The Fruit Malus prunifolia (Malus micromalus Mak.): A Minireview of Current Knowledge of Fruit Composition and Health Benefits

Xiaolong Ji,Xudan Guo,Chunyan Hou

doi:10.1155/2020/2418626

Xiaolong Ji, Xudan Guo + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/2418626

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Abstract

The fruit Malus prunifolia (Malus micromalus Mak.), which belongs to the Rosaceae family, grows mostly in the upper-middle reaches of the Yellow River area. It has long been popular as a fruit commodity and as a natural remedy. Its main biologically active components include vitamin C, phenolics, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and triterpenic acids. Recent phytochemical studies on the fruit have shed some light on its biological activities, such as anticancer, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, immunostimulating, hepatoprotective, and gastrointestinal protective activities. A stronger focus on clinical studies and phytochemical characterization of the fruit will be essential for future research efforts. This minireview could be useful for predicting its other medicinal uses and its potential drug or food interactions, and it could be beneficial for people living in areas where the fruit is endemic and where healthcare resources are scarce.

Highlights

Malus prunifolia (Malus micromalus Mak.), which belongs to the Rosaceae family, is largely cultivated in the loess plateau in the upper-middle reaches of the Yellow River regions [1, 2]. e fruit has been cultivated for hundreds of years, and about 100 of its cultivars have been found in China [3]
Phytochemical data combined with biological activity information confirm that M. prunifolia has potential medicinal and dietary values for humans
Other unidentified phenolics or other compounds in these fruits, including saponins, polysaccharides, and nonpolar constituents, should be investigated for their biological effects. is minireview compiles ethnobotanical and nutritional compositions of the fruit for interpreting data from phytochemical investigations; it is useful for predicting the biological activities of under-researched natural foods or medicines, such as M. prunifolia

Summary

Introduction

Malus prunifolia (Malus micromalus Mak.), which belongs to the Rosaceae family, is largely cultivated in the loess plateau in the upper-middle reaches of the Yellow River regions [1, 2]. e fruit has been cultivated for hundreds of years, and about 100 of its cultivars have been found in China [3]. E fruit has been cultivated for hundreds of years, and about 100 of its cultivars have been found in China [3]. E dried fruit has been commonly used as food, food additive, and flavoring for hundreds of years because of its high nutritional value. Is minireview could be useful for predicting its other medicinal uses and potential drug or food interactions, and it may be beneficial for people living in places where Malus prunifolia species is endemic and where healthcare resources are scarce. It could encourage new research and further studies on postharvest processing of the fruit

Nutrients

Bioactive Compounds

Health Benefits

Findings

Discussion and Perspective