Carambola Research Articles

Phenolic and flavonoid content and in vitro inhibitory effect of some Amazonian fruit juices on CYP3A4 activity

ABSTRACT Many foods interact with drugs and may cause changes in the pharmacological effects of the co-administered therapeutic agent. The enzyme CYP3A4, which belongs to the cytochrome P450 enzyme complex, is responsible for the metabolism of most drugs currently on the market and is involved in many drug interactions. Hence, the interaction of this enzyme with juices of some fruits, such as grapefruit, can affect the pharmacokinetics of various drugs. However, native fruits from the Amazon region have not yet been the target of this type of research. We determined total polyphenols and flavonoids of the Amazonian fruits açaí (Euterpe precatoria), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia), cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum), cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), jenipapo (Genipa americana), and taperebá (Spondias mombin) and evaluated the effects of each fruit juice on CYP3A4 activity, using the star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) juice as positive control. Açaí juice presented the highest content of total polyphenols and flavonoids (102.6 ± 7.2 µg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per mL and 7.2 ± 0.6 µg quercetin equivalent (QE) per mL, respectively). All juices were able to inhibit the activity of CYP3A4. There was no residual activity of the drug-metabolizing enzyme for açai, buriti, cubiu, camu-camu, and taperebá juice, while for cupuaçu, jenipapo and the positive control, the residual activity was 44.3, 54.3 and 20.2%, respectively. Additional studies should identify the phytocompound(s) responsible for this inhibition activity, to clarify the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon.

Star fruit extract and C-glycosylated flavonoid components have potential to prevent air pollutant-induced skin inflammation and premature aging

Air pollution adversely affects skin, leading to skin inflammation and premature skin aging. Plant derived antioxidant compounds have been considered to be promising in discovery of effective agents for the protection of skin from the damage by air pollutants. Our previous studies demonstrated that Averrhoa carambola fruit (known as star fruit) is rich in flavonoid C-glycosides with unique structures and potent antioxidant activity. Thus, the star fruit extract (SFE) and main flavonoid C-glycoside components, carambolasides I, J, and P (1–3), carambolaflavone B (4), and isovitexin 2″-O-α-l-rhamnoside (5), were investigated for the activity against air pollutant stress in human epidermis. As a result, SFE and compounds 1–5 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against protein carbonylation in oxidative-stressed stratum corneum with the best activity being shown by compound 3. SFE and compounds 2–5 were also active against engine exhaust-induced protein carbonylation in stratum corneum. When further evaluated, SFE and compound 3 significantly inhibited gene expression of the key inflammation mediators IL-1α and COX-2 in PM-stressed keratinocytes. The results indicated that SFE and the flavonoid C-glycosides are potentially effective against air pollutant-induced skin inflammation and premature aging.Graphical

First micro‐transcriptome of the third instar larvae of Anastrepha obliqua and its association with polyphagia

AbstractPhytophagous insects are organisms that use a part of a plant as a food resource. Within this group, we focused on the pest insect Anastrepha obliqua, a fly that feeds on fruits of plants of different species and causes economic losses on the American continent. The ability of the larvae of this species to feed on various fruits (polyphagia) has been studied from different perspectives but never at the level of microRNAs. These interfering RNAs can regulate gene expression in tissues and organs of an organism. The objective of this work was to obtain the first micro‐transcriptome and to determine its expression levels and possible target mRNAs when the third instar larvae of the species A. obliqua feed on fruits of plants of three different species: Spondias purpurea, Mangifera indica and Averrhoa star fruit. A total of 116 microRNAs were identified in the study, of which 37 were completely new. Fifty‐four microRNAs were expressed in all larvae, regardless of the fruit, while 44 were detected in larvae that fed on a specific fruit. Twenty‐one microRNAs showed differential expression, and the annotation of the targets showed that these interfering RNAs have important genes that play roles in the development, feeding and detoxification of the larvae as possible targets. The construction of the first micro‐transcriptome and the identification of possible targets for A. obliqua provide new information for understanding the mechanisms that control gene expression in this species of dipteran.

