Polyphenol profile and content in wild and cultivated Cynara cardunculus L

Gaetano Pandino, Sara Lombardo, Gary Williamson, Giovanni Mauromicale

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleResearchpeer-review

46 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The species Cynara cardunculus L. is native to the Mediterranean Basin, where its commercial production makes a significant contribution to the agricultural economy. It contains phenolic acids and flavones, which play an important role in diet, because of their beneficial effects on human health, and in industrial processing, due to the browning phenomenon. The quantitative and qualitative profile of these compounds is affected by different factors, such as genotype, environmental conditions, crop management and processing procedures. As a consequence, these are relevant for defining the quality of the product. Therefore, our aim was to review the main factors that influence polyphenol biosynthesis and degradation in C. cardunculus. From available data in literature, the genetic background appears to be the main factor, followed by environmental effects. However, crop management also could be a valuable tool to enhance the polyphenol content. C. cardunculus also provides substantial quantities of polyphenol-rich by-products, which could be considered as a natural source of health-promoting compounds and an added value for the farming business.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)254-261
Number of pages8
JournalItalian Journal of Agronomy: An International Journal of Agroecosystem Management
Volume7
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cardoon
  • Crop management
  • Environmental conditions
  • Flavonoids
  • Genotype
  • Globe artichoke
  • Phenolic acids
  • Processing

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