Ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Miller): a potential alternative for iron supplementation and phytochemical compounds

Abstract

Ora-pro-nobis (OPN) (Pereskia aculeata Miller) is a non-conventional edible plant rich in protein, fibres and minerals. The innovation of this work is based on the sustainability production of the aqueous extract (green solvent) containing iron and bioactive compounds as well as employing a native plant from Brazil. A screening of phytochemicals components, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins contents were performed using OPN extract. The antioxidant activity of the OPN aqueous extract was determined by three different assays as following: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•); Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP); and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). The OPN dried leaves presented high protein and minerals contents. Indeed, the Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR Spectroscopy) analysis performed in OPN aqueous extract confirmed the appearance of representative functional groups of the bioactive compounds. Overall the results suggested that it is possible to use simple aqueous solvent to produce OPN extract rich in iron, bioactive compounds and within antioxidant activity that could be potentially used as functional food ingredient.

Caracterização química e atividade antioxidante da mucilagem em pó de ora-pro-nobis

“…Enfatiza-se que foram utilizados extratos aquosos e não hidroetanólico, fator que pode ter influenciado na atividade antioxidante final. Segundo Maciel et al (2021) o solvente aquoso pode ser utilizado para produzir extrato de ora-pro-nobis rico em ferro, compostos bioativos e com atividade antioxidante.…”

“…O alto teor de nutrientes e ausência de toxicidade fazem dessa planta um excelente acréscimo para a alimentação humana e animal. Além das proteínas, as folhas também são compostas por grandes quantidades de fibras, minerais, como cálcio e ferro, vitaminas A e C, ácido fólico e outros componentes bioativos, o que as torna uma boa alternativa de alimentos funcionais em regiões subdesenvolvidas devido ao baixo custo e elevado valor nutricional (Takeiti et al, 2009;Almeida et al, 2014, Maciel et a., 2021.…”