title: Characterisation ofSorbus domesticaL. Bark, Fruits and Seeds: Nutrient Composition and Antioxidant Activity.
abstract: The aim of this work is to assess the nutritional value of service tree (Sorbus domesticaL.) bark, fruit exocarp and mesocarp, and seeds by establishing the levels of macro- and microelements, total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins. Our results revealed that all of the tested service tree samples were rich in potassium. Bark was the best source of calcium and zinc, while seeds were the best source of magnesium. Compared to the bark and seeds, fruit exocarp and mesocarp contained significantly lower amounts of these three elements. Immature exocarp and bark contained the highest amounts of total phenolics and showed the highest antioxidant activity. Maturation significantly decreased the amount of total phenolics in fruits, as well as the antioxidant activity of total phenolics and total tannins from exocarp, but not from mesocarp. Exocarp was the richest in total flavonoids. Based on the obtained data, we have concluded that the under-utilised speciesS. domesticaL. could serve as an important source of mineral elements and antioxidants in the human diet.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Majić
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Ivana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Šola
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Saša
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Likić
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Iva Juranović
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Cindrić
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: Gordana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rusak
keywords: antioxidant activity; flavonoids; food analysis; macroelements; microelements; phenolics; service tree; tannins