Bioactive compounds, health benefits and valorization of Pyrus pyrifolia (sand pear): a review

Abstract

Purpose Pyrus Pyrifolia (Sand Pear) is one of the most underused pear variety despite its nutraceutical potential. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the Pyrus Pyrifolia in term of origin, distribution and classification, nutritional and bioactive potential, therapeutic potential and valorization along with future prospectus. Design/methodology/approach A wide variety of publications (88) were identified through electronic databases (Science direct, PubMed, SciELO, Google scholar, Link springer and Research gate) under the umbrella of different keywords such as bioactive compounds, health benefits, nutrition, sand pear, Pyrus and Pyrus pyrifolia. Findings Pyrus Pyrifolia (Sand Pear) is abundant in nutritional and bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, vitamins and minerals. It exhibits therapeutic potential as being an antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. However, P. pyrifolia is not much explored by food researchers and industrialists, hence remaining underused. A few attempts have been made toward the use of P. pyrifolia for jam, jelly, candy and wine preparation. However, more research is required for the commercial processing of P. pyrifolia and to enhance its availability outside its growing area. Originality/value In this paper, nutritional and bioactive compounds of P. pyrifolia are discussed that provide knowledge to the researchers for its use as a functional ingredient.

Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Potential Genes Involved in Salicylic Acid-Induced Arbutin Synthesis in Pear

“…In addition, the medicinal functions of pear are constantly being explored. For example, Navaei et al found that daily fresh pear consumption may promote modest improvements in the cardiometabolic health of middle-aged/older adults with metabolic syndrome, a function that correlates strongly with the nutritional components of these fruits [4,5].…”

Comparative Evaluation of Pyrus Species to Identify Possible Resources of Interest in Pear Breeding

“…They also contribute to the reduction in triglycerides and the detoxification of the body [7], the regulation of folic acid levels during pregnancy, and the prevention of congenital abnormalities in newborns [8]. The varied genetic traits of different Pyrus species make them useful for various purposes [9], and each part of the tree has multiple uses and medicinal properties [10][11][12][13][14].…”

Genetic divergence studies among sand pear (Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm) Nakai.) genotypes for yield and yield contributing traits in North-Western Himalayas

“…Nakai] has been tamed and developed as an edible fruit in Asia for more than 3000 years with hundreds of cultivars developed for excellent attributes like high yield, early maturation, juiciness, sweetness, freshness, small to very large, gritty fruits and ripeness etc (Xie et al 2019). Fruits of sand pear are mostly used for fresh consumption or production of jams, juice, beverages and wines (Chandel et al 2023). The maximum area under sand pear cultivation in India exists in Kashmir valley whereas In Himachal Pradesh, these are found growing as scattered trees in semi-wild state in Mandi, Solan, Sirmour, Shimla, Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Chamba and Kangra districts which exhibit substantial variability in terms of growth, yield and fruit quality parameters.…”