Pengaruh Kombinasi Jus Belimbing Wuluh dan Mentimun terhadap Penurunan Tekanan Darah pada Wanita Dewasa Penderita Hipertensi Rawat Jalan di Kabupaten Bekasi Tahun 2022

Hypertension is a manifestation of hemodynamic balance disorders of the cardiovascular system, where the pathophysiology is multi-factorial, so it cannot be explained by only one single mechanism. Some plants in Indonesia that need to be considered as blood pressure lowering are wuluh starfruit (Avverhoa bilimbi L) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L). This study aimed to determine the effect of giving a combination of star fruit juice and cucumber to decrease blood pressure in adult women with hypertension outpatients in Bekasi Regency in the experimental group and the control group. This quasi-experimental study used a pre and post-test with control group design. The sample in this study was 36 patients with hypertension class 1 consisting of 18 patients in the experimental group and 18 patients in the control group. The sampling technique used wasv purposive sampling technique. The research instrument uses standard operating procedures. Data analysis had been done Paired t-test if the data was normally distributed, and if the data is not normally distributed using the Wilcoxon and Man-Whitney test which is a nonparametric test. Wilcoxon test in the systolic and diastolic experimental groups obtained P-Value 0.000. The control group had systolic P-Value 0.004 and diastolic P-Value 0.034. In the Mann-Whitney Systolic and diastolic test in the experimental group and the control group, 2-tailed Asymp.Sig was 0.000. There was a significant difference in the effect of reducing blood pressure in adult women between the control group and the experimental group given a combination of star fruit and cucumber juice. It is hoped that the combination of starfruit juice and cucumber to reduce blood pressure of hypertension sufferers can be applied in health services

CNS depressant activities of Averrhoa carambola leaves extract in thiopental-sodium model of Swiss albino mice: implication for neuro-modulatory properties

CNS depressant activities of Averrhoa carambola leaves extract in thiopental-sodium model of Swiss albino mice: implication for neuro-modulatory properties

The Potential of Bilimbi Leaves (Averrhoa bilimbi Linn.) Extract as Irrigation Solution to Remove Smear Layer in Dental Root Canal: An Invitro Study

Background: Root canal treatment is performed to eliminate the infection in the pulp tissue. One of the critical steps in root canal treatment is irrigation, which aims to clean debris and smear layer. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of star fruit extract (Averrhoa bilimbi Linn) at concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% with EDTA 17% in cleaning the smear layer on the one-third of apical root canals.
 Methods: This type of research is an experimental in vitro laboratory with a post-test only control group design. The sample of this study consisted of 25 premolars which were randomly divided into five groups. The teeth were instrumented with a K-file and irrigated with the following materials: groups I, II, III, and IV using bilimbi leaves extract, each with concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% and group V (positive control). ) using 17% EDTA. SEM (scanning electron microscope) was used to measure the cleanliness score of the smear layer on the apical third of the root canal. This study showed that bilimbi leaves extract was able to clean the smear layer on the one-third of the apical root canal.
 Results: The results of the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between all treatment groups. The highest average smear layer cleanliness score in the apical third of the root canals was EDTA 17%, while the lowest average smear layer cleanliness score was 5% bilimbi leaves extract.
 Conclusion: Bilimbi leaves extract with a concentration of 20% was considered more effective among the extract groups, and 17% EDTA was the most effective in cleaning the smear layer on one-third of the root canals.

Family Nursing Care In Hypertension Disease With Nursing Problems Knowledge Deficit With Hypertension Health Education Actions

The purpose of this study was to determine Family Nursing Care for Hypertension with Knowledge Deficit Nursing Problems with Hypertension Health Education Actions. The research design is descriptive which aims to describe important events that occur in the present. The type of descriptive research design used is a case study research design. The case study subjects consisted of 2 (two) patients. The focus in the case study is to find out family nursing care in hypertension with the problem of lack of knowledge with health education actions about hypertension. The appropriate ones are: knowledge deficit related to the inability of the family to recognize sick family members. At the intervention stage, the author prepares a nursing care plan for Mr. S and Mr. A, which is to provide health education about hypertension. When this health education was given, respondents followed the directions given to make traditional treatment from star fruit to lower blood pressure. To determine the level of success of nursing actions that provide Health Education. Mrs. S got results before giving Health Education, Ny.S blood pressure was 145/80mmHg and after Health Education, blood pressure was 140/80mmHg. While Mrs. A got the results before explaining Health Education, Mr. A's blood pressure was 140/80mmHg and health education was carried out with the results of blood pressure 135/80mmHg

