Vusala Badalova1*, Zumrud Mammadova1, Gullu Aliyeva1, Minara Hasanova1, Latafat Mustafayeva1, Saleh Maharramov2, Samira Bagirova3, Tamella Karimova4, Sevinc Guliyeva1, Gunay Mammadova1, Mehriban Qafarova1, Vagida Mammadova5, Ramiz Alakbarov1, Shalala Gulmammadova1, Irada Mammadova1, Ihama Mirjalalli1, Venera Ahmadova1, Khayala Alibayli1
1Institute of Botany PLE, Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan
2Institute of Genetic Resources PLE, Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan
3Dendrology Garden PLE, Baku, Azerbaijan
4Faculty of Biology and Technology, Odlar Yurdu University, Baku, Azerbaijan
5Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, Baku, Azerbaijan
*Corresponding author’s email: drvusalabadalova@gmail.com
Received: 03 March 2026 / Revised: 14 June 2026 / Accepted: 02 July 2026 / Published Online: 30 July 2026
Abstract
The introduction of tropical fruit species into new agroecological zones may significantly influence their phytochemical composition and bioactive potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, mineral composition, and physicochemical properties of pectin extracted from fruits of Passiflora edulis cultivated under the dry subtropical conditions of the Absheron Peninsula (Azerbaijan). Lipophilic bioactive compounds were quantified using HPLC. The fruit pericarp exhibited a high β-carotene content (23.56 ± 3.17 µg/g), moderate lycopene levels (1.60 ± 0.31 µg/g), and detectable amounts of vitamins A and E (1.46 ± 0.22 and 0.56 ± 0.05 µg/g, respectively). ICP-OES analysis revealed adequate levels of K, Mg, Fe, and Zn, confirming the fruit’s nutritional relevance. Total phenolic (2.22 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (1.41 ± 0.01 mg QE/g), and tannin contents were determined spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant capacity assessed via DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, β-carotene-linoleic acid acid assays demonstrated considerable radical scavenging and reducing activity, particularly in methanolic extracts. Pectin isolated from fruit by-products showed an intrinsic viscosity of 0.38, molecular weight of 5247 g/mol, and Huggins constant of 0.14, indicating favorable polymer characteristics for potential pharmaceutical and hydrogel applications. The results demonstrate that P. edulis fruits cultivated under Absheron conditions retain significant bioactive and functional properties, highlighting their potential as nutraceutical ingredients and as a source of value-added biopolymers. This study contributes to understanding the metabolic adaptation of introduced tropical species and supports their industrial valorization in arid subtropical environments.
Keywords: Carotenoids, Antioxidant activity, Phenolic compounds, Pectin, Dry subtropical climate, Nutraceutical potential
