Utilization of Bitter Almonds from Apricot Pits: Bioactive Properties, Therapeutic and Industrial Applications

This book focuses on the utilization of bitter apricot kernels and analyzes their value as a natural resource at the intersection of the therapeutic, food, cosmetic, and parapharmaceutical fields. Following a general introduction on the importance of plants and vegetable oils as sources of bioactive compounds, it presents the apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca L.), its botanical characteristics, its agro-economic importance (particularly in Algeria), and the rich composition of the kernels, which are high in proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. The study then focuses on apricot kernels, aiming to identify and characterize their main constituents (unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins C and E, polyphenols, flavonoids), as well as the evaluation of their antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, with a view toward therapeutic or preventive applications. The book also discusses the current and potential uses of apricot derivatives in food, cosmetics (creams), and healthcare, while aligning with a approach focused on the sustainable use of local resources and the fight against oxidative stress.