Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 210-222 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 213 against various pathogens. For instance, the peel, pulp, and core of commercialized kiwifruit cultivars contain unique phenolic compounds that contribute to their antimicrobial efficacy (Liu et al., 2022). These properties make kiwifruit a promising candidate for developing natural antimicrobial agents for food preservation and medical applications. Figure 1 Correlation heat map of the antioxidant analysis (Adopted from Zhang et al., 2020) Image caption: The figure presents a correlation heat map of the antioxidant analysis of kiwifruit, revealing the relationship between ascorbic acid content (AAC), total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant performance. The figure shows that AAC and TPC are significantly correlated with antioxidant performance (R2=0.96), with TPC contributing the most to antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the DPPH and FRAP antioxidant assays indicate that TPC plays a dominant role in antioxidant performance, while TFC contributes to some extent in certain cultivars. The figure reveals that kiwifruit’s antioxidant capacity is primarily driven by polyphenolic compounds, with red-fleshed cultivars exhibiting stronger antioxidant performance (Adapted from Zhang et al., 2020) 3.3 Cardiovascular benefits Kiwifruit consumption has been associated with beneficial effects on blood pressure regulation. The presence of bioactive compounds such as potassium and antioxidants in kiwifruit helps in maintaining vascular health and reducing hypertension. Although specific studies on the direct impact of kiwifruit on blood pressure are limited, the overall nutritional profile of kiwifruit supports its role in cardiovascular health (Wang et al., 2020). Kiwifruit has been shown to have a positive impact on cholesterol management. The dietary fiber and polyphenols in kiwifruit contribute to the reduction of LDL cholesterol levels and the improvement of HDL cholesterol levels. This effect is partly due to the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of kiwifruit, which help in maintaining lipid homeostasis and preventing atherosclerosis (Wang et al., 2020). The combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering effects of kiwifruit contribute to its overall cardiovascular benefits. Regular consumption of kiwifruit can help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases by improving blood lipid profiles, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing vascular function. Although more clinical studies are needed to establish the direct effects of kiwifruit on cardiovascular health, the existing evidence supports its potential as a heart-healthy fruit (Wang et al., 2020; Mishra et al., 2023). 4 Mechanisms of Action of Kiwifruit 4.1 Antioxidant mechanisms Kiwifruit demonstrates powerful antioxidant properties, primarily due to its high content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Its antioxidant mechanisms involve various pathways, including radical scavenging activity, which is notably effective in neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress. This effect has been
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