PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF HAWTHORN (Crataegus spp. L.) FRUITS IN TURKEY

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp. L.) is a native fruit of great economic importance in Turkey and has been widely using in folk medicine particularly for the treatment of mild heart diseases for a long time. In the study, 18 previously selected hawthorn genotypes belong to several Crataegus species grown in the hawthorn repository collection in Malatya province in Turkey were evaluated. Fruit mass and soluble solid content of selected genotypes ranged from 0.76 to 4.27 g and 6.71 to 15.83%, respectively. The genotype 44MA12 belongs to C. monogyna subsp. azarella had distinct and the highest anthocyanin (516 mg per 100 g fresh fruit) content and the strongest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity (2.91 mu g.g(-1)). The genotype 44MA11 belongs to C. meyeri had the highest phenolic content (3460 mg per 100 g gallic acid equivalent in fresh fruits). All hawthorn genotypes displayed high antioxidant activity. The results suggest that hawthorn fruits including significant human health benefit substances and may be used for developing functional foods because of its high phenolic, anthocyanin content and antioxidant properties.