Caratterizzazione biochimica di ecotipi di castagno campani

Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a typical crop species of Italian forests with more than half of production located in Campania, Region particularly rich in chestnut biodiversity with several local varieties. Since ancient times, extracts from chestnuts (fruits, burs, leaves etc..) have been used as traditional medicines. Recently, bioactive compounds with important antioxidant properties and/or antibacterial action were found in chestnuts. Therefore, this research performed a biochemical characterization of chestnuts located in "Roccamonfina - Garigliano Regional Park" of Campania, Southern Italy. Crude extracts were analysed for detecting bioactive molecules in chestnuts and their antioxidant power was evaluated. Biochemical knowledge of these unique plant resources could effectively improve their exploitation as source of nutraceuticals.