Chemical Profile and in Vitro Biological Activities of Prunus armeniaca Shell Extracts

Prunus armeniaca, widely known as apricot, has been recognized as a valuable source of bioactive compounds, particularly in its by-products. The fruit is rich in nutritious and bioactive substances, offering a range of health benefits. This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first to investigate the chemical composition and evaluate the in vitro biological activities of apricot shell extracts. Chemical analyses identified 14 molecules using GC-MS and 12 compounds via HPLC-DAD techniques, none of which had previously been reported in apricot shells. In terms of biological activities, the extracts demonstrated moderate inhibitory effects on antioxidant, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities. These findings underscore the potential of apricot shell extracts as a novel source of bioactive compounds, with promising applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.