Erectogenic, Antihypertensive, Antidiabetic, Anti-Oxidative Properties and Phenolic Compositions of Almond Fruit (Terminalia catappa L.) Parts (Hull and Drupe) - in vitro

This study was conducted to determine the effects of almond (Terminalia catappa L.) fruit parts (hull and drupe) extracts on key enzymes (arginase, angiotensin-1-converting enzyme, -amylase and -glucosidase) relevant to erectile dysfunction, type-2 diabetes and hypertension, assess their antioxidant properties and characterize their phenolic constituents. The hull and drupe extracts were prepared by a mixture of absolute methanol and 1N HCl, evaporated to dryness and used for subsequent analysis. The result revealed that the hull and drupe extracts inhibited arginase, angiotensin-1-converting enzyme, -amylase and -glucosidase activities in a dose-dependent manner. Both extracts scavenged radicals, reduced Fe3+ to Fe2+, chelated Fe2+ and inhibited lipid peroxidation in rat penile homogenate in vitro. Chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid and kaempferol were identified as the major phenolic compounds. This study suggests that these fruit parts can be natural sources of erectogenic, antihypertensive antidiabetic and anti-oxidative agents. However, the hull showed better potential than the drupe. Practical ApplicationsThe results suggest that Almond (Terminalia catappa L.) fruit parts, including the hull and drupe, have potential applications as functional foods and nutraceuticals for both animal and human nutrition. In addition, the hull and drupe could be useful for therapeutic purposes as erectogenic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic and anti-oxidative agents.