Brazilian Native Fruits Research Articles

Feijoa [Acca sellowiana (Berg) Burret] accessions characterization and discrimination by chemometrics.

Feijoa [Acca sellowiana (Berg) Burret] is a Brazilian native fruit with few commercial-level plantations and high agroindustrial potential. A genotype evaluation experiment was conducted from 1996 onward, aiming to obtain fruits based on the agronomical parameters; however, the selection based on chemical composition had not been evaluated with respect to developing a new cultivar. Accordingly, the present study aimed to discriminate seven accessions of feijoa in terms of nutritional composition, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity using multivariate analysis (principal component analysis and multivariate contrast), targeting the potential production of a new cultivar with better nutritional value and high antioxidant capacity. Feijoa husk presented high content of ashes, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity compared to feijoa pulp. However, only feijoa pulp was selected to multivariate analysis because it is the fruit edible part. Data variability was explained in 78% and the feijoa pulp accessions were discriminated into four groups related to their characteristics. The accession 5 discrimination can be explained by the high content of ashes, carbohydrates, soluble solids, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Accession 6 was also discriminated by the high content of total acidity, pH and proteins, as well as a low content of soluble solids. Feijoa accessions may be indicated for increasing plant selection via hybridization with the other accessions, aiming to produce new cultivars with better nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity. For example, accession 5 is the most suited fruit for human consumption and is a potential plant with respect to becoming a new cultivar. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Distribution of nutrients and functional potential in fractions of Eugenia pyriformis: An underutilized native Brazilian fruit

Uvaia is a Brazilian native species whose fruit has few studies on the nutritional composition and antioxidant properties. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the proximate composition, mineral content, carbohydrate profile, identification of organic compounds, and determination of antioxidant properties in two fractions of this fruit (edible fraction and seed). Edible fraction showed the highest content of ash, lipids, proteins, total fibers, minerals mainly K and Mg (1557.61 and 124.40 mg 100 g−1, respectively), and carbohydrates such as fructose, sucrose, glucose (123.08; 64.40; and 42.39 mg g−1, respectively), and maltotetraose (G4). From the ESI-LTQ-XL-MS/MS analysis, it was possible to identify 22 compounds in the edible fraction and 16 compounds in the uvaia seed, including organic acids, phenolic acids and flavonoids. On the other hand, uvaia seed had the highest content of total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity. These results suggest that this fruit has great potential to be used in industry, with emphasis on making food with functional claims.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, in vivo toxicity, and polyphenolic composition of Eugenia selloi B.D.Jacks. (pitangatuba), a Brazilian native fruit.

Brazilian native fruits are a rich source of polyphenolic compounds that can act as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. Here, we determined the polyphenolic composition, anti-inflammatory mechanism of action, antioxidant activity and systemic toxicity in Galleria mellonella larvae of Eugenia selloi B.D.Jacks. (synonym Eugenia neonitida Sobral) extract (Ese) and its polyphenol-rich fraction (F3) obtained through bioassay-guided fractionation. Phenolic compounds present in Ese and F3 were identified by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. The anti-inflammatory activity of Ese and F3 was tested in vitro and in vivo through NF-κB activation, cytokine release and neutrophil migration assays. The samples were tested for their effects against reactive species (ROO•, O2•-, HOCl and NO•) and for their toxicity in Galleria mellonella larvae model. The presence of hydroxybenzoic acid, ellagitannins and flavonoids was identified. Ese and F3 reduced NF-κB activation, cytokine release and neutrophil migration, with F3 being three-fold more potent. Overall, F3 exhibited strong antioxidant effects against biologically relevant radicals, and neither Ese nor F3 were toxic to G. mellonella larvae. In conclusion, Ese and F3 revealed the presence of phenolic compounds that decreased the inflammatory parameters evaluated and inhibited reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. E. selloi is a novel source of bioactive compounds that may provide benefits for human health.

Native fruits from southern Brazil: Physico‐chemical characterization, centesimal composition, and mineral content

The present study aimed to analyze the nutritional composition of Brazilian native fruits—Butiá da Praia and da Serra, Açaí Juçara, Arumbeva, Maracujá do Mato, Fisális, and Jaracatiá. Fresh pulps were evaluated for pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, moisture, ash, protein, lipid, dietary fiber, and mineral contents. The value obtained for soluble solids of Butiá da Praia was higher. For ash and protein, Jaracatiá was highlighted. Açaí Juçara and Arumbeva can be considered an excellent source of dietary fibers and all fruits had a high percentage of insoluble fibers. Arumbeva was noted in calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc, and Jaracatiá in calcium and potassium. The results also showed variation among the different harvests. The use of these native species can be considered as an alternative to improve the Brazilian population diet and the results of this work can stimulate the demand, consumption and cultivation of these fruits, contributing to sustainable development. Practical applications Brazilian native fruits are little explored due to the lack of knowledge of their nutritional value. However, the food industry can benefit from processing and marketing for its versatility of use and increase the nutritional quality of the products through its high fiber and mineral content. The results can stimulate the demand, consumption and cultivation of these fruits contributing to sustainable development and can bring benefits to the health of the population.

