Stability of bioactive compounds in butiá (Butia odorata) fruit pulp and nectar

Nutraceutical Potential of Underutilized Tropical Fruits and Their Byproducts: Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant Capacity, and Biological Activity of Jerivá (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and Butiá (Butia catarinensis)

Jerivá and butiá are under-valued tropical fruits lacking scientific evidence about their nutraceutical potential. Therefore, they were investigated for their phenolic compound composition and biological activities. Free, esterified, and insoluble-bound polyphenols were obtained from powdered jerivá and butiá pomace and seeds. The total phenolic estimation in seeds (jerivá, 36.45 mg GAE/g; butiá, 45.79 mg GAE/g) exceeded pomaces (jerivá, 23.77 mg GAE/g; butiá, 18.69 mg GAE/g). Phenolic extracts demonstrated antidiabetic and antiobesity potential, inhibiting α-glucosidase (30.51-98.43%) and pancreatic lipase (19.66-41.98%). They also suppressed free radical-induced damage to DNA (21.46-92.48%) and LDL-cholesterol (8.27-23.20%). Identified phenolics (51) included multiple phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, predominantly gallic acid derivatives/conjugates. This is the first study to provide a detailed description of the phenolic profile of these fruits and their byproducts coupled with their bioactivities. Butiá and jerivá were demonstrated to be outstanding sources of polyphenols with high nutraceutical potential for bioeconomic exploration.

Phenotypic and molecular basis for genetic variation in jelly palms (Butia sp.): where are we now and where are we headed to?

We compiled studies that addressed morphological and physicochemical traits, as well as population genetic studies involving jelly palms, genus Butia (Arecaceae). First, we conducted a bibliometric study with selected articles, by revising the fundamental contributions to unraveling phenotypic traits that have been used for describing the phenotypic variation within and among populations. Moreover, we sought to comprehend the patterns of genetic diversity and structure that have been presented so far, based on molecular markers. Finally, we conducted a review of the gene sequences registered to NCBI for Butia. Overall, morphological descriptors have been proposed to depict population-level variability, but the most significant results are available from chemical properties and characterization of metabolites, revealing important traits to being explored. Yet, limited information is available to describe population variation and their genetic components. On the molecular level, almost all studies so far provided results with classical molecular markers. The literature of SNP markers for Butia species is virtually non-existent. Given the current endangered state of Butia species, it is urgent that researchers pursue updated genomic technologies to invest in in-depth characterizations of the genetic diversity and structure of jelly palms. The current state of population fragmentation urges effective measures toward their conservation.

Are polar extracts and essential oil from Origanum vulgare Linn. (oregano) an alternative against itraconazole-resistant dermatophytes from veterinary cases?

Although the conventional therapy against dermatophytosis is based on antifungal drugs and environmental disinfection, the emergence of itraconazole(ITZ)-resistant dermatophytes has encouraged the search for active compounds, such as Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) essential oil (EO). However, little is known about its effect in polar extracts or the mechanism of action of these extracts and EO. We investigated the antifungal activity of four polar extracts and one EO from oregano against ITZ-susceptible and ITZ-resistant dermatophytes and their action mechanism. Polar extracts were prepared as infusions at 10 (INF10) and 60 (INF60) minutes, decoction (DEC) and hydroalcoholic extract (HAE); EO was purchased. All extracts and itraconazole were tested against Microsporum gypseum, M. canis, M. nanum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. verrucosum isolated from cats, dogs and cattle (n = 28), and humans (n = 2) (M38-A2, CLSI). Among polar extract, DEC stood out as antifungal, followed by INF10 and INF60; HAE was little active. For EO, all isolates were susceptible, including ITZ-resistant dermatophytes. EO was selected for action mechanism assays, and acted in cell wall and plasmatic membrane by complexing with fungal ergosterol. By chromatographic analysis, 4-hydroxibenzoic acid was the most prevalent compound in all polar extracts, followed by syringic acid and caffeic acid; luteolin was present only in HAE. For EO, carvacrol was the major compound (73.9%); followed by γ-terpinene (3.6%) and thymol (3.0%). These findings showed that the extract type of oregano has influenced the antifungal action on dermatophytes, highlight EO and DEC, that are promising as antifungal agent, including against ITZ-resistant dermatophytes.

