Psidium Cattleianum Research Articles

Araçá (Psidium cattleianum Sabine): bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and pancreatic lipase inhibition

ABSTRACT: “Araçá” has been reported with different biological activities such as antioxidant, antiproliferative and antimicrobial as well as inhibitors of digestive enzymes. The digestive pancreatic lipase enzyme plays a fundamental role in lipid metabolism, and its inhibition has been studied as a target for obesity treatment. This study quantified the bioactive compounds present in different parts of “araçá” fruit and evaluated their antioxidant activity and lipase inhibition properties. Three samples were analyzed for total anthocyanins, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and pancreatic lipase inhibition. Anthocyanins were reported only in pulp-peel of red “araçá” sample. Phenolic compounds concentration was higher in pulp-peel than in seeds for all samples. The antioxidant activity followed the same trend. A positive correlation was observed between total phenolic content and both antioxidant activity and lipase inhibition. Lipase inhibition activity was higher for pulp-peel compared to the seeds. Overall, the results showed that “araçá” fruit extracts could be beneficial for the treatment of obesity.

CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION, ANTIOXIDANT, CYTOTOXIC, AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF EUGENIA UNIFLORA L. AND PSIDIUM CATTLEIANUM SABINE ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE AND ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII / CARACTERIZAÇÃO QUÍMICA, ANTIOXIDANTE, CITOTÓXICA E ANTIBACTERIANA DOS ÓLEOS ESSENCIAIS DE EUGENIA UNIFLORA L. E PSIDIUM CATTLEIANUM SABINE SABINE CONTRA KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE E ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII

INTRODUCTION: Eugenia uniflora L. and Psidium cattleianum Sabine essential oils (EO) can be biologically active and serve as novel sources of antibiotics for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria. METHODS: The EO of E. uniflora L. (EOE) and P. cattleianum Sabine (EOP) were extracted from de leaves of the plants and chemically characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant potential was evaluated by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) technique and the cytotoxicity evaluated in mammalian VERO cell line by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The antibacterial activity of EOE and EOP was assessed by the broth microdilution method. RESULTS: The major compounds of EOE were benzofuran (24.38%), germacrene B (20.12%), β-elemene (9.33%) and β-cubebene (8.55%), and for EOP were α-pinene (24.25%), β-caryophyllene (20.45%), and eucalyptol (10.43%). Both EO tested showed low antioxidant effect and dose-dependent cytotoxicity in VERO cell line. The EOE was less toxic for the mammalian cells with an IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) index of 75.0 mg.mL-1. The EOP and EOE were more active against A. baumannii, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 14.0 and 56.0 mg.mL-1 and a minimal bactericide concentration (MBC) of 14.0 and 112.0 mg.mL-1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although EOE and EOP have low antioxidant and antibacterial activity against A. baumanni and K. pneumoniae new approaches can be applied to improve this effect in vivo.

Tritrophic interactions between fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae), their hosts and parasitoids in the main fruit production regions of Uruguay

Fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) cause severe damage to fruit production in Uruguay. Understanding the tritrophic interactions between Tephritidae, their hosts and their natural enemies, as well as determining the volatile compounds that mediate these interactions, would provide knowledge to manage this group. The objectives of this thesis were to prospect the species of fruit flies present in the country, their parasitoids, and the establishment of hosts. Also, to determine the population fluctuation of C. capitata and A. fraterculus. Finally, to study the trophic interactions of fruit flies and its native hosts, to identify the volatiles produced by native host and their role as host location chemical cues. To do this, McPhail traps and fruit collections carried out in native and productive ecosystems in northern and southern Uruguay. The volatile compounds that mediate the interactions in a native system A. fraterculus and two hosts, Acca sellowiana and Psidium cattleianum, were also studied. As part of the results, new fruit fly species were registered: Anastrepha dissimilis, Anastrepha nigra, Anastrepha australis, Anastrepha littoralis, Neosilba pradoi and Diasiopos frieseni and the parasitoids Opius bellus, Utetes anastrephae, Doryctobracon areolatus and Doryctobracon brasiliensis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Ceratitis performs best in disturbed agroecosystems while A. fraterculus adapts better to ecosystems with little anthropogenic intervention. The immature and mature fruits of A. sellowiana and P. cattleianum showed differences in their volatile profiles, and they were attractive to mated females of A. fraterculus. This suggests that volatile organic compounds may be a reliable host location signal for the insect, with potential use as attractant for the management of this species.

