February 16, 2024 | Plant Foods for Human Nutrition |
The collaborative study, conducted by researchers from Shenzhen Polytechnic University, China; Istinye University, Turkey; and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, delved into the nutritional and bioactive properties of South Chinese red dragon fruit. Extracts from its peel, flesh, and seeds were analyzed for phytochemical composition, nutritional content, and functional properties. Across all fruit parts, significant levels of minerals, proteins, sugars, vitamins, and fatty acids were detected. Ethanol (ET) and methanol (MT) extracts exhibited potent antioxidant activity, with promising potential against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Cytotoxicity tests on human skin cells showed no adverse effects. Advanced analytical techniques uncovered various compounds, both known and unknown, with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Pharmacological screenings identified four active compounds—baicalein, quercetin, morin, and isorhamnetin—with strong binding affinity to target proteins, meeting pharmacological criteria. The findings underscore the nutritional value of red dragon fruit components and emphasize the potential of ET and MT fractions as sources of bioactive compounds with antibacterial properties. This study enriches understanding of red dragon fruit's health benefits and therapeutic potential.