1.1 Introduction
Prunus armeniaca is the most commonly cultivated apricot species. The native range is somewhat uncertain due to its extensive prehistoric cultivation. Genetic studies indicate Central Asia is the center of origin. It is extensively cultivated in many countries and has escaped into the wild in many places. Apricots (Prunus armeniaca) are stone fruits also known as Armenian plums. Round and yellow, they look like a smaller version of a peach but share the tartness of purple plums. They’re extremely nutritious and have many health benefits, such as improved digestion and eye health.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a member of the Rosaceae family. Apricot fruit, being a rich source of vitamins and minerals, is one of the most familiar crops worldwide. Apricot trees are not ubiquitous since they can only grow in certain regions where the environmental conditions are favorable (Baytop et al., 1999). The apricot is native to China and Japan, but is also cultivated in the warmer temperate regions of the world, including Turkey, through southern Europe, South Africa and Australia. In Turkey, the apricot is grown mainly in Malatya and Erzincan where the climate permits economic production (Asma, 2002).
In the past few years, there has been a renewed interest in evaluating the antioxidant content and distribution patterns of fruits and vegetables. This change occurred after it was discovered that antioxidant phytonutrients (carotenoid and phenolics) are important for two main reasons. First, they are responsible for the sensory properties of food and second, they have protective activity against a variety of degenerative diseases (Flood et al., 2002). Currently, there is overwhelming evidence indicating that free radicals cause oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Free radicals may lie at the heart of the etiology or of the natural history of a number of diseases, including cancer and atherosclerosis (Ames, 1983). Therefore, antioxidants, which can neutralize free radicals, may be of central importance in the prevention of these diseases (Wang et al., 1996).
Fruits and vegetables contain many different antioxidant components. For example, some flavonoids (including flavones, isoflavones, flavonones, anthocyanins, catechin, and isocatechin) that are frequent components of the human diet have demonstrated strong antioxidant activities (Kris-Etherton et al., 2002). In fact, higher plants exhibit significant potency against human bacterial and fungal pathogens. Apart from being the primary food source of some essential nutrients, fruits and vegetables also contain a variety of bioactive components, which might have other beneficial health effects (Cos et al., 2006).
The apricot has been used in folk medicine as a remedy for various diseases. A decoction of the plant bark has functioned as an astringent to soothe irritated skin. Other uses for apricots in folk medicine include treatment of hemorrhages, infertility, eye inflammation, and spasm. Apricot kernel paste can heal vaginal infections. The kernel oil has been used in cosmetics and as a pharmaceutical agent (laxative and expectorant). In very small amounts, the toxic hydrogen cyanide present in bitter apricot kernels has been prescribed for asthma, cough and constipation (Chevallier, 1996). The fresh apricot fruit contains carbohydrates, vitamins C and K, β-carotene, niacin, and thiamine. Organic acids, phenols, volatile compounds, esters, and terpenoids have also been isolated (Ruiz et al., 2006). Apricot kernels contain a substantial amount of dietary protein (El-Aal et al., 1986), along with significant amounts of oil and fiber (Hacisefero et al., 2007). In a previous study, Femenia et al. (1995) reported that sweet apricot kernels contain more oil than bitter kernels, and that oleic acid and linoleic acid correspond to approximately 92 g/100 g of the total fatty acids present. Apricot kernels, depending on the variety, contain the toxic cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin (Gomezet al., 1998). Amygdalin can be hydrolyzed to form glucose, benzaldehyde and hydrocyanic acid. Enzymatic release of cyanide occurs in the presence of β-glucoronidase, an enzyme found in the human intestine (Shragg et al., 2001).
Numerous reports concerning the physicochemical characteristics of apricot seed oils are available in the literature (Shragg, et al., 2001), but little information is available concerning the in vitro antioxidant activities of these oils (Durmaz et al., 2007). Similarly, the antibacterial activities of apricot kernels have been poorly studied (Hammer et al., 1995), and the lack of studies concerning the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the kernels have stimulated the present research. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of methanol and water extracts of both bitter and sweet kernels of P. armeniaca L.
1.3 Statement of Problems
The study reveals the following problems associated with the antibacterial activity of prunus armaniaca (marke);
- Lack proper estimation of the total phenolic compounds in methanol and water extracts of sweet and bitter apricot kernels,
- Inadequate information relating to the antibacterial activities of methanol and water extracts of Purunus Armaniaca,
- Lack of proper and precise information relating to the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Purunus Armaniaca.
1.4 Objectives of Study
The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of prunus armaniaca (marke). Therefore, the objectives of this research were:
- To estimate the total phenolic compounds in methanol and water extracts of sweet and bitter apricot kernels,
- Provision of information relating to the antibacterial activities of methanol and water extracts of Purunus Armaniaca,
- To provide information relating to the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Purunus Armaniaca.
1.5 Significance of the Study
This research work when completed and implemented it will help to estimate the total phenolic compounds in methanol and water extracts of sweet and bitter apricot kernels, provide information relating to the antibacterial activities of methanol and water extracts of Purunus Armaniaca, and antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Purunus Armaniaca. It will be beneficial to;
- Food technologist
- Lab Scientist
Besides, the study will serve as reference material for subsequent researcher in the field or related topics.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the antibacterial activity of prunus armaniaca (marke).
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this project work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this institution to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
1.8 Definition of Technical Terms
Antibacterial: Antibacterial: Anything that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or their ability to reproduce. Heat, chemicals such as chlorine, and antibiotic drugs all have antibacterial properties.
Activity: the condition in which things are happening or being done.
Prunus Armaniaca: Prunus armeniaca is the most commonly cultivated apricot species. The native range is somewhat uncertain due to its extensive prehistoric cultivation. Genetic studies indicate Central Asia is the center of origin. It is extensively cultivated in many countries and has escaped into the wild in many places.
Antioxidant: Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals and chain reactions that may damage the cells of organisms. Antioxidants such as thiols or ascorbic acid may act to inhibit these reactions.
Constraint: a limitation or restriction.
Estimate: roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of.
Total: comprising the whole number or amount.
Phenolic: a usually thermosetting resin or plastic made by condensation of a phenol with an aldehyde and used especially for molding and insulating and in coatings and adhesives.
Compound: a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; a mixture.
Methanol: Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol amongst other names, is a chemical and the simplest alcohol. It is a light, volatile, colourless, flammable liquid with a distinctive alcoholic odour similar to that of ethanol.