Development, Chemical, and Sensory Characterization of Liqueurs from Brazilian Native Fruits

ABSTRACT The global market of alcoholic beverages nowadays is more diversified with the insertion of new flavors and new kinds of products. Thus, dry (80 g L−1 of sugar) and creamy liqueurs (344 g L−1 of sugar) of three different Brazilian native fruits (jabuticaba, blackberry, and guabiroba) were produced, and their physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, acceptance, and purchase intention tests have been evaluated. The six formulations prepared presented similar physicochemical characteristics with different contents of bioactive compounds. Also, the acceptance and purchase intention tests showed a preference for creamy liqueurs of all fruits and preference for the blackberry instead of the other fruits.

Brazilian native fruit extracts act as preventive agents modulating the purinergic and cholinergic signalling in blood cells and serum in a rat model of metabolic syndrome

In this study, we evaluated the effects of native fruit extracts on inflammatory and thromboregulatory parameters in animal model of metabolic syndrome (MetS) induced by highly palatable diet (HPD). Rats were divided into 4 experimental groups: standard chow, HPD, HPD and Psidium cattleianum extract, and HPD and Eugenia uniflora extract. HPD increased serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. On the other hand, this change was prevented by extracts. HPD decreased NTPDase activity in lymphocytes and platelets and 5′-nucleotidase in platelets. Treatment with extracts prevented these changes. An increase in adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity was prevented by E. uniflora in lymphocytes and serum of rats. Fruit extracts prevented the increase in the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in lymphocytes and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in serum induced by the HPD. Brazilian native fruit extracts have anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects, demonstrating therapeutic potential in the prevention of complications associated with MetS.

Phenolic profile and potential beneficial effects of underutilized Brazilian native fruits on scavenging of ROS and RNS and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Brazilian native fruits (BNF) have aroused interest of researchers and consumers for their great human health benefits. In this study, five BNF (Byrsonima lancifolia, Campomanesia phaea, Jacaratia spinosa, Solanum alternatopinnatum and Acnistus arborescens) were tested for their polyphenolic compounds by LC-ESI-MS/MS, reactive species deactivation (ROO˙, O2˙-, HOCl and NO˙), anti-inflammatory properties in vivo, and in vitro antimicrobial activity - with determination of putative mechanism(s) of action. Eighty-one polyphenols were identified, which exhibited a significant capacity to deactivate both ROS and RNS. C. phaea extract had the highest capacity to scavenge ROO˙ (68.94 μmol TE per g), O2˙- (IC50: 575.36 μg mL-1) and NO˙ (IC50: 16.96 μg mL-1), which may be attributed to the presence of ellagitanins. B. lancifolia decreased neutrophil influx into the peritoneal cavity of mice by 50% as compared to carrageenan and reduced Candida albicans biofilm viability by 3 log10 possibly due to complexation with cell membrane ergosterol. In summary, the BNF presented herein are good sources of bioactive compounds with positive effects on deactivation of biological reactive species, as well as with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, which can be altogether highly beneficial to human health.

Effects of passion fruit peel flour (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa O. Deg.) in cafeteria diet-induced metabolic disorders.

Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa O. Deg. is a native Brazilian fruit known as sour or yellow passion fruit. From its peel, mainly in the northeast of Brazil, is produced a flour that is largely used as folk medicine to treat diabetes and other metabolic conditions. The aim of the study was to show the effects of P. edulis peel flour (PEPF) in metabolic disorders caused by cafeteria diet in mice. The antioxidant activity in vitro of PEPF extract was determined by ferric reducing/antioxidant power, β-carotene/linoleic acid system and nitric oxide scavenging activity assay. C57BL/6 mice divided in 3 groups: Control group, fed on a standard diet (AIN); Cafeteria diet (CAF) group, fed on a cafeteria diet, and PEPF group, fed on a cafeteria diet containing 15% of PEPF, during 16 weeks. The glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were evaluated through the glucose tolerance test (GTT) and the insulin tolerance test (ITT). After the intervention period, blood, hepatic, pancreatic and adipose tissues were collected for biochemical and histological analysis. Cholesterol, triglyceride, interleukins and antioxidant enzymes were measured in the liver tissue. PEPF extract presented antioxidant activity in the higher concentrations in the performed assays. The PEPF intake decreased the body weight gain, fat deposition, predominantly in the liver, improved the glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in metabolic changes caused by cafeteria diet. Together, the data herein obtained points out that P. edulis peel flour supplementation in metabolic syndrome condition induced by CAF-diet, prevents insulin and glucose resistance, hepatic steatosis and adiposity.

