Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the content of minerals, bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of ‘Cajui’ (Anacardium humille St. Hill) during the ripening. The fruits were collected in three maturity stages. The content of the minerals, total phenolics, proanthocyanidin and carotenoids contents as well as the antioxidant activity, ABTS (2,2-azinobis-3-ethylben-zothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) were determined, with results expressed on Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The Student’s t-test was employed to analyse the data, based on a significance level of p < 0.05. The total phenolic contents were determined as 1424.33 ± 28.62, 991.16 ± 21.52 and 867.08 ± 28.56 mg GAE.100 g-1 for the immature, semi-mature and mature stages, respectively. Regarding the carotenoid content, 18.05 ± 1.01 was obtained for the immature stage, 8.62 ± 0.96 was obtained for the semi-mature stage, and 8.32 ± 0.97 mg-β-carotene.100 g-1 was obtained for the mature stage. Regarding the antioxidant activity; it was particularly relevant for the fruits in the immature stage in the three methods used: DPPH (30399.63 ± 27.06 µM TEAC.100g-1), ABTS (40860.62 ± 9.32 µM TEAC 100 g-1) and FRAP (6118.22 ± 83.04 µM TEAC.100 g-1). The ‘cajui’ exhibited high antioxidant activity and content of bioactive compounds, especially for the immature stage. Among the minerals, ‘cajui’ showed high levels of K (potassium), P (phosphorus), and Mg (magnesium). Thus, the cajui presents itself as a good source of antioxidant compounds which can be exploited by the food industry as an ingredient for the development of a food with functional properties and the pharmaceutical industry, as phytochemical. Key words: Minerals, phenolic compounds; maturation stages; antioxidant activity.
Highlights
The Cerrado‟s flora comprises a variety of fruit tree species with great potential for agricultural use, which are traditionally used by the local population, who consume them in natura or processed as juice, liquor, ice cream, jams and sweets (Silva et al, 2008)
The content of the minerals, total phenolics, proanthocyanidin and carotenoids contents as well as the antioxidant activity, ABTS (2,2-azinobis-3-ethylben-zothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP were determined, with results expressed on Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)
18.05 ± 1.01 was obtained for the immature stage, 8.62 ± 0.96 was obtained for the semi-mature stage, and 8.32 ± 0.97 mg-β-carotene.100 g-1 was obtained for the mature stage
Summary
The Cerrado‟s flora comprises a variety of fruit tree species with great potential for agricultural use, which are traditionally used by the local population, who consume them in natura or processed as juice, liquor, ice cream, jams and sweets (Silva et al, 2008). (Anacardiaceae) is commonly known as „cajuzinho-do-cerrado’ or „cajuí‟ (Hoehne, 1979). This pseudo-fruit can be consumed in the form of juice, sweets and wine. The high sugar and total soluble solids contents, which influence the level of sweetness of these small cashew apples, are apparently responsible for the good sensory acceptance (AgostiniCosta et al, 2004). Some authors have demonstrated the existence of significant differences in the levels of bioactive compounds and in the antioxidant capacity of other tropical fruits at different maturation stages (Park et al, 2006; Zhang et al, 2006). The present study aimed to determine the influence of the maturation stage on the bioactive compounds content and the antioxidant activity of the „cajuí‟ fruit
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