Planting designs and functional traits of native plant species used in restoration projects in araucaria forests

A Floresta com Araucária (FA) é uma das formações florestais da Mata Atlântica mais devastadas, com uma grande quantidade de áreas que precisam ser restauradas. Dessa maneira, a proposta deste estudo foi comparar dois modelos de plantio em áreas de FA e determinar atributos funcionais de quatro espécies nativas para restauração ecológica -Schinus terebinthifolius, Psidium cattleianum, Eugenia involucrata e Ocotea odorifera. Para isso, o estudo comparou sobrevivência, crescimento inicial, cobertura de copa e cobertura do solo por 18 meses entre o modelo de plantio sistemático (espécie pioneira intercalada com espécies não-pioneiras na mesma linha de plantio) e modelo sistemático (espécies pioneiras e não-pioneiras distribuídas aleatoriamente nas parcelas). Os atributos funcionais avaliados foram: crescimento médio em altura, sobrevivência, suscetibilidade à geada, diâmetro de copa e frequência de herbivoria. Não houve diferenças na sobrevivência, crescimento inicial e cobertura do solo entre os modelos de plantio. Schinus terebinthifolius apresentou 87% dos atributos desejáveis para uso em projetos de restauração na FA com altas taxas de sobrevivência e crescimento (crescimento em altura e diâmetro de copa). As espécies não pioneiras tiveram uma taxa de sobrevivência de 50% ou menos e não são recomendadas para o plantio conjunto com as espécies pioneiras com implementação durante a estação de geada em FA.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oil from Psidium cattleianum Afzel. ex Sabine leaves

The search for natural sources to control microorganisms is of interest in food production. This study evaluated the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Psidium cattleianum leaves. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and identified by GC-MS. The predominant class of compounds was sesquiterpenes (47.6%) and the major compounds were trans-β-caryophyllene (14.7%), 1,8-cineole (11.7%) and ɣ-muurolene (5.6%). The antimicrobial activity was carried out by microdillution technique against eight fungi and eight bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 0.17 to 11.25 mg mL-1 for fungi, and from 1.40 to 16.87 mg mL-1 for bacteria. The highest activities were against fungi Aspergillus fumigatus (ATCC 1022), Aspergillus ochraceus (ATCC 12066), Aspergillus versicolor (ATCC 11730), and Trichoderma viride (IAM 5061), and bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Bacillus cereus (clinical isolate), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) with potential to prevent foodborne diseases.

“Yellow Araçá” flour (Psidium cattleyanum cv. Ya-cy) in cereal bars - nutritional and functional potential

Yellow Araçá (Psidium cattleyanum cv. Ya-cy) is a Brazilian native fruit that can be consumed fresh or turned into food products. However, distribution and consumption of fresh fruits are still limited due to faulty post-harvest handling. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and functional potential of fresh Yellow Araçá fruit, turned into flour, in formulations of cereal bars. Ripe fruits preserved higher nutritional and functional indexes, presenting high antioxidant potential. As observed during the sensory analysis, addition up to 20% of fruit flour into the cereal bar was well accepted by the consumers. The cereal bar showed significant levels of omega-6 (n-6) and omega-9 (n-9), and minerals nutrients such as iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc. Significant levels of phenolic compounds and low levels of sodium and saturated fatty, free from trans fatty acids, were also observed. The cereal bar presented high amount of crude fiber content, indicating a high potential for use as a functional food.