Sustainability and 4E analysis of novel solar photovoltaic-thermal solar dryer under forced and natural convection drying

Developing a sustainable photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar drying system is essential to maintain zero carbon emission in the drying process. This work represents the drying of star fruit in a novel PVT solar dryer to analyze the sustainability indicators based on the energy and exergy performance with the environmental and economic evaluation (4E) under forced convection drying (FCD) and natural convection drying (NCD). The moisture content of star fruit in the PVT solar dryer is decreased from 10.11 (d b) to 0.19 (d b.) in 12.50 h and 14.50 h under FCD and NCD, respectively. The same has been obtained in open sun conditions with a drying time of 22.00 h. The PVT energy and exergy efficiencies are 69.27% and 31.12% in FCD mode, respectively, and 43.58% and 17.89% in NCD mode. The drying efficiency of 15.27% and 13.98%, specific moisture extraction rate of 0.1786 kg/kWh and 0.6657 kg/kWh, and specific energy consumption of 12.37 kWh/kg and 3.57 kWh/kg are evaluated in FCD and NCD modes, respectively. The drying system payback time is 1.40 yr and 1.70 yr in FCD and NCD mode, respectively.

Efecto del uso de un secador solar modificado sobre las propiedades fisicoquímicas del fruto de carambola (Averrhoa Carambola L.)

Carambola is an excellent C-vitamin source and other healthy nutrients; unfortunately, because its high moisture content is a very perishable fruit. Solar drying is a feasible solution for its preservation. However, the optimal drying conditions depend on the dryer material. A natural convection sun-dryer was modified using four different materials: glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, and polyethylene. The moisture content of carambola slices was reduced from 89.23% to final moisture content between 2.2% and 5.9% in a maximum time of 650 min. The final water activity of dried samples ranged from 0.310 to 0.414. The color analysis of carambola indicated a decrease in lightness while a and b parameters increased; the mix of red and yellow resulted in an orange product which turned slightly brown as lightness decreased. In addition, the ascorbic acid reduced from 338.46 mg/100 g (d.b) to 159.50 mg/100 g- 124.37 mg/100 g (d.b), depending on the cover material. In general, polycarbonate dryers show less degradation of components due to the lower temperatures reached in their drying chamber. However, the solar drying of carambola with all the covers is technically, economically, and environmentally feasible compared to conventional technologies, such as the electric oven used in this work.

Interaction of parasitoids associated with fruit flies attacking star fruit (Averrhoa carambolae) in Denpasar City, Bali Province, Indonesia

Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) is a fruit plant that has a high consumption rate, especially in the Central/South America and Asia-Pacific regions including Indonesia. The fruit fly, Bactrocera spp. become a major pest on star fruit commodities in Indonesia which can harm quantity and quality which in turn hampers export activities. The aims of this study was to identify the type of pest, the level of attack, and the type of parasitoid associated with star fruit flies in the Denpasar City area. Fruit samples were collected using a purposive sampling method, namely collecting symptomatic fruit planted in four sub-districts in Denpasar City. Identification was carried out on the types of fruit flies and parasitoids that emerged after the rearing period. The percentage of fruit damage and the degree of parasitization was also determined. The fruit flies identified were Bactrocera carambolae and B. dorsalis and two parasitoids, namely Fopius arisanus and Diachasmimorpha longicaudata. The percentage (%) of fruit damage was 83.10%. The interaction that occurs between the fruit fly population and the level of damage is also very close. In all observation sites in Denpasar City, the parasitization rate of F. arisanus was higher than that of D. longicaudata. Our findings indicate that fruit flies are one of the main causes of star fruit damage in Denpasar City and should be integrated into a more comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program by the relevant authorities.

