Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Comparative Study on the Polysaccharide Contents and Antioxidant Activities of Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis and Hippophae gyantsensis
Published on: August 15, 2025
Underutilized Medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) Fruit as a Source of Dietary Fibers
Nenad Mićanović1, Sanja Stojanović2, Aleksandra Margetić2
1University of Belgrade-Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Food Technology and Biochemistry, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia.
Abstract:
Medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) is a plant species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Despite the nutritional and functional value of the medlar fruit, there is limited research, particularly regarding its potential as a source of dietary fibers, indigestible plant-based components, important for improving health. Fungal cellulase enzymes were used to treat medlar fruit in physiological (PRM) and consumable (CRM) maturity and obtain insoluble dietary fibers (IDF). The yield of obtained insoluble dietary fibers was 83% for both PRM and CRM. Fungal strains Aspergillus welwitschiae have proven to be significant producers of the cellulase enzyme complex and are also safe for use in food production. Swelling capacity exhibited the most pronounced response to the enzymatic treatment; 8.51-8.65% vs. 12.24-12.86% (untreated and treated fruits, respectively). Dietary fibers extracted from medlar fruits exhibited antioxidant activity that can be attributed to the presence of bound polyphenolic compounds within the fiber material. Microscopic analysis and FTIR spectra revealed structural changes in the medlar fibers due to enzyme activity, indicating partial hydrolysis of lignocellulosic components. This process enhances the functional properties of medlar-based IDF, making it a valuable ingredient for fiber-enriched food products.
More Related Videos
11:06Network Pharmacology Prediction and Metabolomics Validation of the Mechanism of Fructus Phyllanthi against Hyperlipidemia
Published on: April 7, 2023
13:09Rapid Model to Evaluate the Anti-Obesity Potential of a Combination of Syzygium aromaticum Clove and Cuminun cyminum Cumin on C57BL6/j Mice Fed High-Fat Diet
Published on: July 31, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Carbohydrates: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Fruit Development, Structure, and Function
Introduction to Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate Absorption
After being swallowed, the partially digested carbohydrates mix with gastric secretions in the stomach. However, the acidic environment...
Cellulose and Pectic Polysaccharides
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the...
Carbohydrate Digestion