Cuantificación fisicoquímica en gorro turco [Melocactus zehntneri (Britton & Rose) Luetzelburg - Cactaceae]

Abstract

RESUMO: Quantificação Fitoquímica da coroa-de-frade [Melocactus zehntneri (Britton &RoseIn Northeast Brazil, the use of melon cactus (Melocactus spp.) is quite common and varied. Thus, the present study aimed to perform various analyzes in cladodes of melon cactus [Melocactus zehntneri (Britton & Rose) Luetzelburg], to understand the reasons for the use of this species. The cladodes were collected in the city of Campina Grande and taken to the Food Engineering Laboratory of the Federal University of Campina Grande, where we performed the following analyses: mass, height, diameter, color, moisture, acidity, pH, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, both in the epidermis and in the aquifer parenchyma. The results showed that the epidermis has a higher acidity, ascorbic acid content and lower pH compared to the aquifer parenchyma. The contents of carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, were different from the both parts analyzed. The epidermis always had greater quantities of carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds than the aquifer parenchyma for the three plants, showing that most of the plant defense takes place in this tissue. Further studies, with more accurate techniques, are needed to identify the bioactive components of this species.

In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Biofilm, and Solar Protection Activities of Melocactus zehntneri (Britton & Rose) Pulp Extract

“…Cactaceae plants form important food sources with numerous health benefits, and are used in traditional medicine [34]. Moreover, these plants are known to contain a considerable amount of water, sugar, and organic acids [35].…”

Cacti fruit in the human diet: Sensory perceptions and interest of Brazilian consumers

“…Furthermore, several Brazilian endemic fruits have been gaining attention due to their high levels of bioactive compounds and consequent antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer potential, contributing to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases (Almeida, de Souza Freitas, de Morais, Sarmento, & Alves, 2016; Li et al, 2016). Studies reveal that cactus fruits have significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, essential fatty acids, sterols, phenolic acids, and pigments such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids (da Silveira Agostini‐Costa, 2020; Dávila‐Aviña, Gallegos‐Ruiz, García, & Heredia, 2018; Maciel et al, 2016; Nunes et al, 2016; Ranjan, Ranjan, Misra, Dutta, & Singh, 2016).…”