Physical, chemical and sensory implications of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) sweet bread made with flour, pulp and fruit by-product

This study aimed to develop and evaluate bread with the use of pulp and flours of pequi, in partial replacement of water and wheat flour, to develop a bakery product with good technological, nutritional and sensorial qualities. The pequi husk and pulp flours were obtained by means of a thermal pre-treatment, oven drying and standardization of the dry material. Whereas, the bread formulation was defined through the baker's formulation. Besides, the dehydration process caused significant changes (p<0.05) in the L* value and chromaticity (C*), mainly of the flours (husk and pequi pulp), such changes are due to non-enzymatic oxidative processes and pigment degradation, especially carotenoids. The effect of the substitution of ingredients (wheat flour and water) by husk and pulp flours and pequi pulp contributed to the increase in lipid, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract and energy value content. However, the substitution promoted changes in the attributes of color and textural properties, such as increased hardness, chewiness and cohesiveness. Nevertheless, all formulations showed good sensory acceptance and thus, pequi sweet breads can be implemented in school meals for contributing and meeting the nutritional recommendations established by the School Feeding Brazilian Program (PNAE).

Magnetic nanometer combined with microwave: Novel rapid thawing promotes phenolics release in frozen-storage lychee

Magnetic nanometer combined with microwave thawing (MN-MT) could become a novel solution to challenges uneven and overheating of microwave thawing (MT), while retaining high thawing efficiency, compared to conventional water immersion thawing (WT). In this study, MN-MT was applied to thaw fruit (lychee as an example) for the first time, and was evaluated by comparison with WT, MT and water immersion combined with microwave thawing (WI-MT). Results showed that MN-MT could significantly shorten the thawing time of frozen lychee by 80.67%, 25.86% and 18.83% compared to WT, MT and WI-MT, respectively. Compared to WT, MN-MT was the only thawing treatment which significantly enhanced the release of quercetin-3-O-rutinose-7-O-α-l-rhamnoside, according to HPLC-DAD. Meanwhile, thermal-sensitive procyanidin B2, phenylpropionic acid and protocatechuic acid were found to be protected from degradations only by MN-MT based on UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS results. In summary, MN-MT is a potential novel treatment for rapid thawing and quality maintenance of frozen fruits.

Brazilian native fruit pomace as a source of bioactive compounds on starch-based films: Antimicrobial activities and food simulator release

The bioactive compounds extraction from fruit pomace is an ecological alternative for these abundant and low-added-value by-products. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of pomace extracts from Brazilian native fruits (araçá, uvaia, guabiroba and butiá) and the effect on physicochemical, mechanical properties and the migration of antioxidants and phenolic compounds from starch-based films. The film with butiá extract had the lowest mechanical resistance (1.42 MPa) but the highest elongation (63 %). In comparison, uvaia extract had less impact on film mechanical properties (3.70 MPa and 58 %) compared to the other extracts. The extracts and films showed antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, L. inoccua, B. cereus and S. aureu. Approximately 2 cm inhibition halo was noticed for the extracts, while films ranged from 0.33 to 1.46 cm inhibition halo. Films with guabiroba extract had the lowest antimicrobial activity (0.33 to 0.5 cm). The phenolic compounds were released from the film matrix in the first hour at 4 °C with maintenance in the stability. The fatty-food simulator showed a controlled release of antioxidant compounds, which can assist in controlling food oxidation. Brazilian native fruit has shown to be a viable alternative to isolate bioactive compounds and produce film packaging with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Compounds of Native Brazilian Fruits of the Arecaceae Family and Its Potential Applications for Health Promotion

