Ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Miller): a potential alternative for iron supplementation and phytochemical compounds

Author(s)

Vinicius Borges Vieira Maciel ^[1] ; Renata Queiroz Bezerra ^[2] ; Eduardo Galvão Leite das Chagas ^[3] ; Cristiana Maria Pedroso Yoshida ^[4] ; Rosemary Aparecida de Carvalho ^[5]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos - Brasil

^[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos - Brasil

^[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos - Brasil

^[4] Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas - Brasil

^[5] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Brazilian Journal of Food Technology; v. 24, 2021-08-18.

Abstract

Abstract Ora-pro-nobis (OPN) (Pereskia aculeata Miller) is a non-conventional edible plant rich in protein, fibres and minerals. The innovation of this work is based on the sustainability production of the aqueous extract (green solvent) containing iron and bioactive compounds as well as employing a native plant from Brazil. A screening of phytochemicals components, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins contents were performed using OPN extract. The antioxidant activity of the OPN aqueous extract was determined by three different assays as following: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•); Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP); and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). The OPN dried leaves presented high protein and minerals contents. Indeed, the Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR Spectroscopy) analysis performed in OPN aqueous extract confirmed the appearance of representative functional groups of the bioactive compounds. Overall the results suggested that it is possible to use simple aqueous solvent to produce OPN extract rich in iron, bioactive compounds and within antioxidant activity that could be potentially used as functional food ingredient. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/07872-9 - Using of polyelectrolyte complex chitosan-pectin in carrier systems for bioactive compounds
• Grantee: Vinícius Borges Vieira Maciel
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/03957-2 - Obtaining ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Miller) extract for application on carriers systems of bioactive compounds
• Grantee: Renata Queiroz Bezerra
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation