Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa as Promising Sources of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds

Author(s)

Silva, Juliana Dara Rabelo ; Arruda, Henrique Silvano ; Andrade, Amanda Cristina ; Berilli, Patricia ; Borsoi, Felipe Tecchio ; Monroy, Yaneth Machaca ; Rodrigues, Marili Villa Nova ; Sampaio, Klicia Araujo ; Pastore, Glaucia Maria ; Marostica Junior, Mario Roberto

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLANTS-BASEL; v. 13, n. 15, p. 16-pg., 2024-08-01.

Abstract

In this study, Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa, native Brazilian berries, were explored regarding their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The edible parts of both fruits presented a low content of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in a low caloric value (<70 kcal/100 g fw). E. stigmatosa fruit showed a high total fiber content (3.26 g/100 g fw), qualifying it as a source of dietary fiber. The sugar profile was mainly monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and rhamnose). Significant contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins and, condensed tannins, were observed in both fruits. E. calycina contains a high level of anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside (242.97 <mu>g/g). Other phenolic compounds were also found, the main ones being rutin and ellagic acid. In contrast, E. stigmatosa is mainly composed of rutin and gallic acid. Furthermore, these fruits showed expressive antioxidant activity, evidenced by ORAC, FRAP, and ABTS. These Eugenia fruits are promising sources of bioactive compounds and have a low caloric and high dietary fiber content, making them interesting options for inclusion in a balanced diet, contributing to the promotion of health and the valorization and conservation of Brazilian biodiversity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/08761-4 - Chemical characterization of bioactive compounds of non-conventional food plants (NCFP) for the development of products with functional appeal
• Grantee: Glaucia Maria Pastore
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/09493-9 - Metabolomic in vitro studies of fruit anthocyanins for understanding its mechanisms of action against Obesity
• Grantee: Juliano Lemos Bicas
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/21252-0 - Equilibrium and production processes of biofuels and bioproducts
• Grantee: Antonio José de Almeida Meirelles
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants