Comparative analysis of the nutritional, medicinal, and sun protection properties of almond (Prunus dulcis) and tropical almond (Terminalia catappa) nuts Comparative analysis of the nutritional, medicinal, and...
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study compares the nutritional, pharmaceutical, and photoprotective properties of methanolic extracts of Terminalia catappa (TC) and Prunus dulcis (PD) nuts. Phytochemical screening revealed both are rich in bioactive compounds. TC had higher moisture content (11.8%) than PD (3.40%), while other nutritional parameters showed minimal differences. PD exhibited stronger antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50: 78.55 ± 5.10 μg.ml-1; ABTS IC50: 57.19 ± 0.32 μg.ml-1) than TC (DPPH IC50: 89.22 ± 4.40 μg.ml-1; ABTS IC50: 74.36 ± 3.34 μg.ml-1), but TC had a higher FRAP value (41.6 ± 0.23 mg PFE.g-1) than PD (39.15 ± 0.21 mg PFE.g-1). PD showed greater phenolic (199.00 ± 14.65 mg GAE. g-1) and flavonoid (4.78 ± 0.077 mg QE. g-1) contents. TC demonstrated stronger α-amylase inhibition (IC50: 113.40 ± 1.56 μg.ml-1), while PD had better anti-lipase activity. Both exhibited moderate UV-B protection (SPF: 14.52 for TC, 12.92 for PD). These findings highlight TC as a promising alternative for functional foods, cosmeceuticals, and medicinal applications.
Article Details
References
Abdulkadir A.R. In vitro antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract from Terminalia catappa (L.) leaves and fruits: Effect of fruit ripening. International Journal of Science and Research, 2013, 4(8): 1244-1249.
Ahmed B., Ashfaq U.A., Mirza M.U. Medicinal plant phytochemicals and their inhibitory activities against pancreatic lipase: Molecular docking combined with molecular dynamics simulation approach. Natural Product Research, 2017, 32(10): 1123-1129. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2017.1320786
Akpakpan A., Akpabio U. Evaluation of proximate composition, mineral element and anti-nutrient in almond (Terminalia catappa) seeds. Research Journal of Applied Sciences, 2012, 7(9-12): 489-493. https://doi.org/10.3923/rjasci.2012.489.49
Anand V., Kotti P. Phytochemical analysis and in vitro
antioxidant activity of Terminalia Catappa. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2014, 2(11): 1495-1498. Available at: https://wjpsonline.com/index.php/wjps/article/view/phytochemical-analysis-antioxidant-terminalia-catappa
Banu K.S., Cathrine L. General techniques involved in
phytochemical analysis. International Journal of Advanced Research in Chemical Science (ARC) Journals, 2015, 2(4): 25-32. Available at: https://www.arcjournals.org/international-journal-of-advanced-research-in-chemical-science/volume-2-issue-4/5
Chatatikun M., Chiabchalard A. Phytochemical screening and free radical scavenging activities of orange baby carrot (Daucus carota Linn) root crude extracts. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2013, 5(4): 97-102. Available at: https://www.jocpr.com/articles/phytochemical-screening-and-free-radical-scavenging-activities-of-orange-baby-carrot-and-carrot-daucus-carota-linn-root.pdf
Chavan P., Sharma P., Mahajan A. Total phenolic, flavonoids and antioxidant properties of three Ceropegia species from Western Ghats of India. South African Journal of Botany, 2013, 88(9): 273-277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2013.08.007
Daneshniya M., Ebrahimi P., Mihaylova D., Alam M.K., Lante A. From extraction to the synergistic effects of spent red and white grape pomaces on the oil's oxidative stability. Food Science and Applied Biotechnology, 2025, 8(1): 89-98. https://doi.org/10.30721/fsab2025.v8.i1.492
Dubale S., Kebebe D., Zeynudin A., Abdissa N., Suleman, S. Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity evaluation of selected medicinal plants in Ethiopia. Journal of Experimental Pharmacology, 2023, 15(2): 51-62. https://doi.org/10.2147/jep.s379805
Jayaweera D.M.A. Medicinal plants used in Sri Lanka. National Science Council, 47/5, Maitland Place, Colombo. Scientific Research Publishing. 1982, pp. 70-71.
