1. Introduction
The food and pharmaceutical industries are dynamically developing sectors, constantly searching for new sources of health-promoting and biologically active substances in the world of fruits and vegetables. Medlar (
Mespilus germanica) and quince (
Chaenomeles speciosa) are both members of the Rosaceae family and produce edible fruits that are used in various culinary applications. Both are appreciated for their unique flavor and nutritional value. In terms of nutritional composition, medlar fruit is rich in vitamins C, A, and E, as well as minerals such as iron and potassium, while quince fruit is a good source of vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants [
1,
2,
3,
4]. One unique aspect of medlar fruits is that they are not typically eaten fresh. Instead, the fruit is usually left on the tree until it has softened and developed a slightly wrinkled appearance. This process, known as “bletting,” allows the starch of the fruit to be converted into sugars, resulting in a sweeter and more flavorful fruit. Several studies have investigated the biological activity of medlar and quince extracts. For example, a study found that medlar extracts have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects in in vitro models [
5,
6]. Another study reported that quince extracts have high antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities [
7]. Moreover, the essential oils of the quince fruit have been shown to have antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms [
8]. In terms of their chemical composition, both medlar and quince contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins [
9,
10,
11]. These compounds are responsible for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities observed in these fruits.
Chaenomeles speciosa has the potential to serve as a strong source of anti-inflammatory and antiviral compounds. One such compound is quercetin, a potent antioxidant that may have the ability to serve as a candidate for anti-flu drugs [
12]. However, the specific types and amounts of bioactive compounds may differ between the two fruits. An important group of compounds present in the fruits studied is phytosterols, which are plant compounds structurally similar to cholesterol. Incorporating them into the diet can have positive effects on cardiovascular health. Phytosterols can be found in a variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, grape seed oil, wheat germ oil, and vegetables such as broccoli and spinach [
13]. Many food companies are adding phytosterols to products such as margarine, fruit juices, milk, and yoghurt to help lower blood cholesterol levels. Low-cost alternative sources of these valuable compounds are being sought, using by-products and waste from the agri-food industry, such as fruit pomace [
14]. The fatty acids present in the oil fraction can exhibit antimicrobial activity against many bacteria, fungi, and viruses [
15]. Unsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are important components of the human diet. Their regular consumption can have a positive effect on heart health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. They can also help lower blood triglyceride levels, improve brain function, have a positive effect on skin and hair health, and exhibit anticancer properties [
16].
In general, both medlar and quince fruits are nutritious and have potential health benefits because of their bioactive compounds. Further studies are needed to better understand their biological activities and mechanisms of action, as well as to compare their nutritional and bioactive profiles.
The objective of this study was to investigate the biological activity of medlar fruits (Mespilus germanica L.) and quince ‘Nivalis’ (Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Nivalis’) fruits by analysing their fatty acid and sterol profiles, total polyphenol content, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant activities of their flesh, skin, and seed extracts. The effects of storage for one month on the aforementioned parameters of medlar fruits were also evaluated. The fruits studied were chosen for their rich source of bioactive compounds, and the biological tests allowed an evaluation of their potential health benefits. Sensory analysis provided information on consumer preferences and the potential to use the fruits studied in the food industry.
3. Results and Discussion
Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the experiments carried out.
Figure 1 presents the masses of research material (quince, medlar, and bletting medlar fruits) and obtained extracts. The total amount of polyphenols was expressed as milligrammes of gallic acid equivalent per 100 grammes of the dry weight of the tested material (
Figure 3). Higher concentrations of these compounds were found in the skin of the tested fruits than in the flesh—with quince showing a 15% increase and bletting medlar showing a 28% increase, which is consistent with previous scientific literature [
25]. The highest content of polyphenols was found in the skin of fresh medlar fruits.
Fruit peel is often discarded and not consumed, despite being a rich source of polyphenols, which are plant-derived compounds with potential health benefits. Polyphenols have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective effects. However, most studies on polyphenols in fruits have focused on the flesh or pulp, with little attention paid to the peel. Several studies have reported high concentrations of polyphenols in fruit peel. For example, pomegranate fruit peel has been found to contain up to 21,690 mg GAE/100 gDM [
26]. An important result of the research conducted is the significant decrease in the amount of polyphenols in the pulp and skin of bletting medlars compared to fresh fruits (by 26% in the flesh (MF, MFB) and 16% in the skin (MFS, MFSB),
Figure 3). Unfortunately, bletting medlar is more acceptable for consumption in terms of hardness (they soften over time) and texture (they become creamier), but this process results in the loss of valuable nutritional sources.
The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods are widely used for studying the antioxidant activity of plant extracts, enabling the determination of the ability of the extracts to neutralise free radicals, which is associated with their antioxidant properties [
27,
28]. The DPPH method is based on the molecule’s ability to reduce the free 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical; the ABTS method measures the substance’s ability to reduce the free 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical; and the FRAP method is based on the substance’s ability to reduce Fe
3+ ions to Fe
2+.