Research and development on jabuticaba (Myrciaria Cauliflora): overview on academic research and patents

Abstract Myrciaria Cauliflora, popularly known as jabuticaba, is a Brazilian native fruit, rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids and tannins. In the wake of its properties, the jabuticaba is the study object of current paper which verifies worldwide research and technological development on the fruit. Data on academic research were retrieved from the following databases: Web of Science (WoS), Scopus and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and the patents were retrieved from Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial (INPI), European Patent Office (ESPACENET), Derwent World Patents Index (DWPI) and Patentoscope. Studies on the jabuticaba have been frequently developed in recent years and are concentrated in areas of agriculture and food science and technology. Further, there is a gap between scientific research and technological development, albeit complementary.

Geographical discrimination of uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) by principal component analysis.

The international marketing of native Brazilian fruits may benefit from research into discrimination between plants with particular properties. Plants with certain characteristics have strong potential for use in agroindustry and for the development of new processed products. In the current study, 12 uvaia plants (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess), native to Brazil, were geographically discriminated by chemometric methods, using nutritional composition, physicochemical characterization, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity data. Uvaia fruits presented good nutritional value, with a high moisture and carbohydrate content. All fruits presented a pH value lower than 4, being classified as highly acidic, and the total soluble solids (°Brix) ranged between 2.90 and 9.80. Some plants had a higher vitamin C content, and all the plants had a high bioactive compound content (phenolic and flavonoids) and antioxidant capacity in 1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Hydroethanolic solution was the best extraction solvent tested when compared with water and ethanol. Using principal component analysis, it was possible to discriminate among the plants in five different groups; however, just one group was responsible for higher antioxidant compound content. In this work, 12 native uvaia plants were discriminated by their geographical origin using a chemometric approach. Genetic improvement based on natural selection could be accomplished with some of the plants to improve the quality of uvaia pulp and to develop new cultivars. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

In vitro digestibility of gellan gels loaded with jabuticaba extract: Effect of matrix-bioactive interaction.

Jabuticaba is a native Brazilian fruit rich in phenolic compounds as anthocyanins, showing several benefits for human health but a high sensibility to physicochemical digestion conditions. Gellan is a biopolymer that could be used as a material to protect and carry bioactive compounds, since this polysaccharide is resistant to gastric pH conditions. In this context, gellan gels containing jabuticaba extract were produced using two different ionic strength values (adding calcium ions), which resulted in varied structures. These gels were subjected to two different in vitro digestion processes, modifying the type of mechanical forces applied to simulate stomach and intestine movement conditions. Anthocyanins release (by pH differential method), mechanical properties, confocal and light microscopy of gels were evaluated during in vitro digestibility. Results showed that jabuticaba extract exerted effect on gels mechanical-structural properties, since an increase of stress at rupture (hardness) and a decrease of strain at rupture (deformability) were observed only in gels without calcium addition. Although all gellan gels have improved anthocyanins retention during simulated gastrointestinal digestion process, gels without calcium were more efficient. Our results demonstrated that gellan gels could act as good carriers for anthocyanins, but their efficiency is dependent on the matrix composition, demonstrating that specific studies should be accomplished to determine which changes may occur in the matrix after bioactive addition. Furthermore, our results showed that the type of mechanical forces applied during in vitro digestion is an important variable, since the use of compression (a more similar-to-in vivo system) rather than shear forces increased the release of anthocyanins.

