On the basis of the data related to apple polyphenols that we reviewed in this paper, some schematic
conclusion could be given:
• literature on apple polyphenols properties suggest their potential use in preventing several
chronic diseases in humans.
• Deeper knowledge on the specific molecular mechanisms of action (i.e., epigenetic
modifications) of apple polyphenols in human disease is necessary.
• Phenolic compound characterization in whole apple fruit is well established, while their fate
during transformation in juice need to be improved in order to better clarify the losses of these
compounds and suitable strategies for their optimal conservation.
• The high variation on the localization of polyphenols composition in the fruit peel and flesh
among cultivars and Malus species can be very useful for breeding program and underline the
importance of germplasm conservation strategies.
• Genomic revolution and biotechnological applications will boost genetic improvement of elite
apple genotypes by enabling the introduction of highly specific polyphenolic traits