Profiling of primary metabolites of Averrhoa carambola, Spondias dulcis and Syzygium malaccense fruits revealed underpinning markers during “on-tree” maturation and ripening stages

The study aimed to profile and quantify sugars and organic acids metabolites in carambola, June plum and otaheite fruits during three different “on tree” stages: immature, green-mature and ripe stages. Metabolites were profiled and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results showed that glucose, fructose, galactose, arabinose, and the sugar alcohol myo-inositol were detected in all fruits, while sucrose was detected in carambola and June plum only. Organic acids identified in all fruits were malic acid, citric acid, propanoic acid, and acetic acid. Comparatively, June plum showed the highest content of total sugars and carambola the lowest, while the highest total in organic acids content was found in otaheite and the lowest in carambola. On the other hand, most sugars increased during ripening of the three fruits, while organic acids decreased. Total sugars increased by 37%, 8% and 46% in ripe carambola, June plum and otaheite, respectively. Total organic acids decreased by 20% and 49% in ripe carambola and otaheite, while they slightly increased by 3% in ripe June plum. Furthermore, sugars/organic acids ratio in all fruits increased during maturation and ripening stages. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed two main groups of highly scoring metabolites, while the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed that the metabolites were grouped into three main clusters. Conclusively, results showed that glucose, fructose, malic acid and tartaric acids were the key marker metabolites of the maturation and ripening stages of the three fruits.

Dual Extracts of Star Fruit Leaves and Toddalia accuelata Leaves as Antiobesity in Rats

The imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure can lead to obesity. Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and can cause premature death worldwide. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of Star Fruit Leaves Extract (SLE) and T. accumulate Leaves Extract (TLE) combination on Body Weight (BW), Body Mass Index (BMI), and Fat Content (FC) of obese rats. Male Wistar rats aged 5 weeks, with BW of 100-150 g were induced with a High Fat Diet (HFD) and 10% fructose solution for 30 days. A total of 18 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, namely Negative Control (NC), Therapy (T), and Normal (N). After 35 days of treatment compared to the NC group, the mean BW of the T group was significantly lower (p=0.014) and the mean decrease was significantly higher (p less than 0.001). Similarly, the mean BMI and FC of the T group were significantly lower and the decrease in the mean of both groups was significantly higher than that of the NC group (p less than 0.001). Therefore, the combination of SLE and TLE can be used as a treatment for obesity because it reduces BW, BMI, and FC better than only a low-calorie diet. Abstrak: Ketidakseimbangan antara asupan makanan dan pengeluaran energi dapat menyebabkan obesitas. Obesitas merupakan faktor risiko utama terjadinya penyakit kronis seperti penyakit kardiovaskular dan dapat menyebabkan kematian dini di seluruh dunia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kombinasi Ekstrak Daun Belimbing (EDB)dan Ekstrak Daun T. accuelata (EDT) terhadap Berat Badan (BB), Indeks Massa Tubuh (IMT), dan kandungan lemak tikus obesitas. Tikus wistar jantan umur 5 minggu, BB 100-150 g diinduksi dengan pakan tinggi lemak dan larutan fruktosa 10% selama 30 hari. Sebanyak 18 ekor tikus dibagi secara acak menjadi 3 kelompok yaitu Kontrol Negatif (KN), Terapi (T), dan Normal (N). Setelah 35 hari perlakuan dibandingkan dengan kelompok KN, rata-rata BB kelompok T secara signifikan lebih rendah (p=0,014) dan rata-rata penurunannya lebih besar secara signifikan (p kurang dari 0,001). Demikian pula, rata-rata IMT dan kandungan lemak kelompok T secara signifikan lebih rendah dan penurunan rata-rata kedua kelompok tersebut secara signifikan lebih besar dibandingkan dengan kelompok KN (p kurang dari 0,001). Oleh karena itu, kombinasi EDB dan EDT dapat digunakan sebagai pengobatan obesitas karena dapat menurunkan BB, IMT, dan kandungan lemak lebih baik daripada diet rendah kalori saja.

PERBANDINGAN EFEKTIFITAS ANTIHIPERTENSI DAUN TANAMAN HERBAL MENURUNKAN TEKANAN DARAH PADA TIKUS BETINA INDUKSI HIPERTENSI

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of leaf decoction of antihypertensive herbs commonly used in Indonesia to lower blood pressure. This study used female rats induced hypertension as animal models. In this experimental study, rats were divided into seven experimental groups consisting of four rats for each group. Rats have induced hypertension with a dose of 2.5 mg/kg BW of prednisone and 2.5% NaCl. Hypertension induction for rats was carried out for 14 days, treatment with herbs of leaf decoction (soursop, starfruit, celery, and salam) with a dose of 200 mg/kg BW for 14 days. Rat's blood pressure was measured by the tail-cuff method at 0 days, 14 days, and 28 days. Statistical analysis used was an analysis of variance with ANOVA followed by a comparison between treatments with Dunnet's test. This study showed that all the herbal plants given were able to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in female rats induced by hypertension, especially boiled celery leaves and star fruit leaves with p-value < 0.05.