Koksal E., Bursal E., Dikici E., Gülçin I. Antioxidant activity of Melissa officinalis leaves. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2011, 5(2): 217-222. https://doi.org/10.5897/JMPR.9000199
Keser S., Demir E., Yilmaz O. Phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of the almond kernel (Prunus dulcis Mill.) from Turkey. Journal of the chemical society of Pakistan, 2014, 36(3): 534-54. Available at: https://jcsp.org.pk/issueDetail.aspx?aid=93ea4720-2d8b-455d-8c93-3d83fe80ca8a
Mamdooh N., Kasabri V., Al-Hiari Y., Almasri I., Al-Alawi S., Bustanji Y. Evaluation of selected commercial pharmacotherapeutic drugs as potential pancreatic lipase inhibitors and antiproliferative compounds. Drug Development Research. 2018, 80(3): 310-324. https://doi.org/10.1002/ddr.21499
Mansur R., Maria C.P.P., Leiato S.G., Coutinho C.C., Vermrlho A.B., Silva R.S. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of efficacy and safety of photoprotective formulations containing antioxidant extracts. Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy. 2016, 26(2): 251-258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjp.2015.11.006
McDonald S., Prenzler P.D., Antolovich M., Robards K. Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of olive extracts. Food Chemistry. 2001, 73(1): 73-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0308-8146(00)00288-0
Oyeniran O.H., Ademiluyi A.O., Oboh G. Comparative study of the phenolic profile, antioxidant properties, and inhibitory effects of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) and Almond (Terminalia catappa Linn.) leaves on acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase activities in the head region of Fruitfly (Drosophila melanogaster Meigen) in vitro. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 2020, 45(3): e13401. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13401
Pandey B., Rajbhandari M. Estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents in some medicinal plants and their antioxidant activities. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology. 2015, 15(1): 53-60. https://doi.org/10.3126/njst.v15i1.12010
Rakholiya K.D., Kaneria M., Nagani K., Chanda S. Comparative analysis and simultaneous quantification of antioxidant capacity of four Terminalia species. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2015, 4(4): 1280-1296. Available at: https://www.wjpr.net/abstract_file/2535
Ranjitha J., Bhuvaneshwari G., Terdal D., Kavya K. Nutritional composition of fresh pomegranate peel powder. International Journal of Chemical Studies, 2018, 6(4): 692-696. Available at: https://www.chemijournal.com/archives/2018/vol6issue4/PartM/6-4-106-544.pdf
Re R., Pellegrini N., Proteggente A., Pannala A., Yang M., Rice-Evans C. Antioxidant activity applying an improved ABTS radical cation decolorization assay. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 1999, 26(9-10): 1231-1237. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0891-5849(98)00315-3
Salawu R.A., Onyegbula A.C., Lawal I.O., Akande D., Oladipo A. Comparative study of the nutritional, phytochemical, and mineral compositions of the nuts of tropical almond (Terminalia catappa) and sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus). Ruhuna Journal of Science, 2018, 9(1): 70-77. https://doi.org/10.4038/rjs.v9i1.37
Sanchez A., Lorento F.R.A., Valenzuela J., Romero L. Production and transport of carbohydrates in some cultivars of muskmelon. Acta Horticulturae 287, 1991, 287(59): 485-493. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1991.287.59
Sayre R.M., Agin P.P., LeVee G.J., Marlowe E. Comparison of in vivo and in vitro testing of sun screening formulas. Photochemistry and photobiology, 1979, 29(3), 559-566. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.1979.tb07090.x
Snetselaar, L.G., de Jesus J.M., DeSilva D.M., Stoody E.E. Dietary guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025. Understanding the scientific process, guidelines, and key recommendations. Nutrition Today, 2021, 56(6): 287-295. https://doi.org/10.1097/NT.0000000000000512
Sulaiman S.C., Lasekan O., Muhammad K., Hussain N., Sulaiman R. Physicochemical properties of Malaysian-grown tropical almond nuts (Terminalia catappa). Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2015, 52(10); 6623-6630. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-015-1737-
Sutar M.P., Chaudhari S.R. Screening of in vitro sun protection factor of some medicinal plant extracts by ultraviolet spectroscopy method. Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology, 2020, 8(6): 48-53. https://doi.org/10.7324/JABB.2020.80608
Venkatalakshmi P., Vadivel V., Brindha P. Phytopharmacological significance of Terminalia catappa L.: An updated review. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy, 2016, 7(2): 130-137. https://doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.07272
