Phytochemical profile and antioxidant properties of the edible and non-edible portions of black sapote (Diospyros digyna Jacq.)

This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antioxidative properties of the edible and non-edible portions of black sapote. The phytochemical analysis highlighted the presence of several bioactive compounds, differently distributed among peel, pulp and seeds. In particular, the peel resulted rich of flavan-3-ols and proanthocya-nidins, whereas seeds contained high amount of organic acids, including ferulic, citric and sinapic acids. Con-cerning functional properties, both edible and non-edible portions showed a significant prevention of lipid peroxidation in a cell-based model. Moreover, the results suggested that the antioxidant protection involved both redox active properties and gene expression modulation. Concerning redox active properties, peel extracts showed an antioxidant activity 7/12-fold higher than the edible portion, while seed extracts were more active in increasing catalase gene expression. The obtained results confirmed that black sapote is a good source of anti-oxidant phytochemicals and its non-edible portions have a great potential in the production of functional foods and supplements.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antioxidative properties of the edible and non-edible portions of black sapote. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds in different parts of black sapote. The non-edible portions were found to have potential in the production of functional foods and supplements.