The fruits from the Arecaceae family, although being rich in bioactive compounds with potential benefits to health, have been underexplored. Studies on their composition, bioactive compounds, and effects of their consumption on health are also scarce. This review presents the composition of macro- and micronutrients, and bioactive compounds of fruits of the Arecaceae family such as bacaba, patawa, juçara, açaí, buriti, buritirana, and butiá. The potential use and reported effects of its consumption on health are also presented. The knowledge of these underutilized fruits is important to encourage production, commercialization, processing, and consumption. It can also stimulate their full use and improve the economy and social condition of the population where these fruits are found. Furthermore, it may help in future research on the composition, health effects, and new product development. Arecaceae fruits presented in this review are currently used as raw materials for producing beverages, candies, jams, popsicles, ice creams, energy drinks, and edible oils. The reported studies show that they are rich in phenolic compounds, carotenoids, anthocyanins, tocopherols, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids. Moreover, the consumption of these compounds has been associated with anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antiobesity, and cardioprotective effects. These fruits have potential to be used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Despite their potential, some of them, such as buritirana and butiá, have been little explored and limited research has been conducted on their composition, biological effects, and applications. Therefore, more detailed investigations on the composition and mechanism of action based on in vitro and/or in vivo studies are needed for fruits from the Arecaceae family.

Food resilience in a dark catastrophe: A new way of looking at tropical wild edible plants

A global sun-blocking catastrophe is more plausible than anyone would like to think. Models have consistently shown the devastating effects these events could have to the world's agricultural systems for upwards of 15 years. New shade-, drought-, and cool-tolerant crops and more food stockpile sources must be found if there would be any hope of feeding the global population in such a scenario. Wild edible plants (WEPs) are important buffers of food security to indigenous peoples, impoverished peoples, and those in areas with erratic growing seasons across the globe. Here, we suggest WEP species that have the potential to be scaled up through cultivation in post-catastrophe conditions, and the use of foraged food stockpiles to function as stop-gap foods until conventional agriculture returns. We also propose policy initiatives for habitat protection, education programs, and general preparedness.

Bio-packaging based on cellulose acetate from banana pseudostem and containing Butia catarinensis extracts

Banana (Musa acuminata) pseudostem cellulose was extracted and acetylated (CA) to prepare membranes with potential use as bio-packages. The CA membrane was embedded by Butia seed (CA-BS) or Butia pulp (CA-BP) extracts obtained from Butia catarinenses (Butia). The produced CA, CA-BS, and CA-BP membranes were evaluated for their physical-chemical, mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties. The process for obtaining the cellulose yielded a material with about 92.17% cellulose (DS = 2.85). The purity, cellulose degree acetylation, and the incorporation of Butia extracts into the membranes were confirmed by FTIR. The CA-BS and CA-BP membranes showed a smaller contact angle and higher swelling ratio than the CA membrane. Furthermore, Butia seed or pulp extracts reduced the elastic modulus and deformation at break compared to the CA membrane. The DSC analysis suggested the compatibility between sections and the CA matrix, whereas the TGA analysis confirmed the thermal stability of the membranes. Moreover, less than 1% of the Butia seed and pulp extracts were put into a food simulant media from the membrane. Finally, the CA-BS and CA-BP membranes could inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli on their surface, confirming the potential use of these membranes as bio-packaging for food preservation.

Effect of moderate thermal treatments on the inactivation of a strain of Listeria monocytogenes and physicochemical properties of soursop pulp

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) is a commercially important tropical fruit, whether fresh or processed as a pasteurized or frozen pulp used to prepare juice, drinks, nectar, ice cream, popsicles, and desserts. Besides preserving quality, another preoccupation in the processing of fruit pulps is product safety. Several studies show the association between pulp processing and the development of various microorganisms; however, few have focused on the association between L. monocytogenes and the pulp of sour fruits. The objective was to evaluate the effect of moderate thermal treatments on the inactivation of L. monocytogenes and the physicochemical properties in soursop pulp in order to determine the best processing conditions that will allow to maintain quality as well as to achieve an adequate level of safety. Thermal inactivation kinetics were obtained for L. monocytogenes inoculated in soursop pulp at five levels of temperature (50, 52.5, 55, 57.5, and 60 ℃) and different exposure times (0-60 min). The survival curves did not suggest a log-linear relationship, and were, consequently, fitted to the modified Gompertz equation. The results indicated that the modified Gompertz equation provided an acceptable goodness of fit. Five-log₁₀ cycles reductions of L. monocytogenes were achieved at 50 ℃/60 min, 52.5 ℃/16 min, 55 ℃/10 min, 57.5 ℃/5 min, and 60 ℃/1.25 min. These 5-log₁₀ treatments applied to the soursop pulp indicated that the soursop pulp showed changes in the color parameters and a decrease in the content of total sugars, reducing sugars, ascorbic acid, total phenols, and pH.

