Volatile Compounds Determined by SPME-GC, Bioactive Compounds, In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity and Physicochemical Characteristics of Four Native Fruits from South America

The aim of the present study was to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by SPME-GC and quantify the bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, total flavonoids and total phenolic content), antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ORAC) and physicochemical characteristics of ocorocillo, cambucá, murici da praia and murici do campo, four native South American fruits. A total of 41 volatile compounds were identified in ocorocillo, of which 17 were terpenes. Cambuca's volatile profile contained aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons and alcohols. Murici da praia and murici do campo contained high levels of fatty acid volatiles and esters, that contribute to their remarkable aroma. Ocorocillo contained high levels of ascorbic acid and total flavonoids, while cambucá presented lower ascorbic acid, flavonoid and phenolic levels. Murici da praia and murici do campo contained high amounts of phenolic compounds and high free-radical scavenging capacity (DPPH and ORAC). In addition, this fruit was sweeter and less acid compared to the other assessed fruits. The results suggest that these native fruits constitute a good source of volatile compounds and bioactive compounds, which may aid in their preservation interest and potential use in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Evidence of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Plinia edulis leaf infusion

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plinia edulis (Vell.) Sobral (Myrtaceae) is native and endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Popularly known as "cambucá", it has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of stomach disorders, diabetes, bronchitis, inflammation and as tonic. Although there are numerous records concerning its popular use as analgesic and anti-inflammatory, scientific information regarding these pharmacological activities is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of P. edulis leaf infusion (AEPe) in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The acetic acid-induced writhing response and mechanical nociceptive paw tests were used to evaluate the antinociceptive activity. Carrageenan-induced paw edema and lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity. The substances in AEPe were identified by HPLC-MS analysis.

RESULTS

At the test doses 30-300mg/kg p.o., AEPe has clearly exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema and inhibiting leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity. The infusion has shown significant antinociceptive activity in both models of nociception. Gallic acid, myricitrin, guaijaverin, quercitrin, quercetin, corosolic acid, maslinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid were identified in AEPe.

CONCLUSION

P. edulis infusion presented antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in all experiments realized in this study, which could be related to the presence of triterpenoids and flavonoids. These results provide scientific support for the traditional use of this species in the management of pain and inflammation.