Ripe and unripe inajá (Maximilia maripa) fruit: A new high source of added value bioactive compounds

Sources of Carotenoids in Amazonian Fruits

Epidemiological studies have shown that a diet rich in bioactive components significantly reduces cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. In this sense, there is a need for meta-analytical research that confirms this phenomenon and increases specific knowledge about certain bioactive compounds such as carotenoids. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to disseminate knowledge about the sources of carotenoids in fruit consumed in the north of Brazil which are outside the Brazilian trade balance. A systematic review and a meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines were conducted based on a random effects synthesis of multivariable-adjusted relative risks (RRs). Searches of seven sources were carried out, including PubMed, Science Direct from Elsevier, Web of Science, Scielo, Eric Research and Google Scholar databases. The systematic review was guided by a systematic review protocol based on the POT strategy (population, outcome and type of study) adapted for use in this research. Mendeley was a resource used to organize and manage references and exclude duplicates of studies selected for review. In this review, we present the potential bioactive compounds concentrated in little-known fruit species from the Amazon and their benefits. Consuming fruits that are rich in notable constituents such as carotenoids is important for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases through anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, as well as antivirals, immunomodulators and antioxidants agents that directly affect the immune response.

Emerging Lipids from Arecaceae Palm Fruits in Brazil

Arecaceae palm tree fruits (APTFs) with pulp or kernel rich in oil are widely distributed in six Brazilian biomes. APTFs represent a great potential for the sustainable exploitation of products with high added value, but few literature studies have reported their properties and industrial applications. The lack of information leads to underutilization, low consumption, commercialization, and processing of these fruit species. This review presents and discusses the occurrence of 13 APTFs and the composition, physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and potential applications of their 25 oils and fats. The reported studies showed that the species present different lipid profiles. Multivariate analysis based on principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) indicated a correlation between the composition of pulp and kernel oils. Myristic, caprylic, capric, and lauric acids are the main saturated fatty acids, while oleic acid is the main unsaturated. Carotenoids and phenolic compounds are the main bioactive compounds in APTFs, contributing to their high oxidative stability. The APTFs oils have a potential for use as foods and ingredients in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries. However, more studies are still necessary to better understand and exploit these species.

In vitro Bioaccessibility of Proteins, Phenolics, Flavonoids and Antioxidant Activity of Amaranthus viridis

The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition, mineral content and report the effect of gastrointestinal digestion on the proteins, phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of morphological parts of Amaranthus viridis (AV). The macronutrients found in the greatest quantity were proteins (leave, inflorescence and seeds) and fiber (roots and stem). The main minerals were calcium, potassium, iron and zinc. All the plant parts showed total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) compounds that were correlated with antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP); the leaves and inflorescence presented the greatest potential. The antioxidant compounds from the leaves, inflorescence and roots decreased after static in vitro digestion, while the TPC and TFC of the digested seeds increased by more than 55%. Approximately 90% of the protein content was bioaccessible. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, the bioaccessibility of proteins, phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of the leave, inflorescence, seeds, roots and stem from AV were reported. Taking into consideration the excellent nutritional properties, the morphological parts of the plant can be potentially explored as a source of protein, fiber, minerals and antioxidant compounds.

Physicochemical Characteristics, Microstructure and Health Promoting Properties of Green Banana Flour

This study aimed to investigate the proximate composition, mineral content, functional properties, molecular structure, in vitro starch digestibility, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP) of green banana flour (GBF) cultivars grown in South Africa. With proximate composition, Finger Rose and Pisang Awak had the highest protein (4.33 g/100 g) and fat (0.85 g/100 g) content, respectively. The highest ash content (3.50 g/100 g) occurred with both Grand Naine and FHIA-01 cultivars. Potassium and copper were the most abundant and least minerals, respectively. Pisang Awak cultivar had the highest water absorption capacity (67.11%), while Du Roi had the highest swelling power (0.83 g/g) at 90 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that starch granules from all GBF cultivars were irregular in shape and they had dense surfaces with debris. All the GBF cultivars had similar diffraction patterns with prominent peaks from 15°-24° diffraction angles. The resistant starch (RS) and amylose content of the FHIA-01 cultivar indicates that the GBF has the potential to lower risks of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The highest TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity occurred with the Grande Naine cultivar. Based on their functional characteristics, the Grand Naine and FHIA-01 GBF cultivars could potentially be used as raw materials for bakery products as well as for the fortification of snacks.

Metabolite Profile of Cucurbitane-Type Triterpenoids of Bitter Melon (Fruit of Momordica charantia) and Their Inhibitory Activity against Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases Relevant to Insulin Resistance

Qualitative analysis of cucurbitane-type triterpenoids of bitter melon (fruit of Momordica charantia L.) using ultraperformance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed 27 promising cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, and LC/MS-guided chemical analysis of M. charantia fruit extract led to the isolation and structural characterization of 22 cucurbitane-type triterpenoids (1-22), including 8 new cucurbitane-type triterpenoidal saponins, yeojoosides A-H (1-8). The structures of the new compounds (1-8) were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Their absolute configurations were assigned by quantum chemical electronic circular dichroism calculations, chemical reactions, and DP4+ analysis using gauge-including atomic orbital NMR chemical shift calculations. All isolated compounds (1-22) were examined for inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatases relevant to insulin resistance. Nine compounds (7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 19, 20, and 21) showed selective inhibitory effects of over 70% against PTPN2. The present results suggested that these compounds would be potential antidiabetic agents.

Natural Sources, Pharmacokinetics, Biological Activities and Health Benefits of Hydroxycinnamic Acids and Their Metabolites

Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) are important natural phenolic compounds present in high concentrations in fruits, vegetables, cereals, coffee, tea and wine. Many health beneficial effects have been acknowledged in food products rich in HCAs; however, food processing, dietary intake, bioaccessibility and pharmacokinetics have a high impact on HCAs to reach the target tissue in order to exert their biological activities. In particular, metabolism is of high importance since HCAs' metabolites could either lose the activity or be even more potent compared to the parent compounds. In this review, natural sources and pharmacokinetic properties of HCAs and their esters are presented and discussed. The main focus is on their metabolism along with biological activities and health benefits. Special emphasis is given on specific effects of HCAs' metabolites in comparison with their parent compounds.