Prunus avium L. (Sweet Cherry) By-Products: A Source of Phenolic Compounds with Antioxidant and Anti-Hyperglycemic Properties—A Review

Abstract

Prunus avium L. (sweet cherry) is one of the most appreciated fruits due to its organoleptic and nutritional value. Interestingly, cherry leaves, stems, and flowers are agri-food by-products rich in bioactive compounds that are mostly still unexploited. Stems and leaves have been used in folk medicine since ancient times. Recently, cherry flowers have also proved to be an interesting source of compounds with therapeutic properties. Phenolic compounds, namely hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids, are the most present phytochemicals in P. avium fruits and their by-products. These compounds have shown a good antioxidant potential to prevent oxidative stress-related diseases and glycemic control, fundamental in preventing and controlling diabetes mellitus. The present review summarizes the main phenolics found in P. avium stems, leaves, and flowers as compared to their fruits and describes their antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties. Thus, these by-products are an accessible and low-cost source of bioactive constituents with interesting health-promoting properties, making their use promising in diabetes therapy.

Cherries and Blueberries-Based Beverages: Functional Foods with Antidiabetic and Immune Booster Properties

“…Beyond the side effects, conventional therapy is expensive and sometimes not accessible to all [ 143 , 145 ]. Thus, the research and development of novel formulations using natural products, rich in phenolic compounds and with antidiabetic properties, is a promising strategy for diabetes management [ 43 , 146 , 147 ]. In this context, functional foods are rich in bioactive ingredients with beneficial properties for preventing and managing diabetes [ 148 ].…”

“…On the other hand, the most abundant phenolic compounds present in the fruits of the Vaccinium genus are procyanidins and phenolic acids; stilbene derivates (e.g., resveratrol), flavonols, and anthocyanins (e.g., malvidin, cyanidin, delphinidin, petunidin, and peonidin) [ 149 , 153 ]. In recent years, the phenolic compounds have demonstrated to be very promising agents in the control of hyperglycemia [ 146 , 154 ]. According to the literature data, flavonoids seem to be involved in the maintenance and function of pancreatic β -cells [ 145 ].…”

“…The inhibition of enzymes involved in the carbohydrates’ metabolism is one of the therapeutic strategies to control postprandial hyperglycemia, namely the α -glucosidase and α -amylase [ 143 , 171 ]. The reduction of hydrolysis and absorption of carbohydrates results in better blood glucose and the reduction of metabolic complications in diabetic patients [ 146 ].…”

Mineral Content and Volatile Profiling of Prunus avium L. (Sweet Cherry) By-Products from Fundão Region (Portugal)

“…In recent years, bioactive compounds of natural origin have been arousing great interest due to their potential for the prevention and treatment of several diseases, as well as for health promotion [ 1 ]. The richness of plants in phenolic compounds makes them an excellent and low-cost source of phytochemicals with wide applicability in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic fields [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…According to the literature, more than 20% of fruits and vegetables are transformed into waste [ 17 ], and the scientific community has developed an interest in these bio-residues, as they represent a source of functional substances whose recovery can generate economic value, contributing to waste reduction [ 2 , 18 ] and the circular economy. Prunus avium L., sweet cherry, is a member of the Rosaceae family and is a well-known and very popular fruit worldwide due to its organoleptic properties and nutritional or health benefits [ 3 , 19 ].…”