Phenolic profiling and bioactivities of fresh fruits and jam of Sorbus species

The purpose of this study was a comprehensive examination of the phenolic profile, the vitamin C content, and the antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of extracts and jams of fruits of two edible Sorbus species: well characterized S. aucuparia and two insufficiently explored forms of S. torminalis (torminalis and semitorminalis). Characterisation of 44 phenolics was realized using LC–MS/MS and 15 compounds were confirmed, with chlorogenic acid being the most dominant in S. aucuparia and ferulic acid in both S. torminalis forms. S. aucuparia demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, while that of both S. torminalis forms was moderate. Jam extracts had the highest content of vitamin C. S. aucuparia exhibited some anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, while S. torminalis f. torminalis showed the best antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and both forms (torminalis and semitorminalis) possessed the highest activity against Escherichia. coli. The results obtained herein are a great base for further research of edible Sorbus species with the aim of promoting their better usage as nutraceuticals.