Bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) from the Cerrado and Amazon biomes. (15th June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cândido, T.L.N.; Silva, M.R.; Agostini-Costa, T.S.
• Is Part Of: Food chemistry. Volume 177(2015)
• Page Start: 313
• Page End: 319
• Publication Date: 2015-06-15
• Subjects: Mauritia flexuosa L.f. -- Buriti -- Bioactive compounds -- Antioxidant activity; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.01.041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-8146

Abstract

Highlights: We analyzed bioactives of buriti fruits from two Brazilian biomes. Buriti is an exceptional source of carotenoids, specially the fruit from the Amazon. The fruits from the Brazilian savannah presented higher contents of phenolics. The buriti extract has a comparable and good antioxidant capacity for all tests used. The biomes influenced the bioactives and antioxidant capacity of the buritis. Abstract: Pulp of buriti palms ( Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) from two Brazilian regions had their phenolic and carotenoid contents and antioxidant capacity evaluated through different methods (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and ORAC). Buriti pulp from the Cerrado presented higher phenolic levels (435.08 mg AGE 100 g −1 ) and elevated antioxidant capacity in all tests. The fruits from the Amazon region had a higher total carotenoid content (52.86 mg 100 g −1 ). Carotenoid profile has confirmed β-carotene predominance in both regions studied. The buritis' region of origin influenced bioactive compound contents and antioxidant capacity of the fruits analyzed. A significant positive correlation ( r ⩽ 0.95; p < 0.05) was observed between total phenolics and antioxidant capacity through the different methods applied. Results showed promising prospects for the future exploitation of buriti fruits as a potential source of carotenoids and natural antioxidants.