Tocochromanols composition in kernels recovered from different apricot varieties: RP-HPLC/FLD and RP-UPLC-ESI/MSⁿ study

Abstract

Composition of tocochromanols in kernels recovered from 16 different apricot varieties (Prunus armeniaca L.) was studied. Three tocopherol (T) homologues, namely α, γ and δ, were quantified in all tested samples by an RP-HPLC/FLD method. The γ-T was the main tocopherol homologue identified in apricot kernels and constituted approximately 93% of total detected tocopherols. The RP-UPLC-ESI/MS(n) method detected trace amounts of two tocotrienol homologues α and γ in the apricot kernels. The concentration of individual tocopherol homologues in kernels of different apricots varieties, expressed in mg/100 g dwb, was in the following range: 1.38-4.41 (α-T), 42.48-73.27 (γ-T) and 0.77-2.09 (δ-T). Moreover, the ratio between individual tocopherol homologues α:γ:δ was nearly constant in all varieties and amounted to approximately 2:39:1.

Peer seeds: Rich source of antioxidants

“…This finding is consistent with previous findings for pear seeds (Górnaś et al, 2015a). The significant predominance of γ-tocopherol was also reported in previous studies for oils extracted from pear seeds (Górnaś et al, 2016), as well as for other fruit seeds from Rosaceae family such as apricots (Górnaś et al, 2015b) and plums (Gór-naś et al, 2015c). Content of γ-tocopherol obtained in our study was slightly lower compared with some commercial cultivars: Beurre d' Amanlis, Conference, Latgale, Mramornaja, Suvenirs and Williams Bon Chretien (Górnaś et al, 2015a).…”

Chemical Composition of Seed Oils Recovered from Different Pear (Pyrus communis L.) Cultivars

“…An identical percentage range was reported previously in pear seeds, wherein the procedure of saponification was applied before the recovery of tocochromanols [19]. The significant domination of γ-T has also been reported in other fruit seeds and kernels of plants belonging to the Rosaceae family, where the impact of the cultivar on the tocochromanols concentration was taken into consideration: sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) 85-89 % [26], apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) 91-95 % [27] and plums (Prunus domestica L. and P. cerasifera Ehrh.) 78-89 % [28].…”

Tocopherols, Tocotrienols and Carotenoids in Kernel Oils Recovered from 15 Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Genotypes

“…Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) kernels were obtained from mature fruits of 15 genotypes, collected during July 2013 in the Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing, Dobele, Latvia (GPS location: N: 56°36′39″ E: 23°17′50″). Detailed information about plant material has been reported previously [2]. The kernels were recovered from fruit pits using a hammer, frozen (−18°C) and subsequently freeze dried (−51 ± 1 °C, 48 h) using a FreeZone freeze-dry system (Labconco, Kansas City, MO, USA).…”

“…Global production of apricots increased considerably during the last decade from 2.7 million tons in 2002 to 4 million tons in 2012 [1]. Apricots are processed in large quantities, contributing to the generation of significant amounts of apricot pits as a by-product [2]. Instead of discarding apricot kernels as waste products, industry may consider using them, due to their high oil yield [3].…”