Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Malus domestica Burkh. ‘Ak Sakı’ Cultivar Growing in Erzincan

ABSTRACT

The chemical composition and biological activities of Malus domestica ‘Ak Sakı’ fruits cultivated in Erzincan, Türkiye, were analyzed. The aroma profile of the fruits was investigated for the first time. This study aimed to identify the major volatile and phenolic compounds and determine their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties to investigate the potential health benefits of this cultivar. GC‐MS analysis identified major volatile compounds, including 1‐hexanol (20.54%), benzaldehyde (13.49%), and 1‐octanol (6.68%). LC‐MS/MS analysis of phenolic compounds in the ethyl acetate fraction revealed high levels of chlorogenic acid (12 802.67 µg/g), catechin (8601.52 µg/g), and quercetin (805.96 µg/g). Among the tested extracts, the ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (47.18 ± 0.92 µg/mL), total phenolic content (70.17 ± 0.28 mg GAE/g extract), and reducing power (90.17 ± 0.71 mg TE/g extract), followed by butanol and diethyl ether extracts. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated varying inhibition zones, with volatile oil being the most effective. In addition, extracts exhibit cytotoxicity potential. The diethyl ether fraction shows the most potent selective cytotoxicity against A549 lung cancer cells. The findings indicate that the ‘Ak Saki’ cultivar contains diverse bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial properties. This fruit may contribute to the nutritional and health value of the daily diet.