A comprehensive review on the availability of bioactive compounds, phytochemicals, and antioxidant potential of plum (Prunus Domestica)

Abstract

Plums are the ubiquitous fruit belonging to genus Prunus, subgenus Prunus, consumed as food and have many health benefits and medicinal effect in the treatment of many diseases. Pulp from plums is also used in different beverages. Plums are the potential source of polyphenolic compounds and bioactive compounds such as phenolic, anthocyanins, and carotenoids and many organic acids such as citric acid and malic acid. Plums are also the abundant sources of many minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins A, B, K, and C. Plums are the abundant sources of predominant antioxidants and phenolic compounds such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, crypto-chlorogenic acid, and neo-chlorogenic acid. These antioxidants and bioactive compounds are effective in the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases, bone heath, and cardiovascular diseases and in maintaining the blood glucose level. Plums helps in the heart diseases prevention, as it is low in fat content and high in dietary fiber. It is also effective in the treatment of lung and oral cancer. The consumption of plums boosts human health and prevents many diseases. The review discusses the importance, production, different varieties of plums along with its nutritional profile, availability of bioactive compounds, phytochemical composition, and antioxidants mainly phenolic and flavonoid compounds. It also introduces the beneficial effect of the bioactive compounds in heart, lungs, and cardiovascular diseases, followed by its in vivo human and animal studies.