REVIEW PAPER
Prunus spinosa L. – Source of Bioactive
Compounds with Antioxidant and Pharmacological
Predicted activity
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1
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ovidius University of Constanta,
900470 Constanta, Romania
2
Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ovidius University of Constanta,
900470 Constanta, Romania
3
Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ovidius University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
4
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University,
800010 Galati, Romania
5
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Ovidius University of Constanța, 900470 Constanța, Romania
Submission date: 2025-06-30
Final revision date: 2025-08-12
Acceptance date: 2025-08-23
Online publication date: 2025-12-01
Corresponding author
Verginica Schröder
Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ovidius University of Constanta,, Str. Căpitan Aviator Al. Șerbănescu, nr.6, Campus,, 900470, Constanta, Romania
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ABSTRACT
Prunus spinosa L. (blackthorn) is a valuable source of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids,
anthocyanins, phenolic acids, vitamins, and minerals, which confer important antioxidant, antibacterial,
and anti-inflammatory properties. This comparative review synthesizes experimental data from our
previously published research and from the global literature to highlight the phytochemical composition,
variability, and potential application prospects of these fruits. The diversity of results obtained in
terms of total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and total flavonoid content
(TFC) and biological activities can be explained by the variability of the extraction method, as well
as the geographical origin of Prunus spinosa L., and demonstrates its relevance for health applications.
The results of this comprehensive review revealed an increased potential of Prunus spinosa L. extracts
for phytotherapeutic, nutraceutical, and functional product applications.