Comparative phytochemical, nutritional, and antioxidant properties of peel and pulp of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. fruits

• Comparative analysis of the peel and pulp of E. angustifolia fruits was conducted. • Peel contained higher organic acids, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. • Pulp was richer in glucose, fructose, sucrose, and essential amino acids. • Peel accumulated more minerals, including nitrogen, potassium, Mn, and B. • Findings support peel valorization as a functional food and nutraceutical source. This study aimed to compare the phytochemical composition, organic acids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidant activities, and mineral contents in the peel and pulp of Oleaster ( Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) fruits. Peel exhibited higher levels of malic acid (491.12 mg/100 g), quinic acid (462.47 mg/100 g), citric acid (371.87 mg/100 g), total phenol (958.14 mg GAE/100 g), antioxidant capacity (123.34 mg Fe +2 /100 g), minerals (N, K, Mn, B), and linoleic acid (17.99 %). In contrast, pulp was richer in glucose (23.16 g/100 g), fructose (26.1 g/100 g), sucrose (1.93 g/100 g), glutamic acid (12.32 g/100 g), and oleic acid in pulp (12.81 %). The findings demonstrate complementary nutritional value of both peel and pulp, with the peel being rich in bioactive compounds and minerals, whereas the pulp contains sugars and amino acids. Therefore, utilization of peel, often discarded as waste, could be promoted in functional food and nutraceutical applications.