Centesimal composition and antioxidant compounds of two fruits from the Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah)

Abstract

This study presents data on the centesimal composition and antioxidant compounds content of two Brazilian Cerrado fruits: Bromelia balansae Mez (gravata) and Inga laurina (Sw) Willd (inga). The centesimal composition followed the methodology recommended by the Adolfo Lutz Institute, except for lipids in which the method proposed by Bligh and Dyer was used. The dosage of vitamin C was performed by the spectrophotometric method and the Folin-Ciocalteu method was used for the phenolic compounds. In relation to the centesimal composition, both fruits presented high moisture content. Regarding proteins and lipids, the values found in the experiment were low, as well as the ashes in Inga laurina (Sw) Willd. Bromelia balansae Mez presented a considerable amount of ashes, on the carbohydrates both fruits are approximate the content found in fruits such as apple (15.2%). As for the antioxidant compounds, the fruits stood out when compared with others of this same biome, especially the phenolics. The selected fruits present considerable phenolic contents. Regarding the nutritional composition, both fruits presented low protein, lipids and caloric content, and the ashes, moisture, and carbohydrates were the most important when compared to other fruits of the same biome. The presence of phenolics and vitamin C make this fruit a promising source of antioxidant compounds whose cultivation should be stimulated.

Influence of organo-mineral supplementation on the production of secondary metabolites in in vitro-germinated Bromelia balansae Mez.

“…Literature describes the expression of phenols in B. balansae tissues (de Lima et al, 2019), what was nonetheless showcased in both the qualitative and quantitative analysis herein conducted. Moreover, CFM-ID and database analysis allowed us to suggest the presence of fragments from phenolic compounds from shikimate (i.e.…”

“…Nonetheless, the oral use of B. balansae in Brazilian folk medicine, and the absence of reports regarding purgative effects thereby suggested low concentration of these laxative compounds (da Silva Balin et al, 2018;de Lima et al, 2019;Rocha et al, 2015).…”

Leaf area estimation of Anacardium humile

“…The Cerrado is the second largest Brazilian biome, standing out as one of the richest in the world for having species with pharmaceutical and food potential (LIMA; PORTARI, 2019). It can be found in Goiás, Mato Grosso, Tocantins, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Rondônia, São Paulo, Distrito Federal and some parts of Piauí, Bahia and Maranhão (REIS;SCHIMIELE, 2019), with area of approximately 2 million km², which represents almost 25% of the national territory (DURIGAN;RATTER, 2016).…”