstract

The present study has been undertaken to understand the various constituents of the dry apricot (Prunus armeniac L.) fruit pulp which provide health benefits. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, nutritional activities, phytochemicals; total phenolics, flavanoids, saponins, alkaloids, vitamin E, sorbitol, phytosterol, fatty acids and eugenol which have different therapeutic uses were studied. The nutritional results reveals that the fruit pulp is a good source of energy, dietary fiber, protein and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and copper. The phytochemical results revealed that the prepared extract is a moderate source of antioxidants. The extract shows good antimicrobial activity against gram positive bacteria which shows that dry apricot is a good source of health promoting constituents which can be used for therapeutic purpose.