Chemical constituents of bird cherry ( Prunus padus L.) stemwood and knotwood bioactive-rich extracts and their antioxidant activity

This study compares the polyphenolic composition and antioxidant activity of Prunus padus stemwood and knotwood extracts. Results show that the knotwood extract contains significantly higher levels of phenolic compounds (485 ± 59 mg GAE g−1) and superior antioxidant activity (385 ± 38 mg AAE g−1) than the stemwood. Both wood tissues are rich in catechin (34 g kg−1 in knotwood and 8 g kg−1 in stemwood), a flavonoid recognised for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Additionally, bioactive lignan glucosides – lyoniside and ssioriside – were identified (up to 3.5 g kg−1). These findings suggest that P. padus wood is a promising feedstock for the recovery of high-value polyphenols for potential future use in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements with strong antioxidant activity.