Characterization and Comparative Assessment of the Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Antibacterial Potential of Polysaccharide Fractions Extracted from Arbutus unedo L. Fruit
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Submitted
July 24, 2025
Published
April 21, 2026
Keywords:
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Arbutus Unedo L., Polysaccharides, Antibacterial Activity, Alpha-Amylase Inhibition, Strawberry Tree, Antioxidant Potential
Abstract
Background: Arbutus unedo L., commonly referred to as the “strawberry tree”, is a Mediterranean species esteemed for its wealth of biologically active fractions and phytochemical compounds. Historically, the fruits, leaves, and roots of A. unedo have been utilized extensively for both ethnomedicinal and culinary applications.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize the structural properties of polysaccharides derived from Arbutus unedo L. and to systematically evaluate their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial properties.
Methods: Polysaccharide fractions were isolated from the fruit and characterized via Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antioxidant potential was determined by DPPH radical scavenging, Ferric Reducing Power (FRP), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC). The antibacterial activity was assessed through the disk diffusion method, while the antidiabetic potential was evaluated in vitro via the inhibition of porcine pancreatic α-amylase.
Results: Two distinct polysaccharide extracts, designated A. unedo P1 and A. unedo P2, were obtained, revealing heterogeneous chemical profiles. Notably, A. unedo P2 exhibited a higher total phenolic content than A. unedo P1. Conversely, A. unedo P1 demonstrated a stronger inhibitory effect against α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 1.97 ± 0.22 mg/mL) than A. unedo P2 (IC₅₀ = 5.66 ± 0.43 mg/mL). Similarly, A. unedo P1 demonstrated greater antioxidant capacity in the DPPH assay (IC₅₀ = 0.051 ± 0.002 mg/mL) and higher ferric reducing assays (IC₅₀ = 0.547 mg/mL) compared with A. unedo P2 (IC₅₀ = 0.395 ± 0.03 mg/mL and 3.56 mg/mL, respectively). Additionally, A. unedo P1 manifested substantial antibacterial activity.
Conclusion: Despite its lower phenolic concentration, the A. unedo P1 fraction exhibited superior antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial properties compared to A. unedo P2. These findings underscore the potential of A. unedo P1 as a high-value natural bioactive ingredient for nutraceutical formulations and functional food applications.
Keywords: Arbutus Unedo L.; Polysaccharides; Antibacterial Activity; Alpha-Amylase Inhibition; Strawberry Tree, Antioxidant Potential.
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El Haouari, M., Assem, N., Changan, S., Kumar, M., Daştan, S. D., Rajkovic, J., Taheri, Y., & Sharifi-Rad, J. (2021). An insight into phytochemical, pharmacological, and nutritional properties of Arbutus unedo L. from Morocco. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, Article 1794621. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/1794621
Essaidi, I., Chouaibi, M., Koubaier, H. H., Bouacida, S., Snoussi, A., Abassi, Y., & Bouzouita, N. (2023). Arbutus unedo fruit syrup as a fortifying agent: Effect on physicochemical, microbiological, rheological, sensory and antioxidant properties of yoghurt. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 60(11), 2835–2845. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-023-05801-4
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Liu, J., Willför, S., & Xu, C. (2015). A review of bioactive plant polysaccharides: Biological activities, functionalization, and biomedical applications. Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre, 5(1), 31–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcdf.2014.12.001
Lu, Y., Qin, L., Mao, Y., Lnong, X., Wei, Q., Su, J., Chen, S., Wei, Z., Wang, L., Liao, X., & Zhao, L. (2024). Antibacterial activity of a polysaccharide isolated from litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) pericarp against Staphylococcus aureus and the mechanism investigation. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 279, 134788. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134788
Medjdoub, H., Bouali, W., Azzi, A., Belkacem, N., Benariba, N., & Meliani, N. (2025). Antidiabetic potential of polysaccharides from Algerian Saharan Zygophyllum geslini in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Turkish Journal of Biology, 49(1), 60–69. https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0152.2724
Medjdoub, H., Bouhada, Y., & Boufeldja, T. (2023). Antidiabetic effect of Zygophyllum geslini aerial part: In vivo and in vitro studies. Phytothérapie, 21(4), 194–198. https://doi.org/10.3166/phyto-2022-0372
Mohammed, A. S. A., Naveed, M., & Jost, N. (2021). Polysaccharides: Classification, chemical properties, and future perspective applications in fields of pharmacology and biological medicine (a review of current applications and upcoming potentialities). Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 29(8), 2359–2371. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-021-02052-2
Molyneux, P. (2004). The use of the stable free radical diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) for estimating antioxidant activity. Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology, 26(2), 211–219.
Morales, D., & Cilla, A. (2022). Use of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) as a source of functional fractions with biological activities. Foods, 11(23), 3838. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11233838
Morgado, S., Morgado, M., Plácido, A. I., Roque, F., & Duarte, A. P. (2018). Arbutus unedo L.: From traditional medicine to potential uses in modern pharmacotherapy. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 225, 90–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.07.004
Mosele, J. I., Macià, A., Romero, M. P., & Motilva, M. J. (2016). Stability and metabolism of Arbutus unedo bioactive compounds (phenolics and antioxidants) under in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation. Food Chemistry, 201, 120–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.01.076
Muniyandi, K., Jagadeesan, G., George, B. P., Manoharan, A. L., Nataraj, G., Abrahamse, H., & Thangaraj, P. (2022). α-Glucosidase, α-amylase inhibition kinetics, in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion, and apoptosis inducing abilities of Ficus microcarpa L. f. and Ficus racemosa L. fruit polysaccharides. Food Science and Biotechnology, 31(13), 1717–1728. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-022-01162-4
Nunes, R. J. D. S. (2017). Design of microencapsulated Arbutus unedo leaves and fruits by spray drying for supplements and functional foods Master's thesis, University of Algarve.
Oboh, G., Ogunsuyi, O. B., Ogunbadejo, M. D., & Adefegha, S. A. (2016). Influence of gallic acid on α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties of acarbose. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 24(3), 627–634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2016.03.003
Oliveira, I., Baptista, P., Bento, A., & Pereira, J. A. (2011). Arbutus unedo L. and its benefits on human health. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 50(2), 73–85.
Orak, H. H., Yagar, H., Isbilir, S. S., Demirci, A. Ş., Gümüş, T., & Ekinci, N. (2011). Evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) leaf. Food Science and Biotechnology, 20(5), 1249–1259. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-011-0172-9
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Authors
Alioui, N., Medjdoub, H., Bouali, W., & Saadi, F. Z. (2026). Characterization and Comparative Assessment of the Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Antibacterial Potential of Polysaccharide Fractions Extracted from Arbutus unedo L. Fruit. The North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 10(21), 87–96. https://doi.org/10.51745/najfnr.10.21.87-96
Copyright (c) 2026 Nadia Alioui, Houria Medjdoub, Waffa Bouali, Fatima Zahra Saadi
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