Comparative Analysis of Phenolic, Carotenoid, and Elemental Profiles in Three <i>Crataegus</i> Species from Şebinkarahisar, Türkiye: Implications for Nutritional Value and Safety

Creative Commons License

Şeker M. E., Erdoğan A., Ay E.

MOLECULES, cilt.30, sa.14, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 30 Sayı: 14
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3390/molecules30142934
  • Dergi Adı: MOLECULES
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Communication Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE, Metadex, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Manisa Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study evaluated the phenolic, carotenoid, and elemental compositions of three hawthorn species-Crataegus: C. tanacetifolia (yellow), C. orientalis (orange), and C. microphylla (red)-collected from & Scedil;ebinkarahisar, T & uuml;rkiye. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) analysis revealed that C. microphylla had the highest phenolic content, notably epicatechin, gallic acid, and quercetin. It also showed the highest levels of beta-carotene and lutein, highlighting its nutraceutical potential. C. orientalis was rich in rutin and taxifolin. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) results showed significant mineral content, including Fe, Mn, Ca, and Se. About 60 g of dried hawthorn could meet 7-8% of daily selenium needs. In C. tanacetifolia, toxicological tests showed no substantial health hazards, with target hazard quotient (THQ) values below 1 and carcinogenic risk (CR) values within tolerable levels (e.g., Ni-CR: 4.68 x 10-5). Lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) levels were below detection thresholds in all samples, indicating that hawthorn fruits from this location are safe. The study also shows how species-specific and geographical factors affect hawthorn fruit nutrition and safety.