Wijesekara M.M.T., Fahmidha H.F., Ulpathakumbura B.S.K., Jayasinghe L., Marikkar J.M.N. Nutritional composition, anti-oxidative and anti-hyperglycemic potential of the kernels of two varieties of Terminalia catappa L. The Journal of Agricultural Sciences – Sri Lanka, 2024, 19(3): 507-516. https://doi.org/10.4038/jas.v19i3.10247
Widodo F., Lo D. Effect of pasteurization process and fermentation time on physico-chemicalproperties, ntioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of tempeh-based soy sauce. Food Science and Applied Biotechnology, 2025, 8(1): 1-10. https://doi.org/10.30721/fsab2025.v8.i1.414
Zhang Q.W., Lin L.G., Ye W.C. Techniques for extraction and isolation of natural products: A comprehensive review. Chinese Medicine, 2018, 13(4): 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-018-0177-x
Ahmed B., Ashfaq U.A., Mirza M.U. Medicinal plant phytochemicals and their inhibitory activities against pancreatic lipase: Molecular docking combined with molecular dynamics simulation approach. Natural Product Research, 2017, 32(10): 1123-1129. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2017.1320786
Akpakpan A., Akpabio U. Evaluation of proximate composition, mineral element and anti-nutrient in almond (Terminalia catappa) seeds. Research Journal of Applied Sciences, 2012, 7(9-12): 489-493. https://doi.org/10.3923/rjasci.2012.489.49
Anand V., Kotti P. Phytochemical analysis and in vitro
antioxidant activity of Terminalia Catappa. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2014, 2(11): 1495-1498. Available at: https://wjpsonline.com/index.php/wjps/article/view/phytochemical-analysis-antioxidant-terminalia-catappa
Banu K.S., Cathrine L. General techniques involved in
phytochemical analysis. International Journal of Advanced Research in Chemical Science (ARC) Journals, 2015, 2(4): 25-32. Available at: https://www.arcjournals.org/international-journal-of-advanced-research-in-chemical-science/volume-2-issue-4/5
Chatatikun M., Chiabchalard A. Phytochemical screening and free radical scavenging activities of orange baby carrot (Daucus carota Linn) root crude extracts. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2013, 5(4): 97-102. Available at: https://www.jocpr.com/articles/phytochemical-screening-and-free-radical-scavenging-activities-of-orange-baby-carrot-and-carrot-daucus-carota-linn-root.pdf
Chavan P., Sharma P., Mahajan A. Total phenolic, flavonoids and antioxidant properties of three Ceropegia species from Western Ghats of India. South African Journal of Botany, 2013, 88(9): 273-277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2013.08.007
Daneshniya M., Ebrahimi P., Mihaylova D., Alam M.K., Lante A. From extraction to the synergistic effects of spent red and white grape pomaces on the oil's oxidative stability. Food Science and Applied Biotechnology, 2025, 8(1): 89-98. https://doi.org/10.30721/fsab2025.v8.i1.492
Dubale S., Kebebe D., Zeynudin A., Abdissa N., Suleman, S. Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity evaluation of selected medicinal plants in Ethiopia. Journal of Experimental Pharmacology, 2023, 15(2): 51-62. https://doi.org/10.2147/jep.s379805
Jayaweera D.M.A. Medicinal plants used in Sri Lanka. National Science Council, 47/5, Maitland Place, Colombo. Scientific Research Publishing. 1982, pp. 70-71.
Koksal E., Bursal E., Dikici E., Gülçin I. Antioxidant activity of Melissa officinalis leaves. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2011, 5(2): 217-222. https://doi.org/10.5897/JMPR.9000199
Keser S., Demir E., Yilmaz O. Phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of the almond kernel (Prunus dulcis Mill.) from Turkey. Journal of the chemical society of Pakistan, 2014, 36(3): 534-54. Available at: https://jcsp.org.pk/issueDetail.aspx?aid=93ea4720-2d8b-455d-8c93-3d83fe80ca8a
Mamdooh N., Kasabri V., Al-Hiari Y., Almasri I., Al-Alawi S., Bustanji Y. Evaluation of selected commercial pharmacotherapeutic drugs as potential pancreatic lipase inhibitors and antiproliferative compounds. Drug Development Research. 2018, 80(3): 310-324. https://doi.org/10.1002/ddr.21499
Mansur R., Maria C.P.P., Leiato S.G., Coutinho C.C., Vermrlho A.B., Silva R.S. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of efficacy and safety of photoprotective formulations containing antioxidant extracts. Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy. 2016, 26(2): 251-258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjp.2015.11.006
McDonald S., Prenzler P.D., Antolovich M., Robards K. Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of olive extracts. Food Chemistry. 2001, 73(1): 73-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0308-8146(00)00288-0
Oyeniran O.H., Ademiluyi A.O., Oboh G. Comparative study of the phenolic profile, antioxidant properties, and inhibitory effects of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) and Almond (Terminalia catappa Linn.) leaves on acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase activities in the head region of Fruitfly (Drosophila melanogaster Meigen) in vitro. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 2020, 45(3): e13401. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13401
