Wild Fruits of Amelanchier ovalis Medik. (Rosaceae): A Valuable Neglected Resource of Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds

Amelanchier ovalis Medik., is a neglected wild edible fruit traditionally consumed in several European regions and adapted to diverse agroecological conditions. The present study aimed to provides a preliminary physico-chemical and characterization of the fruits collected in central Spain. The analysis focused on fatty acids, tocopherols, soluble sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds, alongside an evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. The results indicate that this wild edible fruit is characterized by a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic (34%) and linoleic (30%) acids, and contain appreciable amounts of tocopherols (28 mg/100 g, fw). The presence of sorbitol stands out in this species as a soluble sugar (> 2 g/100 g, fw), and the organic acid profile revealed a balanced composition. A high total phenolic content was observed, characterized by hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids. In vitro assays demonstrate radical scavenging capacity and inhibitory activity against selected pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. Furthermore, no in vitro cytotoxicity was evidenced in non-tumour hepatic cell lines (PLP2). These findings provide a baseline characterization of the nutritional and bioactive compounds profile of A. ovalis fruits, suggesting their revalorization for its consumption as part of the Mediterranean diet and as a potential technological functional ingredient, although further studies on bioavailability and in vivo efficacy are required.