Chaenomeles: A promising functional product for the food and pharmaceutical industries

In light of the deteriorating environmental situation, the search for phytogenic resources with radioprotective and antioxidant properties has become increasingly relevant for the food industry. Certain fruit crops are rich sources of biologically active compounds (BACs). The plants of particular interest are those that accumulate these compounds not only in their fruit, but also in other parts such as seeds and leaves. Representatives of the genus Chaenomeles Lindl. may represent a promising crop for agriculture, the food and pharmaceutical industries in Russia. Although Chaenomeles is mainly cultivated for its fruit production, there are other potential applications that are worth noting. This review examines the biological characteristics, breeding, and biochemical composition of different parts of Chaenomeles species. The most suitable species for cultivation in the Russian Federation include C. japonica , C. speciosa , C. × superba , and C. cathayensis . The paper provides an overview of Chaenomeles cultivars developed by major Russian breeding centers, such as the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens — National Scientific Center (NBS-NSC) and Michurinsk State Agrarian University. Both domestic and international studies on the biochemical composition of Chaenomeles fruits, leaves, and seeds are analyzed. The content of major antioxidant compounds (vitamin C and polyphenols), as well as other bioactive substances, in various plant parts is described. According to literature data, the highest vitamin C concentrations are found in the fruits of C. speciosa and С. cathayensis . All parts of the plant contain chlorogenic acid and polyphenols in varying concentrations. Among the studied species, C. japonica and C. speciosa are the most thoroughly investigated, whereas C. cathayensis remains insufficiently studied.