Abstract
Cardoon seeds collected in Greece at four different maturity stages (samples S1 to S4) were analysed in terms of chemical composition and in vitro bioactivities. The content of phenolic compounds (six compounds in total) increased with increasing maturity, and 3,5-O-dicaffeyolquinic (14.8–33.8 mg/g extract) acid was the compound detected in higher abundance. Mature seeds (sample S4) also revealed the highest content in lipids (23 g/100 g extract) and tocopherols (29.62 mg/100 g dw) and demonstrated the highest cytotoxic (GI50 of 97–216 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (IC50 = 148 µg/mL) activities, and capacity to inhibit the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (IC50 = 5 µg/mL). Cardoon seed hydroethanolic extracts also revealed high antibacterial and antifungal potential, particularly samples S3 and S1, respectively. This study proved the multifaceted potential associated with valorisation of cardoon seeds, while their biological and chemical composition can be influenced by the maturity stage.
Highlights
Cynara cardunculus L., commonly known as cardoon, is a widely distributed species with high abundance in the Mediterranean basin, as a result of its high resistance to variations in climate conditions so char acteristic of the climate of the Mediterranean region
Considering the scarcity of information in the literature regarding the effect of the maturation stage on the chemical composition and bioactive properties of cardoon seeds, the aim of this study was to evaluate its impact on seeds collected in central Greece at four different harvest times
Four samples were analysed, corresponding to four different harvesting dates and principal growth stages (Table 1): S1 corresponds to PGS 6/7, S2 corresponds to PGS 7/8, S3 corresponds to PGS 7/8, and S4 corresponds to PGS 8
Summary
Cynara cardunculus L., commonly known as cardoon, is a widely distributed species with high abundance in the Mediterranean basin, as a result of its high resistance to variations in climate conditions so char acteristic of the climate of the Mediterranean region (e.g. resistance to extreme temperatures, water stress, and soils with variable pH or high salinity). It is an herbaceous species from the Asteraceae family and comprises three cultivar groups: the cultivated cardoon or var. In the last few years, the economic and com mercial interest associated with this species has been growing due to its diverse industrial applications, such as the production of paper pulp, energy (including biodiesel), and lignocellulosic biomass, and as a food ingredient for the production of edible oils and some types of cheese (Almeida & Simoes, 2018; Barbanera et al, 2021; Bartocci et al, 2016)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
