Evaluating the Nutritional and Safety Aspects of Pyracantha coccinea: Antioxidant Activity, Mineral, and Heavy Metal Content

In this study, the fruits of Pyracantha coccinea, known for their ornamental and medicinal properties, were analysed to evaluate their antioxidant capacity, mineral content, and heavy metal concentrations. The antioxidant potential of Pyracantha coccinea was determined using DPPH, CUPRAC, and ABTS tests. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and Gerthard Dumatherm techniques were used to determine the mineral and nutrient composition of the plant. As a result of the evaluation, calcium (0.25±0.02%), protein (4.29±0.47%), potassium (0.39±0.01%), magnesium (0.197±0.01%), sodium (0.08±0.01%), iron (0.012µg/g DW), aluminium (138±9.6 µg/g DW), cobalt (0.541±0.11 µg/g DW), chromium (0.422±0.05 µg/g DW), manganese (20±1.7 µg/g DW), zinc (43.9±4.6 µg/g DW), % DPPH (76.92±0.48) % ABTS value (77.52±0.39) and CUPRAC values (0.771±0.045 for 100ppm) were determined. In particular, the high levels of chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn) in the fruits exceed the thresholds considered safe for medicinal applications and suggest that the heavy metal content in plants for medicinal use should be critically evaluated within acceptable limits. This study aims to explore the nutritional value and safety of Pyracantha coccinea by examining its antioxidant properties, mineral content, and potential heavy metal contamination. The findings will help shed light on its potential benefits and risks, offering valuable insight for its use in health, nutrition, and environmental applications.