Genetic variation, functional composition, biological activity, and diverse applications of Chaenomeles: A review of...

The exploration of medicinal and edible attributes of fruit materials has significantly advanced the food industry. However, the Chaenomeles species (Chaenomeles speciosa, Chaenomeles thibetica, Chaenomeles cathayensis, Chaenomeles japonica, and Chaenomeles sinensis) remain underexplored, with notable nutritional diversity and widespread availability. This review delves into the multifaceted health benefits of Chaenomeles, examining its fruits, leaves, twigs, seeds, and petals. This intrinsic complexity underscores the substantial potential for future research across various application avenues. This article provides a thorough overview of typical Chaenomeles species, encompassing an analysis of their functional composition, nutritional attributes, and diverse applications. The genetic relationships governing variation across these species are explored, particularly concerning the challenges and potential crises of cultivating smaller crop species. This study presents a comprehensive synthesis of inherent genetic variation patterns in Chaenomeles, elucidating considerations regarding its susceptibility to viruses, bacteria, and fungi as a small crop variety. The compositional analysis reveals phenolics, glycosides, organic acids, flavonoids, lipids, and macromolecules, each with distinct nutritional attributes contributing to organ protection, arthritis alleviation, and the mitigation of metabolic diseases. Notably, the pronounced sour taste characteristic of Chaenomeles can be effectively alleviated through methodologies such as fermentation.