Table 3 shows the antioxidant activity of the tested dry plant extracts measured by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods, expressed as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (µm). Trolox is used as a standard reference antioxidant compound. The results are presented as mean values with standard deviation. The highest DPPH activity was observed in the MFS extract (510.7 ± 59.5 µm), followed by MF (453.3 µm TEAC) and QFS (412.3 µm). The highest ABTS activity was found in QFS (1058.0), followed by MFS (943.0), and MF (T832.0). The highest FRAP activity was observed in MFS (887.0 ± 43.3 µm), followed by MF (829.7 µm) and MFSB (659.7 µm). Among the plant extracts tested, MFS and QFS exhibited the highest antioxidant activity as measured by the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods. These findings suggest that these extracts could be used as potential sources of natural antioxidants in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Similarly, in the determination of the polyphenol content, the antioxidant activity decreases after the medlar bletting process. In general, these results suggest that MFS and MF extracts possess high antioxidant activity according to the DPPH and ABTS methods, while MFS and MFSB extracts have high FRAP activity. The QFS extract was found to have the highest ABTS activity among all the extracts tested.
The results in terms of antidiabetic activity (
Table 4) indicate that extracts of the pulp and skin of quince, medlar, and bletting medlar fruits at a concentration of 100 mg per mL inhibit the activity of α-amylase by 100%. The extract of bletting medlar pulp (MFB) showed the highest activity against the enzyme, with an ability to inhibit over 50% at a concentration of 10 mg/mL. A strategy to treat carbohydrate uptake disorders, such as diabetes and obesity, involves inhibiting α-amylase—an enzyme that aids in the digestion of starch and glycogen [
29]. Its inhibitors contribute to the reduction of postprandial hyperglycemia and the slowing of carbohydrate digestion in people with diabetes. Numerous scientific studies have shown that plant extracts with health-promoting effects in the human body also exhibit antidiabetic activity by inhibiting the activity of α-amylase. Chemical compounds derived from plants have the potential to inhibit α-amylase and can be used as therapeutic agents or functional food sources. The compounds responsible for this activity are usually flavonoids [
30,
31] but extracts rich in triacylglycerols also show potential [
32,
33].
Nine major fatty acids (FAs) were identified in the skin samples of fruits and seed oils using the GC/MS method. The fatty acid profile is presented in
Table 5. In the observed analyses, lower amounts of fatty acids were observed in the fruit skins (MFS, MFSB, and QFS) than in the seeds (MS, MSB, and SQ). Palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids were present in all analyses, and linoleic acid was the most abundant. The MS and QS samples had the highest content of saturated fatty acids (SFA), with 1692 and 1517 mg per 100 g of biomass, respectively. QFS had the highest amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), at 1990 mg/100 g, while MS had the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), at 2694 mg/100 g. The skin and seeds of the medlar (MFS, MS) did not contain MUFA. Previous literature reports confirm that the fat fraction obtained from residues of Japanese quince (
Chaenomeles japonica) and medlar fruit (
Mespilus germanica ‘Dutch’) is rich in PUFA, mainly ω-6 linoleic acid [
34,
35]. In addition, important nutrients (carbohydrates, organic acids, and fatty acids) of the medlar fruit are lost during the bletting process, which is nutritionally significant [
35].
From the oils analysed, the linoleic acid present in the highest amount is a polyunsaturated fatty acid from the omega-6 family, also known as CLA, and must be obtained through the diet. Studies indicate that it may help lower LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL cholesterol levels [
36,
37], which may contribute to improved cardiovascular function. The role of CLA in cancer prevention is well established, as it effectively inhibits all stages of carcinogenesis: initiation, promotion, and metastasis [
38]. It has been demonstrated that dietary supplementation with selected isomers of CLA results in a reduction of adipose tissue. This reduction has been shown in various animal [
39,
40] and human [
41,
42] models. Furthermore, CLA has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory [
43] and antidiabetic [
44] properties. Studies have shown that the consumption of CLA may be beneficial for health, but doses and effects may vary depending on the individual and the purpose of consumption. It is important to note that there are no clear guidelines for CLA doses, and the effects of its consumption may vary depending on individual needs and health conditions [
45,
46]. Before starting CLA supplementation, it is always advisable to consult with a doctor or nutrition specialist to determine the appropriate dose and prevent potential side effects.