Biological activities of the essential oils of Cupressus macrocarpa, Lantana camara and Psidium littorale against Plasmodium falciparum welch, 1897 and Anopheles gambiae giles, 1902

This study assessed the in vitro anti-plasmodial on and larvicidal activity of essential oils from the leaves of Cupressus macrocarpa, Lantana camara and Psidium littorale. The chemical compositions of the different oils were determined. The toxicity of the oils was tested on An. gambiae larvae according to WHO protocol and their in vitro anti-plasmodial activity was assessed by radio-isotopic method. α-pinene (20.78%), β-caryophyllene (20.37%) and 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) (39.55%) were the major compounds in Cupressus macrocarpa, Lantana camara and Psidium littorale oils respectively. The in vitro anti-plasmodial activity showed that Lantana camara essential oil is more effective (IC50=12.34 ppm) than Cupressus macrocarpa (147.29 ppm) and Psidium littorale (115.45ppm). Essential oil of Lantana camara showed higher activity on larvae from Yassa (DL=7.37 ppm) while that of Psidium littorale was more active on larvae from Youpwe (DL=49.2 ppm). These oils can be used for the development of new biocides and natural anti-malarial drugs.

Phenological follow-up of strawberry-guava in the Southeast Region of Paraná

Brazil has a considerable variety of species edible fruits, such as strawberry-guava (Psidium cattleianum), which has significant environmental plasticity and great potential for use. Studies related to reproductive biology, involving the knowledge of phenology are efficient tools to contribute to the improvement of species management and conservation strategies. Thus, this study aimed to monitor and record the phenological development of yellow and red Strawberry-guava, contrasting the differences between both. The study was developed in Dois Vizinhos, with red and yellow strawberry-guava, cultivar Ya-Cy, with branches marked at random, proceeding with photographic record and annotations of the peculiarities. The data were presented through images and a detailed description of each phase. The vegetative growth of the red strawberry-guava occurs between July and November, flowering between October and November with fruit ripening from late December to March. The vegetative growth of the yellow strawberry-guava occurs between July and October and between January and April, flowering from September to November and, January to March with fruit maturation between December and February and, from April to September. The red strawberry-guava produced only once a year, while the yellow strawberry-guava tree shows three outbreaks of production in the same period.

Screening of plant collection of Cibodas Botanic Gardens, Indonesia with anticancer properties

Abstract. Pratiwi RA, Nurlaeni Y. 2020. Screening of plant collection of Cibodas Botanic Gardens, Indonesia with anticancer properties. Biodiversitas 21: 5186-5229. Cancer is a life-threatening disease worldwide. One approach to developing effective treatment in fighting cancerous cells is to obtain anticancer drug candidates from natural resources, such as plants. This study aimed to inventory and categorize plant collections in Cibodas Botanic Gardens (CBG), West Java, Indonesia that has anticancer properties in a detailed and comprehensive manner. Literature research was conducted in international scientific databases using several keywords expressing anticancer properties to produce list of plant species potential for anticancer. The results of this research were then cross-checked with the plant collection database of CBG. List of plants exhibits anticancer activities were then categorized based on the IC50 values (an indicator of cytotoxicity). Our result showed 291 species from 90 families of CBG plant collection harbor anticancer properties. Among them, 93, 100, 36, and 62 species have IC50 values under Class I (strong), Class II (moderate), Class III (inactive), and Class IV (insufficient IC50 data), respectively. The families with the highest number of potential anticancer plants are Lauraceae, Leguminosae, Meliaceae, Myrtaceae, Moraceae, Cupressaceae, Asparagaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Compositae, Clusiaceae, Lamiaceae, Apocynaceae, Adoxaceae, Amaryllidaceae, and Elaeocarpaceae. Species that have strong anticancer activities include Acacia farnesiana, Aglaia edulis, A. elliptica, A. silvestris, Artocarpus elasticus, Bauhinia strychnifolia, Buxus microphylla, Calophyllum soulattri, Cerbera manghas, Cocculus orbiculatus, Cryptocarya chinensis, C. konishii, C. laevigata, Dalbergia parviflora, Diospyros discolor, Erythrina abyssinica, Etlingera elatior, Ficus fistulosa, Garcinia x mangostana, Hemerocallis fulva, Jatropha gossypiifolia, Panax ginseng, Podocarpus macrophyllus, Psidium cattleianum, Sansevieria ehrenbergii, Tacca chantrieri, Toona sinensis, Viburnum odoratissimum, and V. Sambucinum. Even Serenoa repens and Taxus sumatrana contain active compounds that have been commercialized as anticancer drugs. The data resulted from this study can serve as baseline information for further research in drug discovery and development for anticancer treatments using living plant specimens collected in CBG. CBG has a great prospect of medicinal plants that require further studies for formulating anticancer drug as an alternative natural resource.

