Umbu Fruit Peel as Source of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and α-Amylase Inhibitor Compounds

Evaluation of the extraction of antioxidant compounds from buriti pulp (Mauritia flexuosa L.) by response surface methodology

Buriti is a fruit rich in antioxidant compounds, and hydroalcoholic extracts were produced from its pulp to investigate the extraction conditions that result in the highest concentrations of bioactive compounds and maximum antioxidant capacity. The results showed considerable variation in the bioactive compound contents in the pulp: total phenolics (104.64-270.61 mg GAE 100 g-1), total flavonoids (17.74-60.46 mg EC 100 g-1), and total carotenoids (1.30-3.92 mg kg-1). The antioxidant capacity of the extracts, evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods, ranged from 1.23 to 3.47 μmol ET g-1, 6.34-15.86 μmol ET g-1, and 4.74-11.95 μmol ET g-1, respectively, highlighting the broad diversity of antioxidant activities present in the extracts. Data modeling generated statistically significant mathematical models and contour graphs, which allowed the identification of the optimal extraction conditions for the compounds. Total carotenoids were most effectively extracted with 20 % buriti pulp, intermediate ethanol concentrations, and temperatures around 70 °C. All other bioactive compounds were more efficiently extracted with 5 % buriti pulp, intermediate ethanol concentrations, and temperatures close to 30 °C. The results confirmed the efficiency of the extractions and highlighted the excellent antioxidant potential of buriti pulp. Additionally, the analysis of the optimal regions for extracting antioxidant compounds from the pulp can be applied in future studies to optimize the extraction process, providing a solid foundation for using this fruit in industrial processes, such as the production of functional ingredients.

Bioproducts from Passiflora cincinnata Seeds: The Brazilian Caatinga Passion Fruit

The present work aimed to obtain bioproducts from Passiflora cincinnata seeds, the Brazilian Caatinga passion fruit, as well as to determine their physical, chemical and biological properties. The seeds were pressed in a continuous press to obtain the oil, which showed an oxidative stability of 5.37 h and a fatty profile rich in linoleic acid. The defatted seeds were evaluated for the recovery of antioxidant compounds by a central rotation experimental design, varying temperature (32-74 °C), ethanol (13-97%) and solid-liquid ratio (1:10-1:60 m/v). The best operational condition (74 °C, 58% ethanol, 1:48) yielded an extract composed mainly of lignans, which showed antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The microencapsulation of linoleic acid-rich oil through spray drying has proven to be an effective method for protecting the oil. Furthermore, the addition of the antioxidant extract to the formulation increased the oxidative stability of the product to 30% (6.97 h), compared to microencapsulated oil without the addition of the antioxidant extract (5.27 h). The microparticles also exhibited favorable technological characteristics, such as low hygroscopicity and high water solubility. Thus, it was possible to obtain three bioproducts from the Brazilian Caatinga passion fruit seeds: the oil rich in linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid), antioxidant extract from the defatted seeds and the oil microparticles added from the antioxidant extract.

Antioxidants of Fruit Extracts as Antimicrobial Agents against Pathogenic Bacteria

Fruit is an essential part of the human diet and is of great interest because of its richness in phytochemicals. Various fruit extracts from citrus, berries and pomegranates have been shown to possess a broad spectrum of medicinal properties. Fruit phytochemicals are of considerable interest because of their antioxidant properties involving different mechanisms of action, which can act against different pathogenic bacteria. The antioxidant capacity of fruit phytochemicals involves different kinds of reactions, such as radical scavenging and chelation or complexation of metal ions. The interaction between fruit phytochemicals and bacteria has different repercussions: it disrupts the cell envelope, disturbs cell-cell communication and gene regulation, and suppresses metabolic and enzymatic activities. Consequently, fruit phytochemicals can directly inhibit bacterial growth or act indirectly by modulating the expression of virulence factors, both of which reduce microbial pathogenicity. The aim of this review was to report our current knowledge on various fruit extracts and their major bioactive compounds, and determine the effectiveness of organic acids, terpenes, polyphenols, and other types of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties as a source of antimicrobial agents.