In the analysed material, an analysis of sterols in the fat fraction was performed. On the basis of the GC-MS results, the presence of five major phytosterols was found (
Table 6). The highest amount of phytosterols in terms of quality (four out of five) and quantity (1337.1 mg/100 g) was identified in the QS lipid fraction. The highest percentage in this fraction (similar to the other extracts) was β-sitosterol—more than 80%. β-sitosterol is the most commonly studied and recommended phytosterol. During the bletting process, the content of phytosterols decreased by 36% in the skin of the fruit (MFSB) and by 56% in the seeds (MSB). Scientific studies show that the consumption of beta-sitosterol can lower LDL levels in the blood and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease [
47]. For example, beta-sitosterol supplementation helped reduce LDL cholesterol levels in individuals with hypercholesterolemia. Other studies suggest that consuming 2–3 g of beta-sitosterol per day may have a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol levels [
48]. However, excessive consumption of phytosterols can cause disruptions in the absorption of certain nutrients, so it is important to maintain moderation in the diet.
Phytosterols are plant compounds that are structurally similar to cholesterol. When consumed in the diet, they can limit the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines and thus affect the level of cholesterol in the blood [
49]. According to scientific reports, phytosterols may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering the level of LDL in the blood [
50]. Studies suggest that phytosterol supplementation can lower LDL levels by approximately 10–20%, but its effectiveness can vary depending on the dose, duration of supplementation, and other factors [
51]. Phytosterols are also used in the food industry as a component of cholesterol-lowering food products. However, excessive consumption of phytosterols can cause disturbances in the absorption of certain vitamins (such as vitamin E) and other nutrients [
52]. It is important to pay attention to a balanced diet, of which phytosterols are only one component. The introduction of plant-sterol-enriched food products, which are increasingly popular among consumers, can contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Plant-based sterol-enriched margarine, mayonnaises, oils, sauces, and other food products that are readily available to everyone can provide a healthier alternative to high-calorie food products that are consumed in large quantities [
53,
54].
Sensory analysis is a scientific discipline that focuses on evaluating the quality of food products. This approach enables us to describe various attributes of food, including its visual appearance, scent, texture, and taste. The primary tools used in this analytical process are the human senses, which serve as measuring instruments for assessing food characteristics. In other words, sensory analysis is a branch of science that specialises in evaluating the excellence of food. By using our senses of sight, smell, touch, and taste, we can define various aspects of food, such as its visual appeal, aroma, mouthfeel, and overall taste. These senses act as “equipment” to measure and assess food properties. The sensory panel evaluated quince, medlar, and bletting medlar fruits using a nine-point hedonic scale, where one represented “extreme dislike” and nine represented “extreme like” (
Table 2). The aim of the sensory analysis was to investigate the sensory attributes and overall preferences of fresh fruits, including quince, medlar, and bletting medlar. According to the results of the sensory evaluation (
Figure 4), quince was the fruit with the highest rating in terms of aroma, colour, and overall acceptability, receiving scores of 7.3, 7.1, and 7.1, respectively. Medlar was rated moderately acceptable in all categories, receiving scores of 4.2, 5.4, and 5.4 for aroma, colour, and overall acceptability, respectively. Bletting medlar was the least preferred fruit, receiving the lowest scores in all categories except for firmness, where it received the highest score of 7.7. Specifically, it received scores of 3.4 for tartness, 5.2 for sweetness, 3.1 for aroma, 2.9 for colour, and 2.9 for overall acceptability. Overall, the results of this study provide valuable information on the sensory attributes of these fruits and can aid in the development of new products and recipes that meet consumer preferences.
The “spiderweb” graph in
Figure 5 presents the average intensity ratings of the aroma attributes for the fruits tested. The attributes evaluated were sweet, floral, honey, spicy, and grassy. Significant differences were observed among the fruits tested in terms of floral, honey, and grassy aromas. Quince fruits were characterised by intense floral and honey aromas, achieving scores of 8.2 and 7.5, respectively. On the other hand, fresh medlar fruits were distinguished by their grassy aroma (7.1). Furthermore, the analysed fruits were not characterised by a spicy aroma (average scores of 4). During aroma analysis, quince fruits were rated the highest, while bletting medlar fruits were rated the lowest. Sensory aroma analysis is an important tool to assess product quality and can be applied in various fields, such as the food and cosmetics industries.
Common medlar and quince fruits are not usually suitable for raw consumption. This is confirmed by sensory data collected and literature reports [
55]. Medlar fruits can be eaten raw but are typically consumed after freezing or storing in a dark place for a few days, which helps the ripening process and reduces their astringency. Medlar fruits are usually eaten after the flesh softens and turns into a jelly-like consistency. Before eating them raw, it is necessary to remove the skin and seeds, as they are difficult to digest and can be dangerous to humans. Quince fruits are typically very hard and sour in taste, so they are not commonly consumed raw. However, depending on the variety and ripeness of the fruits, quinces can be eaten raw, but they are best used for processing into jams, preserves, juices, or baked goods. To consume quince fruits raw, it is best to choose ripe fruits that are soft and smell sweet. Quince fruits can be peeled, pitted, and sliced, but they will still be quite sour and hard. To soften their taste, one can try drizzling them with honey or sugar.