LC-ESI-QTOF/MS Characterization of Phenolic Compounds in Palm Fruits (Jelly and Fishtail Palm) and Their Potential Antioxidant Activities

Palm fruits have gained growing attention for their nutrition values and health promotion perspectives. They have a diverse range of bioactive compounds including carotenoids, vitamins, dietary fibres and especially polyphenolic compounds. These polyphenolic compounds contribute to the putative health benefits of palm fruits. Nevertheless, the detailed information about these polyphenols in palm fruits is limited. The present work was conducted to comprehensively characterize polyphenols in two palm fruits, jelly palm (Butia ordorata) and fishtail palm (Caryota uren), using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF/MS) and assess their antioxidant potential. The total phenolic content (TPC), total tannins content (TTC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant assay and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging abilities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were higher in the jelly palm fruit while total flavonoid contents (TFC) were higher in the fishtail palm. The LC-ESI-QTOF/MS tentatively identified a total of 86 phenolic compounds in both jelly and fishtail palm fruits. Although both palm fruits exhibited different phenolic profiles, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols were the most common in both. In high performance liquid chromatography photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) quantification, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (317.46 ± 4.68 µg/g) and catechin (4724.00 ± 32.39 µg/g) were the most abundant phenolic acid and flavonoid quantified in the jelly palm fruit, respectively. Quercetin (557.28 ± 7.81 µg/g) and kaempferol 3-O-glucoside (220.99 ± 2.06 µg/g) were the most abundant flavonoids quantified in the fishtail palm. Our study indicates that palm fruit is a good source of polyphenols and has strong antioxidant potential for health promotion. Furthermore, this study provides the scientific basis for an exploitation of jelly and fishtail palm fruits in the food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Bioactive Characteristics and Storage of Salt Mixtures Seasoned with Powdered Cereal Sprouts

Sprouting is a process that can improve nutritional and beneficial properties of seeds. This work studies the design of the new healthier product salt seasoned with freeze-dried powdered cereal sprouts. The cereal sprouts mixture (SM), including barley sprouts (BS), oat sprouts (OS), and wheat sprouts (WS), was optimized in terms of total phenolic content (TPh) and antioxidant capacity (AC). The sprouts mixture with optimal features (OSM), composed of 92.9% BS, 0% OS, and 7.1% WS, had 482.82 mg GAE/100 g of polyphenols and 797.97 µmol TE/100 g antioxidant capacity. HPLC analysis showed that the most abundant phenolic compound in OMS was gallic acid (94.27 mg/100 g). OSM was mixed with salt in different ratios (1 : 1, 1 : 2, and 1 : 3) and stored in transparent and amber bottles for six months. Colour, TPh, and AC retention of seasoned salts and OSM was significantly better (p<0.05) preserved in amber bottles during storage, protected from light. The sprout content was in correlation with TPh and AC retention and colour change. These results suggest that cereal sprouts can be used as a safe ingredient for food products such as seasoned salt, adding value to the basic daily diet with no changes in dietary habits.