Population Genetics of Polyploid Complex Psidium cattleyanum Sabine (Myrtaceae): Preliminary Analyses Based on New Species-Specific Microsatellite Loci and Extension to Other Species of the Genus.

Polyploidy is a phenomenon that alters the genetic diversity of populations and has been reported as one of the most important evolutionary forces for plant diversification. The Psidium cattleyanum complex comprises a group of wild populations with several ploidy levels reported in the literature. The multiple cytotypes, associated with its wide distribution area, make this species a potential key model for understanding evolutionary processes related to polyploidization. In this study, we isolated and characterized nuclear microsatellite markers of P. cattleyanum and tested their transferability to other nine species of the genus. We performed a preliminary analysis of genetic diversity and population structure in three populations of P. cattleyanum. The three populations analyzed had different chromosome numbers, being polyploid cytotypes (2n = 6x = 66, 2n = 7x = 77 and 2n = 8x = 88). We designed 46 primer pairs and successfully amplified 37 markers, from which the 10 best were selected for analysis. Considering both the PIC and DP values, most of markers were highly informative. The new SSR markers were used to assess the levels of genetic diversity of the populations and detected one population with predominance of sexual reproduction. DAPC analysis pointed the formation of three groups, which corresponded to the populations analyzed. The markers were successfully amplified in related species, with some species presenting 80% transferability. By producing this panel of polymorphic microsatellites, we contribute to the understanding evolution in groups of natural polyploids for future studies.

Addition of yellow strawberry guava leaf extract in the diet of laying hens had antimicrobial and antioxidant effect capable of improving egg quality

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the inclusion of yellow strawberry guava leaf extract (SGLE) as an additive in laying diets on productive performance, immunity, metabolism, and antioxidant response of semi-heavy laying hens (Isa Brown), as well its effects on egg quality. Five treatments with different SGLE levels (0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20/kg feed), five repetitions per treatment, and three birds per repetition were used. The addition of increasing levels of SGLE linearly reduced total bacterial count (TBC) in feces. The number of total leukocytes was lower in the blood of chickens that consumed SGLE due to the lower number of heterophiles, eosinophils and lymphocytes. The inclusion of SGLE in the diet stimulated the activity of glutathione S-transferase and reduced serum lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. A linear effect in the fresh eggs of the chickens that consumed SGLE was observed, that is, we recorded lower TBC and Escherichia coli counts in the shells, as well as greater total antioxidant capacity (ACAP) in the yolk. In eggs stored for four weeks, we founder lower albumen pH and lower LPO of yolks when the birds consumed SGLE, associated with greater specific gravity of the egg and ACAP levels of the yolks. The conclusion of this study was that the inclusion of SGLE produced better quality eggs, characterized by internal oxidative stability and less bacterial contamination in the shell, both of which desirable effects from the standpoint of the consumer.

