In vitro assessment of the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties of araçá, butiá and pitanga

Abstract

Native fruits have been known as a great source of bioactive compounds with potential biological effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the α-glucosidase inhibition and antioxidant activities of araçá (Psidium cattleianum Sabine), butiá (Butia odorata (Barb. Rodr.) Noblick) and pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) and relate their chemical composition with the observed biological activity. Samples of mature fruits were extracted with ethanol and the observed biological activities were dependent of the species and concentration as well. Araçás were the strongest α-glucosidase inhibitors (IC 50 value of 25.4 ± 0.7 and 31.8 ± 0.7 µg/ml, respectively). Pitangas showed antiradical activities against DPPH, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals. Orange pitanga and butiá from Santa Vitória do Palmar were the most active concerning anion superoxide radical. All fruits are rich in total phenolic compounds with values in the range of 454.5 ± 17.3-908.3 ± 60.8 mg of equivalents of chlorogenic acid/100 g fresh weight. Purple pitanga stood out due to their levels of anthocyanins and carotenoids. Fruits showed similar amounts of total sugars, araçás and pitangas showed higher levels of reducing sugars while butiás were the richest ones in non-reducing sugars. Fruits with lower IC 50 values for α-glucosidase inhibition were correlated with higher concentrations of reducing sugars, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins and carotenoids and grouped by principal component analysis (PCA). The obtained results indicate that these native fruits are promising sources of α-glucosidase inhibitors and antioxidants that can be used to control glycemia in patients with type 2 Diabetes mellitus.

Psidium cattleianum fruits: A review on its composition and bioactivity

“…Levels of total carotenoids in araçá vary considerably, with values of 389.0-1084.0 µg and 364.4-1134.0 µg of equivalents of β-carotene/ 100 g fresh weight (fw), for yellow and red araçá, respectively (Denardin et al, 2014;Medina et al, 2011;Vinholes, Lemos, Barbieri, Franzon, & Vizzotto, 2017).…”

The in vitro antioxidant properties ofMuscari comosumbulbs and their inhibitory activity on enzymes involved in inflammation, post-prandial hyperglycemia, and cognitive/neuromuscular functions

“…The capacity of the extract to scavenge nitric oxide (_NO) and superoxide (O 2 _ 2 ) radicals was determined as described by Vinholes, Lemos, Barbieri, Franzon, and Vizzotto (2017).…”

Assessment of the Suitability of Pitanga Leaf Extract as a Natural Antioxidant for Enhancing Canola Oil Stability: Monitoring Lipid Oxidation Parameters

“…The phytochemistry of pitanga and its potential health benefits has been previously explained in details . For example, pitanga leaves have been utilized in traditional Brazilian medicine due to their therapeutic effects against several diseases including diarrhea, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and malaria . Particularly, the infusion expressed from the pitanga leaves has been used fever treatment, infections, and low blood pressure, among others diseases, within the herbal medicinal practices, due to the presence of several bioactive components having beneficial effects on human health .…”

“…[13] For example, pitanga leaves have been utilized in traditional Brazilian medicine due to their therapeutic effects against several diseases including diarrhea, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and malaria. [14][15][16] Particularly, the infusion expressed from the pitanga leaves has been used fever treatment, infections, and low blood pressure, among others diseases, within the herbal medicinal practices, due to the presence of several bioactive components having beneficial effects on human health. [11] Many of these advantageous characteristics are because both extract and essential oil of this plant are rich in phenolic compounds including terpenes, flavonoids, tannins, and anthraquinones.…”