Phenolic components and antioxidant activity of prunus spinosa from Gumushane, Turkey

Abstract

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) is a fruit of the genus Prunus from the family Rosaceae. It grows wild in various regions in Turkey (especially in central, north, west, and south Anatolia). It has numerous stems covered in dark bark with young twigs pubescent. The fruit is cherry black, blueish in color [1]. It is commonly known as sloe, blackthorn, prunellier, or endrino. The fruits are popularly called ‘‘sloes.’’ Although they look succulent, they are far too bitter for human consumption and are only used as flavoring in home-made liqueurs. Sloes are blueish black, bloomy, globular drupe, 10–15 mm with green astringent flesh.