Biological Activity and Potential Health Benefits of Edible Prunus Fruits: A Narrative Review
Abstract
This review aims to compare the biological properties of eleven fruits of the Prunus species, with the focus on their potential in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. The search spanned publications from 2000 to May 2026, only in English, and utilized databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on the in vitro and in vivo studies. The exclusion criteria included review articles, studies focusing exclusively on isolated phytochemicals or synthetic derivatives from Prunus species, and in silico or theoretical analyses. The fruits of Prunus species exhibited a broad spectrum of activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antihyperglycemic, or neuroprotective. Interestingly, sour cherries exhibited sleep-enhancing, and xanthine oxidase-inhibitory effects, while apricots showed promising hepatoprotective activity. Key species, including apricots, cherries, peaches, and plums, are widely recognized for their bioactive phytochemicals and potential health benefits, while some (e.g., bird cherry, blackthorn) are less examined, although promising. Prunus fruits revealed health-benefit potential, that at least partially supports their ethnopharmacological uses. However, further clinical and mechanistic studies are warranted to validate their efficacy and explore potential applications in pharmaceutical formulations.
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