Pandey B., Rajbhandari M. Estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents in some medicinal plants and their antioxidant activities. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology. 2015, 15(1): 53-60. https://doi.org/10.3126/njst.v15i1.12010
Rakholiya K.D., Kaneria M., Nagani K., Chanda S. Comparative analysis and simultaneous quantification of antioxidant capacity of four Terminalia species. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2015, 4(4): 1280-1296. Available at: https://www.wjpr.net/abstract_file/2535
Ranjitha J., Bhuvaneshwari G., Terdal D., Kavya K. Nutritional composition of fresh pomegranate peel powder. International Journal of Chemical Studies, 2018, 6(4): 692-696. Available at: https://www.chemijournal.com/archives/2018/vol6issue4/PartM/6-4-106-544.pdf
Re R., Pellegrini N., Proteggente A., Pannala A., Yang M., Rice-Evans C. Antioxidant activity applying an improved ABTS radical cation decolorization assay. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 1999, 26(9-10): 1231-1237. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0891-5849(98)00315-3
Salawu R.A., Onyegbula A.C., Lawal I.O., Akande D., Oladipo A. Comparative study of the nutritional, phytochemical, and mineral compositions of the nuts of tropical almond (Terminalia catappa) and sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus). Ruhuna Journal of Science, 2018, 9(1): 70-77. https://doi.org/10.4038/rjs.v9i1.37
Sanchez A., Lorento F.R.A., Valenzuela J., Romero L. Production and transport of carbohydrates in some cultivars of muskmelon. Acta Horticulturae 287, 1991, 287(59): 485-493. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1991.287.59
Sayre R.M., Agin P.P., LeVee G.J., Marlowe E. Comparison of in vivo and in vitro testing of sun screening formulas. Photochemistry and photobiology, 1979, 29(3), 559-566. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.1979.tb07090.x
Snetselaar, L.G., de Jesus J.M., DeSilva D.M., Stoody E.E. Dietary guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025. Understanding the scientific process, guidelines, and key recommendations. Nutrition Today, 2021, 56(6): 287-295. https://doi.org/10.1097/NT.0000000000000512
Sulaiman S.C., Lasekan O., Muhammad K., Hussain N., Sulaiman R. Physicochemical properties of Malaysian-grown tropical almond nuts (Terminalia catappa). Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2015, 52(10); 6623-6630. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-015-1737-
Sutar M.P., Chaudhari S.R. Screening of in vitro sun protection factor of some medicinal plant extracts by ultraviolet spectroscopy method. Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology, 2020, 8(6): 48-53. https://doi.org/10.7324/JABB.2020.80608
Venkatalakshmi P., Vadivel V., Brindha P. Phytopharmacological significance of Terminalia catappa L.: An updated review. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy, 2016, 7(2): 130-137. https://doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.07272
Wijesekara M.M.T., Fahmidha H.F., Ulpathakumbura B.S.K., Jayasinghe L., Marikkar J.M.N. Nutritional composition, anti-oxidative and anti-hyperglycemic potential of the kernels of two varieties of Terminalia catappa L. The Journal of Agricultural Sciences – Sri Lanka, 2024, 19(3): 507-516. https://doi.org/10.4038/jas.v19i3.10247
Widodo F., Lo D. Effect of pasteurization process and fermentation time on physico-chemicalproperties, ntioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of tempeh-based soy sauce. Food Science and Applied Biotechnology, 2025, 8(1): 1-10. https://doi.org/10.30721/fsab2025.v8.i1.414
Zhang Q.W., Lin L.G., Ye W.C. Techniques for extraction and isolation of natural products: A comprehensive review. Chinese Medicine, 2018, 13(4): 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-018-0177-x
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Open access articles are distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International License (CC BY-SA 4.0) license:
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
If you have any questions about the permitted uses of a specific article, please contact us.
Permissions Department of the Academic Publishing House of the UFT Plovdiv
Plovdiv 4002, 26 Maritsa Blvd., Bulgaria
E-mail: editor.in.chief@ijfsab.com
Tel.: +359 (32) 603-802
Fax: +359 32/ 644 102
How to Cite
PANDITHARATHNA, Gayani Mihirangika; DEWAGEDONA, Darshani Hansamani Dewage; RAJAPAKSE, Chandima Shashikala Kumari.
Comparative analysis of the nutritional, medicinal, and sun protection properties of almond (Prunus dulcis) and tropical almond (Terminalia catappa) nuts.
Food Science and Applied Biotechnology, [S.l.], v. 8, n. 2, p. 182-192, oct. 2025.
ISSN 2603-3380.
Available at: <https://www.ijfsab.com/index.php/fsab/article/view/506>. Date accessed: 18 feb. 2026.
doi: https://doi.org/10.30721/fsab2025.v8.i2.506.