Soil preparation and NPK fertilization in the planting of five Atlantic Rainforest species in a clay extraction area

The occurrence of degraded areas worldwide grows each year and measures must be taken to mitigate degradation and to recover these areas. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of soil preparation and NPK levels on the growth of five native species of the Atlantic Rainforest in clay extraction area. The experimental design was randomized block in a split-split plot arrangement with four replications. Subsoiling and scarification soil preparation represented main plots. Doses of NPK 04-14-08: 0; 40; 80;160; and 320 g pit-1 represented subplots and Atlantic Rainforest native species represented sub-subplots. Absolute growth rate, stem diameter and number of leaves were evaluated, 210 days after planting. The type of soil preparation did not influence the development of the species. The best dose for Dalbergia ecastaphyllum, Inga laurina, Protium heptaphyllum and Psidium cattleyanum were 176.49, 150.18, 199.25 and 166.48 g pit-1 of NPK, respectively. Schinus terebinthifolius was highly responsive to planting fertilization, being recommended 320 g pit-1 of NPK. All species are indicated for area recovery.

Pre-germinative treatments and seed storage of Psidium cattleyanum Sabine morphotypes

This study aimed to evaluate the germination behavior of two morphotypes of P. cattleyanumsubmitted to storage and pre-germinative treatments. The experiment was designed in a factorial scheme 2 x 3 x 3 (morphotypes x storage periods x pre-germinative treatments) completely randomized, using for each treatment 5 replicates with 30 seeds. The seeds were stored in semipermeable packages in a cold chamber at 5 ± 2 °C, for 14, 45,and 90 days. After each storage period, the seeds were submitted to treatments to overcome dormancy: immersion in water at 80 °C,kept in imbibition for 24 and 48 hand control, without any treatment. The seeds were arranged under moistened substrate in transparent plastic boxes and allocated in a germination chamber at 25 °C and photoperiod of 8 h for evaluation of germination percentage (G), germination speed index (GSI)and mean germination time (MGT). The red morphotype seeds showed higher germination percentages than the yellow morphotype and did not have a reduction in these values after 90 days of storage. MGT for yellow morphotype was lower in all pre-germinativetreatments. The GSI had better results at 45 days in the control treatments and 24 h in immersion in water and 90 days for the three pre-germinative treatments. The red morphotype does not require pre-germinative treatments, while the yellow morphotype presents better germination when the seeds are stored for 45 days and immersed in water at 80 °C for 48 h.

Plants with Hypoglycemic Effect Cultivated in Medicinal Garden from Umuarama, Paraná-Brazil: A Review

The present study was carried out through a bibliographic survey of medicinal species, Asystasia gangetica, Catharanthus roseus, Arctium minus, Cynara scolymus, Anredera baselloides, Opuntia ficus-indica, Carica papaya, Ipomoea carnea, Ocimum gratissimum, Abelmoschus esculentus, Musa paradisiaca, Psidium cattleyanum, Syzygium cumini, Bougainvillea glabra, Bougainvillea spectabilis, Phyllanthus niruri, Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum and Zingiber officinale grown in the medicinal garden of Campus 2 of Universidade Paranaense, located in Umuarama, Paraná State, Brazil. The following databases were used for the bibliographic review: Scielo, Medline/Pubmed, and Google Scholar. All the species presented have hypoglycemic activity verified with preclinical and/or clinical pharmacological studies and have great potential for use in the treatment of diabetes or in combination with allopathic drugs. However, despite the pharmacological records found, additional scientific investigations are still needed to be able to use these species more safely and effectively.