Averrhoa carambola leaf from Depok, West Java, Indonesia: Phytochemistry characterization and prospective anti-candidiasis activity

Averrhoa carambola leaf from Depok, West Java, Indonesia: Phytochemistry characterization and prospective anti-candidiasis activity

Genome-wide identification and expression profile of YABBY genes in Averrhoa carambola.

BackgroundMembers of the plant-specific YABBY gene family are thought to play an important role in the development of leaf, flower, and fruit. The YABBY genes have been characterized and regarded as vital contributors to fruit development in Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato, in contrast to that in the important tropical economic fruit star fruit (Averrhoa carambola), even though its genome is available.MethodsIn the present study, a total of eight YABBY family genes (named from AcYABBY1 to AcYABBY8) were identified from the genome of star fruit, and their phylogenetic relationships, functional domains and motif compositions, physicochemical properties, chromosome locations, gene structures, protomer elements, collinear analysis, selective pressure, and expression profiles were further analyzed.ResultsEight AcYABBY genes (AcYABBYs) were clustered into five clades and were distributed on five chromosomes, and all of them had undergone negative selection. Tandem and fragment duplications rather than WGD contributed to YABBY gene number in the star fruit. Expression profiles of AcYABBYs from different organs and developmental stages of fleshy fruit indicated that AcYABBY4 may play a specific role in regulating fruit size. These results emphasize the need for further studies on the functions of AcYABBYs in fruit development.

Calagem, adubação e nutrição da caramboleira: Revisão

Abstract Star fruit is an exotic fruit, originally from the topical regions of Asia, which found in Brazil adequate climatic conditions for its development, making it a promising species for cultivation throughout the country. However, despite the favorable climate, soils in tropical regions are generally acidic and have low natural fertility. In addition, due to the perennial condition of the star fruit tree, its roots remain for several years exploring practically the same soil volume, which requires constant monitoring of soil fertility and the nutritional status of plants. Research results have proven that the star fruit tree is responsive to liming and fertilizer application, with productivity gains and improvements in fruit quality. However, to ensure positive responses and success in agricultural activity, it is necessary that soil acidity correctors and fertilizers are applied in a technical and efficient manner based on the use of well-established agronomic tools, such as soil and leaf analysis. This review aims to gather information from studies, mainly those carried out in Brazil, on the nutritional requirements of star fruit trees, suggesting the best agronomic practices of soil fertility and nutrition of this fruit tree.

Actividad antioxidante y composición química del aceite esencial de Minthostachys mollis (Benth.) Griseb de Ecuador

Manilkara achras (Mill.) Fosberg, Averrhoa carambola L. y Spondia mombin L., are widely cultivated fruits in various tropical countries of the world. The juice of these fruits has a very important nutritional and antioxidant power since they are a natural source of vitamins, minerals, fibers and polyphenolic compounds such as tannins and flavonoids. Because the presence of phenolic compounds is closely related to the antioxidant activity of fruits and vegetables, in this work, we quantified the total amount of phenolic compounds using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, finding the following values, M. achras 100.2 ± 0.009; A carambola 102.7 ± 0.001 y S mombin 103.7 ± 0.027 mg EAG/100 g dry weight of extract. These results are in agreement with the qualitative phytochemical evaluation carried out on the ethanolic extracts, in which the presence of tannic compounds was markedly evidenced. Furthermore, compounds such as alkaloids, triterpenes, coumarins, anthraquinones, flavonoids and glycosides were also observed. The valours of IC50 observe to antioxidant activity using DPPH reactive were M achras 1.030 ± 0.032 mg/mL; followed by S mombin 1.366 ± 0.054 mg/mL and finally A carambola 2,807 ± 0.053 mg/mL. These results show the possibility of encouraging the cultivation and greater consumption of these fruits among the Venezuelan population. An evaluation of nutritional value of these fruits; as well as the most suitable time for harvest in relation the content of polyphenolic compounds should be carried out in future research.

