Antioxidants present in many fruit residues can play an essential role in the prevention of diseases. The aim of this study was to determine nutritional and mineral composition, fatty acids profile, anti-nutrients, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and technological properties of flour from residues generated by umbu fruit processing. Nutritional composition showed high levels of dietary fiber, especially insoluble fiber (56.67%). The flour can be classified as a good source of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, and an excellent source of iron, zinc and copper. Palmitic and stearic saturated fatty acids and oleic and linoleic unsaturated fatty acids were identified. No potentially toxic substances were detected. Significant values of ascorbic acid (44.78 mg/100g), carotenoids (463.73 µg/100g) and flavonoids (37.85 mg QE/100g) were found, as well as very high levels of phenolic compounds (20357.26 mg GAE/100g).Strong antioxidant activity was detected in the flour by three methods (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) demonstrating a linear positive correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The flour showed high absorption of water, oil, emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability presenting a great potential for use in foods, especially meat, bakery and dairy products. These results indicate promising prospects to full use of umbu as a functional ingredient.

The Caatinga, of Brazilian exclusivity, is compound by adapted plants for the climate-specific conditions present in this region. The natural resources in this phytogeography domain are used for local communities as foods source, regional economics develops, and traditional medicine. Folk medicine is applied as a local tradition through the fraction of the plants, such as roots, leaves, and fruits, to treat inflammation, tumor, metabolic or degenerative diseases.  Although the technological pharmaceutical industrial process shows exponential development in benefits for human health, the search for new treatments, naturals, and alternatives linked with the significant consciousness of the populations some knowledge about folk medicine and their natural compounds are not vast. In this way, the present review aimed to realize the systematic research considering 26 species endemics in Caatinga and their most significant biological potential. As a result, it was observed that have more studies with the antioxidative and immunomodulatory activities. The previous knowledge shows the relation between the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the development of different immunological diseases. With this review, we propose to contribute to the biotechnological potential of the Caatinga for science health.

The Caatinga, of Brazilian exclusivity, is compound by adapted plants for the climate-specific conditions present in this region. The natural resources in this phytogeography domain are used for local communities as foods source, regional economics develops, and traditional medicine. Folk medicine is applied as a local tradition through the fraction of the plants, such as roots, leaves, and fruits, to treat inflammation, tumor, metabolic or degenerative diseases. Although the technological pharmaceutical industrial process shows exponential development in benefits for human health, the search for new treatments, naturals, and alternatives linked with the significant consciousness of the populations some knowledge about folk medicine and their natural compounds are not vast. In this way, the present review aimed to realize the systematic research considering 26 species endemics in Caatinga and their most significant biological potential. As a result, it was observed that have more studies with the antioxidative and immunomodulatory activities. The previous knowledge shows the relation between the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the development of different immunological diseases. With this review, we propose to contribute to the biotechnological potential of the Caatinga for science health.