Seasonal Qualitative Variations of Phenolic Content in the Stem Bark of Prunus persica var. nucipersica - Implication for the Use of the Bark as a Source of Bioactive Compounds

Authors:

• Monika Beszterda,
• Rafał Frański

Abstract

The seasonal variations of the phenolic content in the stem bark of Prunus persica var. nucipersica were analyzed by using high pressure liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Great differences were observed for flavanone 5-O-glycosides, rutin and acetylated p-coumaroylsucrose conjugates containing 0–4 acetyl groups. It is a matter of discussion in which period of the year, May-August or September-April, the bark of Prunus persica is the most valuable source of bioactive constituent. If the presence of rutin is desirable, May-August is the appropriate harvest period, whereas September-April is appropriate if the presence of flavanone 5-O-glycosides is of interest.