Phytochemical characterization and antioxidant activity evaluation of the bioactive compounds in fruits (pulp and pits) of wild and cultivated forms of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) in Georgia

The endemic Georgian cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is widespread in both wild and cultivated forms, especially in western Georgia. Unfortunately, it is only used as a fruit and no information is available on its bioactive potential. We set out to investigate the chemical composition of the endemic fruit and obtain its juice and extract using modern methods. In the pulp of cherry laurel, total phenolic compounds (Folin–Ciocalteu method) were in the range of 1970.2-5182.05mg/kg, and anthocyanin content ranged from 132.53 to 694.98mg/kg (monomeric anthocyanin evaluated by pH-differentiated method). The UPLC-PDA,MS methods were employed to analyze various compounds, primarily cyanide derivatives, including cyanidin-3-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-pyranoside, and cyanidin-3(p-coumaroyl-glucoside), etc. The phenolic acid content was in the range of 445.32-1225.87mg/kg, featuring compounds such as chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids. These compounds were identified in the pulp of cherry laurel (wild and cultivated forms). Juice and juice concentrate were extracted from the pulp, and the content of these compounds was in the range of 20-105mg/l in juice and 195-700mg/kg in concentrate. These products are known for their anthocyanin, phenolic acid, and total phenolic compound content, which exhibit high antioxidant activity, measured at 5.03-13.41units (based on 0.1mM DPPH 50% inhibition mg of samples). Several extraction methods were used, such as supercritical fluid (SFE), ultrasonic (US), cold press, and high-pressure and temperature extractions. The obtained extracts are characterized by high antioxidant activity, at 0,1-0,5units (0.1mM DPPH 50% inhibition per mg of samples). The composition of seed oil was analyzed by GC. The oil yield was 27% (oleic acid C18:1, palmitic acid C16:0, stearic acid C18:0, palmitoleic acid C16:1, and amygdalin derivative benzaldehyde). Alcoholic extracts were prepared from the waste of the oil-extracted (defatted) pits, and the rest of the material was dried and used as an aromatic flour, which contained phenyl aldehyde. The main component of the flour was cellulose. All material from the pits was tested for cyanic acid residues.