Abstract
The aim of the study was to analyze the potential health-promoting and nutritional components of leaves and figs from several Spanish varieties of Ficus carica L. The study focused to identify (by LC-PDA-QTof/MS) and quantify (by UPLC-PDA-FL) various components including carotenoids, chlorophylls, tocols, amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonols, anthocyanins. Besides, the sugar profile, the antioxidant capacity (ORAC, FRAP and ABTS) and the in vitro hypoglycaemic potential via inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were evaluated. The leaves were found to have significant antioxidant properties. This is attributed to their high content of carotenoids (3170.77-6763.77 mg/ 100 g dm), chlorophylls (405.58–744.23 mg/ 100 g dm), tocols (59.35–115.61 mg/ 100 g dm), and polyphenols (1150.34 mg/100 g dm). Additionally, figs presented greater sources of amino acids (725.07 mg/100 g dm) and exhibited higher anti-diabetic activity than leaves. Figs of “Cuello Dama Negra” variety presented the highest content of anthocyanins (108.22 mg/100 g dm). The study suggests that incorporating these vegetal materials into another food matrix could have potential health benefits, especially in terms of antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects.
Published Version
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