Bioactive properties of processed products of medicinal fruits from Kuwait

Medicinal fruits from Kuwait, recognized for their rich bioactive compounds, have been traditionally utilized for their health-promoting properties. In recent years, the focus has shifted towards understanding and enhancing the bioactive properties of processed products derived from these fruits, with the aim of developing functional foods and nutraceuticals. This chapter explores the bioactive potential of various medicinal fruits from Kuwait, such as Ziziphus spina-christi (sidr), Phoenix dactylifera (dates), and Punica granatum (Pomegranate) following different processing techniques like drying, fermentation, and extraction. Emerging trends highlight the importance of preserving and even enhancing bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids during processing. Advances in processing methods, including the use of novel drying techniques (e.g., freeze-drying, spray-drying) and non-thermal technologies (e.g., ultrasound, pulsed electric fields), are being employed to retain the nutritional and therapeutic properties of these fruits. Moreover, the development of encapsulation and nano-delivery systems is being investigated to improve the stability and bioavailability of the bioactive in these processed products. Recent studies also emphasize the potential of these processed fruits to combat oxidative stress, inflammation, and other chronic diseases, which is driving innovation in the formulation of functional foods and dietary supplements. As the global demand for natural and effective health products continues to rise, the bioactive properties of processed medicinal fruits from Kuwait represent a promising area for future research and development in the field of nutraceuticals.