Baru (Dipteryx alata): a comprehensive review of its nutritional value, functional foods, chemical composition, ethnopharmacology, pharmacological activities and benefits for human health

Abstract

Baru (Dipteryx alata Vogel) is recognized as a widespread Brazilian tree species, and its almonds and pulp have gained commercial prominence due to their nutritional value. All parts of the baru are important for the environment and are used by traditional communities to treat various diseases. This review provides a comprehensive and current overview of the nutritional composition, human food applications, ethnopharmacological uses, and chemical and biological properties of Dipteryx alata, “baru” (Fabaceae). This study followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Studies were searched in the Medline (PubMed), Scopus, SciELO, and ScienceDirect databases using the descriptors “Dipteryx alata” OR “baru nut” OR “baru almond” OR “cumaru” OR “Coumarouna”. The exclusion criteria included duplicate articles, review articles, case reports, short communications, conference documents, incomplete access to the text, and articles not related to the objective of this review. The initial search yielded 822 results, 127 of which met the inclusion criteria. The almond was the most extensively studied part (59.8%), whereas leaves received the least attention (1.6%). Baru almond is a rich source of proteins (19 to 30 g.100 g-1), unsaturated fatty acids (75 to 81%), and essential amino acids, while the pulp is rich in carbohydrates (22.5 to 75.4%), dietary fiber (4.4 to 41.6 g.100 g-1) and vitamin C (113.48 and 224.5 mg.100 g-1). Phenolic compounds were the main metabolites, with a greater content in the almond (3.1 to 1.306,34 mg GAE g-1) than in the pulp (186 to 477 mg GAE g-1). Terpenes were also detected in the almond, pulp, and bark. The most evaluated biological activity was the antioxidant activity (n = 32.1%), followed by effects on oxidative stress (n = 12.5%). Therefore, emphasis on baru cultivation and bioprospecting could benefit human nutrition and health, strengthen family farming in various regions of the country and favour the achievement of Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture and Health and Well-Being in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.