Germinação e desenvolvimento inicial in vitro de explantes de araçá-vermelho

Entre as fruteiras nativas do Sul do Brasil, destaca-se o araçazeiro vermelho (Psidium cattleyanum Sabine) da família Myrtaceae e por isso, é considerado uma espécie florestal nativa de grande importância nessa região. O araçazeiro é propagado normalmente por via sexuada, entretanto são poucos os estudos que otimizem a propagação desta espécie nativa. Aliado a isso, para contornar esta problemática, muitos estudos com espécies florestais lenhosas demonstram resultados positivos com a propagação por meio de técnicas de cultura de tecidos. Dessa forma, o objetivo foi verificar a germinação in vitro de araçazeiro vermelho, assim como, o desenvolvimento inicial dos explantes com o uso da técnica de micropropagação. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com arranjo fatorial 3 x 2, sendo três formas de fracionamento de sementes (sem corte, longitudinal e transversal) e duas condições de intensidades luminosas (presença de luz e obscuridade), totalizando seis tratamentos com 10 repetições de quatro sementes cada. Após 14 dias da instalação do experimento, as variáveis analisadas foram: oxidação (%) e estiolamento (%) e transcorridos 240 dias, avaliou-se a taxa germinativa das sementes (%), comprimento médio de raízes (cm), da maior raiz (cm) e do explante (cm) e número de raízes e de folhas. Concluiu-se com esse estudo, que uma única semente de Psidium cattleyanum Sabine, ao ser fracionada, mantêm a capacidade germinativa e pode produzir mais de uma plântula normal, a fim de ter-se assim, uma quantidade maior de mudas, a partir de um número reduzido de sementes. Além disso, foi verificado que independentemente do fracionamento ou não das sementes de araçazeiro vermelho, condições diretas de luz proporcionaram raízes de maior comprimento, assim como, um maior número de folhas nos explantes.

Doses intermediárias de Osmocote® aumentam a performance inicial de mudas de araçá

O araçá (Psidium cattleianum Sabine) é uma espécie frutífera nativa que possui importância econômica na indústria alimentícia e farmacêutica. Diante disto, há necessidade de produzir mudas de qualidade capazes de atender às demandas de mercado. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência do ambiente de crescimento e o uso do adubo de lenta liberação Osmocote® no desenvolvimento de mudas de araçá. Sementes de araçá foram coletadas em março de 2015 e germinadas. Depois de cerca de 90 dias, as mudas foram dispostas segundo os tratamentos que receberam. Os tratamentos consistiram em cinco doses de adubo (0; 3,0; 6,0; 9,0 e 12,0 g L-1) combinados com dois ambientes de viveiro (casa de vegetação e sombrite 50%) em esquema fatorial 5 x 2. Aos 210 dias avaliou-se altura de mudas (cm), diâmetro de colo (mm); peso seco de parte aérea e raiz (g) e índice de clorofila (SPAD). Houve interação dos fatores para a maioria das variáveis, com exceção do índice de clorofila. A dose intermediária do adubo implicou na melhor performance de crescimento de mudas em quase todas as ocasiões, assim como o ambiente sombreado. Para mudas de araçá, recomenda-se o uso de 6 mg L-1 de adubo e o uso de telado de sombrite para seu crescimento.

Extraction and characterization of phytochemical compounds from araçazeiro (Psidium cattleianum) leaf: Putative antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

Underexplored species have phytochemical potential for pharmacological and nutraceutical applications. The fruits of such species, including aracá (Psidium cattleianum Sabine), are rich in specialized metabolites with putative antioxidant and antimicrobial activity; therefore, the leaves of these species are also a potential source of bioactive compounds. In this study, araçazeiro leaves were extracted using an aqueous infusion (Al) and a pressurized liquid extraction system with water (PLE-W), ethanol (PLE-E), and 1:1 water:ethanol ratio combination (PLE-W:E). PLE-W:E yielded a greater diversity of extracted compounds. Nonetheless, all extracts showed inhibitory activity against pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and antioxidant activity in the in vitro thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays with rat brain and yeast model systems. Thus, araçazeiro leaves can be exploited as a promising source of bioactive compounds.

