Study on organic acid and anti-oxidant properties of Elaeagnus latifolia L.

Abstract

© 2020 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved. Bastard oleaster (Elaeagnus latifolia Linn.) is an indigenous fruit tree growing in many areas of Thailand, especially northern and northeastern regions. The fruit contains vitamins and minerals with nutritional value; while, medicinal applications include the use of unripe fruit as an astringent and ripe fruit as a laxative. Organic acid contents, sugars, total polyphenol contents, and anti-oxidation properties of bastard oleaster fruit collected from 16 clones growing in Loei and Nong Khai Provinces were investigated. Comparisons were made between orange fruit in the early ripening stage and red fruit in the fully ripened stage. Organic acids as malic, tartaric, and citric were found in both stages, with higher contents in the early ripening stage. Sugar contents of glucose and mannose were higher in the early ripening stage; while, fructose and sucrose were higher during the fully ripened stage. Total polyphenol contents and anti-oxidation properties were higher in the early ripening stage compared to the fully ripened stage. Results indicated that bastard oleaster fruit has outstanding anti-oxidation properties and high malic acid content, especially in the early ripening stage. Our findings provide basic information that can be utilized by the food and cosmetic industries.