Hazelnut kernels and byproducts, their plant chemicals and biological activity
What it found
Phenolics are the most abundant plant chemicals in hazelnut kernels and leftover parts like skins and shells.
These compounds showed antioxidant, cell-growth slowing, and germ-fighting activity in lab tests.
What they found
Animal and lab studies
Biological activity in labs
The plant chemicals showed antioxidant, cell-growth slowing, and germ-fighting activity in lab studies. Less common biological effects were also noted.
Other findings
Most common plant chemicals
Phenolics were found to be the most plentiful plant chemicals in both the kernels and the leftover processing parts.
Taxane compounds in leaves
The authors paid special attention to taxane derivatives, which are specific compounds isolated from hazelnut tree leaves.
Measuring the compounds
The authors reviewed various lab techniques used to identify and measure the amounts of these specialized plant chemicals across different hazelnut parts.
What the authors conclude
- They highlight hazelnut as a source of active plant chemicals that could offer benefits for human health.
- They note that leftover parts from processing, such as skins and shells, contain useful compounds worth further attention.
How it was done
Hazelnuts are a popular tree nut worldwide, and interest has grown in leftover parts from roasting and shelling as sources of active plant chemicals. The authors wanted to update what is known about these compounds and their effects.
The authors gathered and evaluated existing research on the chemistry and biological activity of plant chemicals in hazelnut kernels and byproducts. They looked at parts including the skin, hard shell, green leafy cover, and tree leaves. They also reviewed lab methods used to measure these compounds.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- Lab findings on cells cannot show what happens when people eat hazelnuts or their byproducts.
- This work gathers past studies rather than testing effects directly in people.
Who paid
- Conflicts
- The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
- Authors work at
- Università degli Studi di Salerno, Italy
The paper
- Title
- Plant Specialized Metabolites in Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) Kernel and Byproducts: An Update on Chemistry, Biological Activity, and Analytical Aspects
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Evidence
- Animals and lab studies
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Bottone A, Cerulli A, DʼUrso G, et al (2019). Plant Specialized Metabolites in Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) Kernel and Byproducts: An Update on Chemistry, Biological Activity, and Analytical Aspects. Planta medica. doi:10.1055/a-0947-5725PubMed 31250412DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error