Diagnose nutricional e qualidade de mudas de <em>Psidium cattleianum</em> var. <em>cattleianum</em> Sabine em diferentes substratos

The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of different substrates with sewage sludge on nutrients concentration in biomass of Psidium cattleianum var. cattleianum Sabine seedlings. The treatments are different substrate compositions containing sewage sludge. After 180 days of seeding, biometric characteristics were measured: aerial part height, root system length, stem base diameter, number of leaves, fresh and dry aerial biomass, root and total biomass. Dickson's Quality Index was calculated and nutrients concentration was determined in root system, stem and leaves. It was observed that macronutrients accumulation in root followed the order: N Ca Mg P K S; in stem: Ca N K Mg P S and in leaves: N Ca K Mg P S, were sulfur was less concentrated in three vegetative structures. Micronutrients accumulation in root followed the order: Fe Zn Mn Cu B Mo, and in stem and leaves: Fe Zn B Mn Cu Mo. It is noted that in three vegetative structures, iron and zinc were more concentrated, and molybdenum less concentrated. Sewage sludge use as a substrate proved to be effective in viable seedlings production for planting in field.

Componentes biométricos, físico-químicos, bioativos e antioxidantes em araçás em diferentes estádios de maturação

O araçá (Psidium cattleianum) pertence a uma classe de frutos amplamente distribuídos no território brasileiro apresentando diferentes espécies. Embora ainda pouco explorado, pesquisas relatam a presença de compostos bioativos na composição das espécies atribuindo a estes frutos propriedades nutricionais e funcionais. Neste trabalho, avaliaram-se os aspectos físicos, físico-químicos, compostos bioativos e a capacidade antioxidante do araçá em diferentes estádios de maturação. As avaliações foram realizadas no Laboratório de Tecnologia de Produtos de Origem Vegetal do Centro de Ciências e Tecnologia de Alimentos da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, no Campus de Pombal - PB. Os frutos foram provenientes de plantios localizados na cidade de Areia – PB, sendo colhidos diretamente na copa da planta, tomando-se como índice de colheita a coloração da casca. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado (p˂0,05). Características físico-químicas de sólidos solúveis, açúcares solúveis totais e relação SS/AT, aumentaram com o avanço da maturação. Para os compostos bioativos, o teor de ácido ascórbico aumentou consideravelmente e observou-se redução do teor de flavonoides com o avanço da maturação. Os compostos fenólicos apresentaram valores máximos nos frutos no estádio I e redução de mais de 50% para o estádio IV, assim como a capacidade de reduzir o radical DPPH diminuiu com o avanço da maturação. Com os resultados é possível concluir que os araçás avaliados, independente dos estádios de maturação apresentaram quantidades consideráveis de compostos biologicamente ativos, podendo constituir como uma boa fonte de antioxidantes naturais.

Characterization of araçá fruits (Psidium cattleianum Sabine): Phenolic composition, antioxidant activity and inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase

Araçá fruits (Psidium cattleianum Sabine) have been reported to have several biological activities, including the inhibition of the digestives enzymes. Nevertheless, the compounds responsible for these activities are not known. This study evaluated the potential of araçá phenolic fractions to inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase and α-amylase and related it to their phenolic composition. Extracts of edible portions (pulp-peel and seeds) of fruits from three araçá genotypes were purified and fractionated. Total phenolic content was determined using a spectrophotometric method, and individual phenolic compounds were quantified using HPLC-MS. Their enzyme inhibition and antioxidant potential were measured using in vitro assays. Higher amounts of total phenolic content were observed in pulp-peel than in seeds. These results were partially associated with the slightly higher enzyme inhibition of pulp-peel fractions. In general, araçá phenolic fractions were more active towards α-glucosidase than α-amylase when compared to acarbose, the current drug used to inhibit α-glucosidases. The antioxidant potential was dependent on accession, part of the fruit and fraction. Moreover, compounds present in the crude and purified extracts, and fractions III (quercetin, ellagic acid and p-coumaric acid) and IV (cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and malvidin-3-O-glucoside) for some samples resulted in significant inhibition of the two enzymes.