Physical-chemical properties of exotic and native Brazilian fruits

Many fruit species are still not well-studied, despite being rich in bioactive substances that have functional properties. The objective of this article was to evaluate the antioxidant potential and characterize the physical-chemical characteristics of unconventional brazilian fruits (cabeludinha - Myrciaria glazioviana, sapoti - Manilkara zapota, pitomba - Talisia esculenta, yellow gumixama - Eugenia brasiliensis var. Leucocarpus and seriguela - Spondias purpurea). Total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, sugars, pigments, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity were measured. Mature fruits were used in the analyses. Pitomba had high levels of soluble solids, 24.6 °Brix, while sapoti had 0.05 g malic acid 100 g-1 pulp. Yellow grumixama and seriguela had the highest concentrations of anthocyanins and carotenoids. Cabeludinha had a high concentration of phenolic compounds, 451.60 mg gallic acid 100 g-1 pulp. With the exception of sapoti, all fruits had a high antioxidant capacity (> 95%).

Optimization of native Brazilian fruit jelly through desirability-based mixture design

Abstract Faced with the need to enhance the availability and add even more value to Brazilian native fruits, combined with the demand and the great importance of developing mixed fruit products, the objective of this work was to evaluate the processing potential of jabuticaba, pitanga and cambuci in the preparation of jellies, based on sensory and nutritional characteristics, through desirability-based mixture design. Given the high sensory and nutritional quality of the jellies obtained through this study we found that the development of mixed jelly containing the Brazilian Native fruits jabuticaba, pitanga and cambuci is perfectly feasible and of great interest. According to the sensory and nutritional characteristics the fruit mixed jelly should contain: 40-100% jabuticaba, 0-30% cambuci and 0-20% pitanga.

Content of phenolic compounds in fruit processing residues by mass spectrometry

This study identified and quantified five phenolic compounds, and evaluated the antioxidant capacity in vitro of fifteen native and exotic Brazilian fruit seeds that are typically discarded as waste. The contents of phenolic compounds were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, and the antioxidant capacity was determined by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) antioxidant assays. The results showed the antioxidant activity of Campomanesia pubescens, Hovenia dulcis Thunberg and Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston in the ORAC assay, and Hymenaea stigonocarpa, Hovenia dulcis Thunberg and Campomanesia pubescens in the DPPH• assay. Among the fifteen samples, four were highlighted regarding phenolic compound analyzes: Hovenia dulcis Thunberg (5.723 µg g-1) for gallic acid and myricetin (111.057 µg g-1), Passiflora edulis (1.208 µg g-1) for chlorogenic acid, Annona atemoya (1.0580 µg g-1) for vanillic acid, and Campomanesia pubescens (0.420 µg g-1) for ferulic acid. Therefore, these fruit seeds can be used as alternative sources of natural antioxidants.

Low cost in situ digital image method, based on spot testing and smartphone images, for determination of ascorbic acid in Brazilian Amazon native and exotic fruits

In this work, we propose a method that employed a smartphone to capture images obtained from a colorimetric spot test to determine ascorbic acid (AA) in Brazilian Amazon native and exotic fruits. The spot test reaction was based on reduction of Fe(III) by AA and further complexation with 1,10-phenanthroline. After optimization, the limit of detection was 8.5 × 10−7 mol L−1. Brazilian Amazon native fruits such as bacuri, cupuaçu, muruci, yellow mombin, as well as others as cashew, mango, orange and passion fruit, were analyzed. In order to determine the accuracy of this method, iodometric titration was used; results were in close agreement with a confidence level of 95% (paired t-test). Moreover, recoveries ranged from 87.1 to 116%. The method is economic, environmentally friendly, and portable, and might useful for small producers and family agriculture businesses unable to afford specialized laboratory analysis in the north region of Brazilian Amazon.

Comprehensive characterization of bioactive phenols from new Brazilian superfruits by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS, and their ROS and RNS scavenging effects and anti-inflammatory activity

Brazilian native fruits (BNF) remain unexplored and underutilized resources with a high potential to improve human health and wellness. In our study, five new BNF (Eugenia stipitata, Sageretia elegans, Byrsonima arthropoda, Spondias mombin andRubus rosaefolius)were evaluated for their phenolic composition by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS; and for their ROS and RNS scavenging effects (ROO, O2−, NO, HOCl); in vivo anti-inflammatory activity (neutrophil migration); and in vivo acute toxicity in Galleria mellonella. Eighty-six phenolic compounds were identified, including hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins and ellagitannins, several of which had never been reported in BNF. The BNF exhibited high antioxidant effects against biologically relevant radicals, and treated animals showed decreased neutrophil influx and NF-kB activation. Thus, these BNF are good sources of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules that can be beneficial for human health as functional foods. Based on their bioactivity, they can be considered as new Brazilian superfruits.

