Phytochemical and nutritional composition of Elaeagnus macrophylla Thunb. fruit

This article examines the morphobiology, ecology and adaptability of Elaeagnus macrophylla Thunb. under Uzbekistan’s environmental conditions, highlighting its potential in various industries. E. macrophylla is a perennial, evergreen shrub reaching heights of 2–8 m tall. Its elongated, silver-colored fruits are covered with small dark orange to red trichomes. In Uzbekistan, flowering occurs later than in its native habitat-blooming in May, with seeds ripening in August-September. The plant's reddish-brown, hairy branches and high antioxidant content make it valuable in the pharmaceutical, food and perfume industries. This study examined the chemical composition and physical properties of E. macrophylla grown in Uzbekistan. Key parameters such as fruit moisture, pH, ash content and the mass ratio of pulp to seed were analyzed, along with protein and flavonoid levels. Research was conducted at the Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances and the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan. Advanced techniques such as plasma optical emission spectrometry, gas chromatography, HPLC, Kjeldahl method, standard procedures and a Mettler Toledo pH meter were used. Results showed the fruit’s moisture content was 88.92 %, with seed and pulp mass ratios of 57.7 % and 42.3 % respectively. The protein content in raw samples was 1.14 % and 10.27 % on a dry matter basis. The pH value was measured at 3.75, indicating a slightly acidic nature. These findings confirm the plant’s adaptability to Uzbekistan’s climate and its potential in several industries.