Abstract
The fruits belonging to the family Myrtaceae are known sources of compounds with functional characteristics. Nevertheless, the studies are focused only on some species of this family. In this sense, we aimed to quantify the bioactive compounds present in the pulps of cambuci, feijoa, uvaia and grumixama; to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant capacity of each one and to correlate the contribution of these bioactive compounds with the antioxidant activity of each fruit pulp. For this, the compounds ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and flavonoids were quantified for the pulps of cambuci, feijoa, uvaia, and grumixama, as well as the in vitro antioxidant capacity by the methods DPPH and ABTS. The results were evaluated by multivariate statistical techniques. The pulps present good antioxidant potential, the one from cambuci presented the highest values for antioxidant activity given by the method DPPH (61.86 µg of Trolox g-1), that from uvaia was prominent by the presence of ascorbic acid (85.40 ascorbic acid 100 g-1) and that from feijoa, by the flavonoid contents (62.45 mg quercetin g-1) and phenolic compounds (10.21 mg gallic acid equivalent g–1). A correlation was observed between pulp antioxidant capacity and the contents of ascorbic acid and carotenoids; on the other hand, the phenolic compounds and flavonoids little contributed for the anti-free radical activity of the methods DPPH and ABTS.
Highlights
The biome Atlantic Forest has been constantly losing species because of the process of expansion of the agricultural frontiers, mainly of monocultures
The protective effect of the bioactive compounds found in the fruits is greatly attributed to the biological properties that promote health, such as the antioxidant capacity of vitamin C, of the carotenoids and of phenolic compounds such as the flavonoids (Seifried, Anderson, Fisher, & Milner, 2007)
It was possible to divide the pulps according to the bioactive compounds studied and the antioxidant capacity that best characterizes them, with feijoa pulp characterized by the flavonoid contents, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, grumixama pulp by the carotenoid contents and uvaia pulp by the ascorbic acid
Summary
The biome Atlantic Forest has been constantly losing species because of the process of expansion of the agricultural frontiers, mainly of monocultures. The protective effect of the bioactive compounds found in the fruits is greatly attributed to the biological properties that promote health, such as the antioxidant capacity of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), of the carotenoids and of phenolic compounds such as the flavonoids (Seifried, Anderson, Fisher, & Milner, 2007). These antioxidants can act as free radical scavengers, peroxide decomposers, singlet oxygen suppressors, enzyme inhibitors, and synergists (Rufino et al, 2010). The synthesis and accumulation of these compounds in fruits are variable depending on species, variety, management, climate conditions, ripening stage and storage conditions (Veberic, Colaric, & Stampar, 2008)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
