Emerging species with nutraceutical properties: Bioactive compounds from Hovenia dulcis pseudofruits.

• H. dulcis was studied to increase the knowledge about its phytochemical composition. • This is among the first phytochemical studies for the Northern hemisphere. • Catechins are the most prominent phenolic components. • H. dulcis is a potential source of ferulic acid with health-promoting properties. • The results show pseudofruits may be good candidates for food applications. Hovenia dulcis Thunberg is widely distributed in East Asia, where it is well known as a food, but it is rarely consumed in Western countries. Information about its composition is scarce and focused on southern hemisphere genotypes. In the present research, the main bioactive compounds of H. dulcis pseudofruits were characterised using phytochemical analysis (HPLC fingerprint) to improve knowledge about this plant and support development of potential food applications. These preliminary results showed high levels of catechins (157.18 ± 34.34 mg/100 g FW) and other phenolic compounds responsible for antioxidant properties. Concentrations of ferulic acid were particularly high (9.66 ± 1.76 mg/100 g FW) and further studies would advance exploitation of this plant-food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]