Tritrophic relations and spatial distribution of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the Cerrado and Caatinga regions in Piauí, Brazil

Knowledge about the spatial distribution of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) and tritrophic interactions (fruit-fruit fly parasitoid) contributes to the monitoring and maintenance of the numerical density at a level lower than economic damage. The purpose of this study was to identify the spatial distribution and associations of fruit flies with their parasitoids and host plants in the municipality of Bom Jesus-PI. The flies were obtained from fruit collection from July 2018 to May 2019. A total of 1,711 individuals were obtained, represented by six species: Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart, 1835), An. fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830), An. alveata Stone, 1942, An. sororcula Zucchi, 1979, An. zenildae Zucchi, 1979 and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824). Anastrepha obliqua was the species with the widest distribution throughout the ecotone area. Ceratitis capitata is distributed only in the urban perimeter. A tritrophic relationship occurred between four species of parasitoids, Asobara anastrephae (Muesebeck, 1958) or Opius sp. associated with An. obliqua in Spondias mombin or S. tuberosa fruits. Opius sp. has also been associated with An. alveata in Ximenia americana. Pachycrepoideus vindemiae was obtained from C. capitata in Malpighia emarginata, in addition to An. obliqua in Averrhoa carambola. Therefore, fruit flies are associated with native fruit trees (S. tuberosa, S. mombin, S. purpurea, P. acutangulum, Inga laurina, X. americana) and exotic fruits (M. emarginata, A. carambola, P. guajava). Ceratitis capitata was recorded for the first time in the state of Piauí infesting I. laurina (Sw.) Willd. This is the first record of the parasitoid genus Spalangia. in An. obliqua in Piauí and in the semiarid region of Brazil.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of Ag/ZnO nanoparticles using Averrhoa carambola fruit extract as the reducing agent and their application in cotton fabrics with antibacterial and UV-protection properties.

This is the first time Averrhoa carambola fruit extract has been used as a reducing agent to synthesize Ag/ZnO composites for coating cotton to develop antibacterial activity and UV protection under domestic microwave irradiation. The effects of the molar concentration of silver nitrate solutions, applied power, reaction duration, and pH on the yield of nanoparticles were determined. The treated fabrics were subjected to the investigation of surface morphology and chemical structure using SEM and EDX techniques, respectively. The antibacterial activity of the ZnO NPs and the Ag/ZnO nanocomposite coated on cotton fabric was evaluated against E. coli and S. aureus using the agar well diffusion method. The results revealed good antibacterial activity in the cotton fabric treated with the Ag-doped ZnO composite. The stability of the Ag/ZnO nanocomposite coated fabrics was determined by a wash durability test, the results of which demonstrated that this fabric could retain good antibacterial activity even after 20 wash cycles. The UV-blocking capacity of the treated fabrics was evaluated based on the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value determined in the range of 280–400 nm. The UPF value determined for the Ag/ZnO-coated fabric was 69.67 ± 1.53, which indicated an excellent ability to block UV radiation. Collectively, these results demonstrated the Ag/ZnO nanocomposite prepared in the present study as a promising material for preparing textiles with good antibacterial activity and UV protection.

Phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of fruit Averrhoa carambola L.: a review

The fruit of Averrhoa carambola L. (A. carambola L.) belongs to the Oxalidaceae family, is probably native to Ceylon and Moluccas, and is commonly known in various places as “star-fruit” or “carambola.” This fruit is used as traditional medicine for a variety of diseases. The phenolic compounds that the fruit contains are thought to be responsible for its many benefits. Currently there is extensive research on the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the fruit of A. carambola L. Most authors report total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC); while antioxidant capacity has been analyzed using different techniques such as: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS). HPLC analysis has resulted in the identification of phenolic compounds in the fruit. However, each of the authors use different methodologies in the various stages of the analysis, from obtaining the sample to the form of analysis, and this may explain the differences in their results. This paper offers a review of existing research on the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of the A. carambola L. fruit, with special attention to the methodologies used.