Fresh and Spray Dried Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora) and Jambolan (Syzygium cumini) Pulps are Natural Sources of Bioactive Compounds with Functional Attributes

Borges Kc,Bezerra Mdf

doi:10.4172/2329-8901.1000145

Abstract

This study approaches the physicochemical and bioactive characterization of fresh (FR), spray dried (SD) and freeze dried (FD) jambolan (JA) and pitanga pulps (red: RP and purple: PP) varieties). In general, the concentration of bioactive compounds followed the tendency FR>FD>SD. All samples presented high proanthocyanidin content (18.7 to 121.9 g QTE/Kg-1 DW), ellagic acid (0.203 to 0.943 g/Kg-1 DW) and anthocyanins (up to 15.8 g/Kg-1 DW). In this study, JA, RP and PP powders showed activity against alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase. This is the first report of protocatechuic and p-coumaric acids in fresh and spray dried red pitanga pulps. Also, this is the first time that the colorant potential and proanthocyanidin content of dried PP is shown. Overall, this research presents fresh data about these tropical fruits and demonstrates the multifunctional attributes of these understudied Myrtaceae examples of Brazilian biodiversity.

Highlights

Brazil is home to several tropical fruits, including pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) and jambolan (Syzygium cumini L.)
Materials Red pitanga (RP), purple pitanga (PP) (Eugenia uniflora L.) and jambolan (JA, Syzygium cumini L.) fruits used in this study were harvested at physiological maturity, which was established according to the color of fruit skins, using visual observation
The Arabic gum only found in spray dried (SD) samples might have played a role on the increased pH, since it is able to reduce the concentration of organic acids in solution [18,19]

Summary

Introduction

Brazil is home to several tropical fruits, including pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) and jambolan (Syzygium cumini L.). The pitanga tree is a Brazilian native plant which produces exotic berry-like fruits known as Brazilian cherries. These fruits come in three different color varieties (red, orange and purple), each one with very specific attributes, such as different phenolic profiles, anthocyanins, carotenoids and antioxidant activity [1]. Some scientific studies have shown the health-relevant effects of pitanga [3] and jambolan fruits [4], but very few have focused on the technological exploitation of derived products. We have successfully shown that drying techniques are efficient alternatives to producing high-value tropical dried fruits and residues, besides obtaining final products with preserved bioactive compounds and extended shelf life [5,6,7]

Methods

Results

Conclusion