Prulaurasin content of leaves, kernels and pulps of Prunus lauracerasus L. (Cherry Laurel) during ripening

Abstract

Cyanogenic glycosides are highly toxic compounds distributed over 2500 taxa as secondary metabolites which release cyanide and benzaldehyde when degraded by endogenous enzymes. In this study, prulaurasin - a cyanogenic glycoside -content of Prunus lauracerasus L. (cherry laurel) leaves, kernels and pulps were investigated during the ripening period with a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. In leaves, prulaurasin pursues a relatively linear path while in kernels, it rapidly increases during fruit development. The higher amount of prulaurasin was quantified in the early stages of pulps and decreased over time to an undetectable level in mature form to form an edible fruit that promotes propagation.