Jaboticaba skin flour: analysis and sustainable alternative source to incorporate bioactive compounds and increase the nutritional value of cookies

Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) is a Brazilian native fruit which can be consumed in natura form, and also as processed food. The skin has a significant biological nutritional potential. The present study aimed to evaluate the bioactive compounds of the jaboticaba skin and of the jaboticaba skin flour (JSF), and its application in cookie. Physicochemical analyses to determine the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity (TEAC and FRAP) of jaboticaba skin and JSF were performed. Skin presented high content of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, flavonoids and condensed tannins, strengthening that this composition exhibited considerable levels of antioxidant activity. The JSF presented considerable carbohydrate contents, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, besides being a source of fibers. The cookies were prepared by replacing 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5% of the total amount of whole wheat flour in the recipe by JSF. The formulations presented positive increases of bioactive compounds, contributing with the potential of antioxidant activity. All formulations were well accepted in the sensory evaluation.

Southern Brazilian native fruit shows neurochemical, metabolic and behavioral benefits in an animal model of metabolic syndrome.

In this work, we evaluated the effects of Psidium cattleianum (Red Type) (PcRT) fruit extract on metabolic, behavioral, and neurochemical parameters in rats fed with a highly palatable diet (HPD) consisted of sucrose (65% carbohydrates being 34% from condensed milk, 8% from sucrose and 23% from starch, 25% protein and 10% fat). Animals were divided into 4 groups: standard chow, standard chow + PcRT extract (200mg/Kg/day by gavage), HPD, HPD + extract. The animals were treated for 150days. Concerning chemical profiling, LC/PDA/MS/MS analysis revealed cyanidin-3-O-glucoside as the only anthocyanin in the PcRT extract. Our results showed that the animals exposed to HPD presented glucose intolerance, increased weight gain and visceral fat, as well as higher serum levels of glucose, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and interleukin-6. These alterations were prevented by PcRT. In addition, HPD caused an increase in immobility time in a forced swimming test and the fruit extract prevented this alteration, indicating an antidepressant-like effect. PcRT treatment also prevented increased acetylcholinesterase activity in the prefrontal cortex caused by HPD consumption. Moreover, PcRT extract was able to restore Ca2+-ATPase activity in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, as well as Na+,K+-ATPase activity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. PcRT treatment decreased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, nitrite, and reactive oxygen species levels and prevented the reduction of superoxide dismutase activity in all cerebral structures of the HPD group. Additionally, HPD decreased catalase in the hippocampus and striatum. However, the extract prevented this change in the hippocampus. Our results showed that this berry extract has antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects, and neuroprotective properties, proving to be a potential therapeutic agent for individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Characterization of cell wall polysaccharides from Sicana odorifera fruit and structural analysis of a galactan-rich fraction pectins as side chains

Sicana odorifera is a Brazilian native fruit. In this work, cell wall polysaccharides from S. odorifera pulp were isolated by sequential extraction with water, citric acid, and sodium hydroxide solutions. The monosaccharide composition of crude polysaccharide fractions was determined. The aqueous fractions displayed the highest yields and they were constituted by pectins, having mainly galactans as side chains. The citric acid fraction (SCA) had galactose as the main component. The hemicellulosic fractions consisted mainly of xylose, mannose, galactose, and glucose, suggesting the presence of xyloglucans, xylans and mannans. The SCA fraction was further purified, resulting in a linear galactan (SCAI2). NMR and methylation analysis showed that SCAI2 was a β-(1→4) d-galactan with molar mass of 17,560 g/mol, determined by light scattering. The presence of a linear galactan in free form in fruits is unusual because these polymers usually occur as side chains of type I rhamnogalacturonans.

Bioactive compounds and functional potential of pequi (<em>Caryocar</em> spp.), a native Brazilian fruit: a review

Pequi is an indigenous word that means “thorny covering” and is used to describe fruits from the Caryocar spp. These fruits are widely consumed as food and used in traditional medicine by Brazilians in the savannah (Cerrado biome) and the Amazon region. The fruit is rich in lipids, mainly oleic acid, and other bioactive substances including carotenoids, phenolics, and tocopherols. The oil extracted from the pulp or “almond” (seed) has a high local socioeconomic impact and is associated with nutritional and therapeutic benefits. A wide array of health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial effects, improved cardiac function, as well as an increased lymphocyte-dependent immunity have been attributed to the pequi fruit, especially its pulp. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the edible parts of pequi fruits (pulp and almond), more specifically the oil produced from these parts, as a source of functional compounds with biological activity. Moreover, it considers the differences among the three more commercially-important species from the genus Caryocar.