Estabilidade química, físico-química e antioxidante de polpa de Physalis pasteurizada e não pasteurizada sob congelamento

Resumo O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a estabilidade físico-química, química e antioxidante de polpa de Physalis peruviana L., não pasteurizada e pasteurizada, durante 120 dias de armazenamento a -18 °C. Foram avaliados pH, acidez total titulável (ATT), sólidos solúveis totais (SST), relação SST/ATT, umidade, cinzas, glicídeos redutores, coloração, vitamina C, carotenoides totais, compostos fenólicos totais e capacidade antioxidante. As análises físico-químicas e químicas realizadas demonstraram que o armazenamento sob congelamento não ocasionou perdas significativas de qualidade das polpas para as variáveis de pH, ATT, SST e glicídeos redutores. Na polpa não pasteurizada, observou-se aumento significativo no teor de umidade e diminuição significativa no teor de cinzas, durante o armazenamento. A aplicação da pasteurização promoveu variações significativas para os SST e glicídios redutores, ao final do período de armazenamento, observando-se maiores teores. A cor foi afetada negativamente pela aplicação do tratamento térmico, observando-se valores de a* inferiores e valores do ângulo da tonalidade (°h) superiores. Quanto à estabilidade dos compostos antioxidantes, verificou-se redução nos teores de vitamina C, carotenoides, compostos fenólicos totais e da capacidade antioxidante, ao longo do armazenamento a -18 °C, nas polpas não pasteurizada e pasteurizada. Foram observadas perdas de 82,38% e 88,88% para vitamina C, de 66,29% e 66,51% para os carotenoides, e 22,26% e 31,31% para os compostos fenólicos totais nas polpas não pasteurizadas e pasteurizadas, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o armazenamento durante 120 dias sob congelamento das polpas de Physalis peruviana L. pasteurizada e não pasteurizada promoveu perdas significativas dos compostos antioxidantes para ambas as polpas e que a pasteurização afetou as características físico-químicas e químicas avaliadas.

Bioactive compounds and health benefits of some palm species traditionally used in Africa and the Americas - A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to previous ethno-medicinal reviews, Cocos nucifera, Elaeis guineensis and Phoenix dactylifera are among the main palms which are often used on the American and African continents to treat infections, infestations and disorders in the digestive, respiratory, genito-urinary, dermal, endocrine, cardiovascular, muscular-skeletal, mental and neural systems, as well as neoplasms, dental issues and metabolic and nutritional disorders. In addition, one or more species of the wild genera Acrocomia, Areca, Astrocaryum, Attalea, Bactris, Borassus, Calamus, Chamaedorea, Chamaerops, Euterpe, Hyphaene, Mauritia, Oenocarpus and Syagrus have a high number of records of these ethno-medicinal uses. The most used parts of the palm tree are the fruits, followed by roots, seeds, leaves and flower sap.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review discusses the phytochemical composition and the pharmacological properties of these important ethno-medicinal palms, aiming to provide a contribution to future research prospects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Significant information was compiled from an electronic search in widely used international scientific databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, SciFinder, Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley on line Library, Scielo, ACS Publications), and additional information was obtained from dissertations, theses, books and other relevant websites.

RESULTS

Palms, in general, are rich in oils, terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Fruits of many species are notable for their high content of healthy oils and fat-soluble bioactive compounds, mainly terpenoids, such as pigment carotenoids (and provitamin A), phytosterols, triterpene pentacyclics and tocols (and vitamin E), while other species stood out for their phenolic compounds derived from benzoic and cinnamic acids, along with flavan-3-ol, flavone, flavonol, and stilbene compounds or anthocyanin pigments. In addition to fruits, other parts of the plant such as seeds, leaves, palm heart, flowers and roots are also sources of many bioactive compounds. These compounds are linked to the ethno-medicinal use of many palms that improve human health against infections, infestations and disorders of human systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Palms have provided bioactive samples that validate their effectiveness in traditional medicine. However, the intensive study of all palm species related to ethno-medicinal use is needed, along with selection of the most appropriate palm accessions, ripe stage of the fruit and /or part of the plant. Furthermore, the complete profiles of all phytochemicals, their effects on animal models and human subjects, and toxicological and clinical trials are suggested, which, added to the incorporation of improved technological processes, should represent a significant advance for the implementation of new opportunities with wide benefits for human health.