Affiliation:
1. Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
2. Department of Motor Sciences and Wellness, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Naples, Italy
Abstract
Background:
The apple is among the most consumed fruits in the world and several studies
suggest that apple polyphenols could play a role in preventing degenerative diseases. Recent studies
have shown that polyphenols possess a high antioxidant and/or anti-proliferative power, therefore
their food intake could play a decisive role in the prevention of various pathologies, in particular
those associated with the production of free radicals. The Annurca apple (MelAnnurca), a variety
from southern Italy, is called the "queen of apples" due to its remarkable organoleptic qualities: taste,
flavor and aroma. The Annurca apple is a constituent component of the Mediterranean diet and its
potential health benefit could be attributed to a large amount of bioactive components; in fact, this
apple is characterized by an extremely high content of polyphenols.
Objective:
The aim of this paper was to review the most recent literature regarding the health benefits
of Annurca apples and their phytochemicals. In particular, this review highlighted the effects of the
flesh of this fruit on different types of human cells.
Methods:
A literature research was performed using the keywords “Annurca”, “apple”, “flesh”,
“fruit”, “polyphenols”, “nutrition”, “nutraceuticals”, individually or all together, in Scopus, Web of
Science and PubMed.
Results:
The MelAnnurca apple has a higher content of bioactive compounds (polyphenols) than
other apples, making it an ideal source of nutraceuticals. Both the cytotoxic activity and the antioxidant
effect of the extracts of polyphenols obtained from its flesh have been highlighted.
Conclusion:
These results give new insights for future implementation of the production chain of the
Annurca apple in the area of Campania, Southern Italy. However, although evidence to support the
health benefits of MelAnnurca apple polyphenols is rapidly accumulating, further human studies may
be needed before the public is convinced and willing to incorporate the apple Annurca into their diet,
accepting the idea that the integration of polyphenols has a beneficial effect on the health of the human
body.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Nutrition and Dietetics,Food Science
Cited by
12 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献