Corema album spp: Edible wild crowberries with a high content in minerals and organic acids. (30th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brito, Catarina; Bertotti, Taciana; Primitivo, Maria João; Neves, Marta; Pires, Cristiana L.; Cruz, Pedro F.; Martins, Patrícia A.T.; Rodrigues, Ana Cristina; Moreno, Maria João; Brito, Rui M.M.; Campos, Maria Jorge; Vaz, Daniela C.; Pessoa, Maria Fernanda; Lidon, Fernando; Reboredo, Fernando; Ribeiro, Vânia S.
• Is Part Of: Food chemistry. Volume 345(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-30
• Subjects: Corema album -- White berries -- Wild edible plants -- Antioxidant capacity -- Organic acids -- Mineral content -- Caco-2 cells; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.128732
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-8146

Abstract

Highlights: Corema album seeds are rich in omega-6 and omega-3 PUFAs. At low concentration, the fruit pulp shows beneficial effects on Caco-2 cells. Berries are rich in Calcium, Iron and Zinc. Berries present high moisture and edible contents. Leaves are rich in polyphenolic acids. Abstract: Edible wild plants are part of the ethnobotanical and gastronomic heritage of different geographical areas. Corema album (L.) D. Don is an endemic species of the dune systems of the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The aerial parts of Corema album are a source of nutrients and antioxidants. The Corema album white berry (Portuguese crowberry) is rich in calcium, iron, and zinc. The plant also shows high phenolic content and antioxidant capacity associated with the leaves, fruit, and flowers. The presence of organic acids, namely phenolic acids, such as hydroxycinnamic acids, and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) omega-3 and omega-6 has also been confirmed. Toxicity studies evaluated by cell viability tests with human intestinal epithelium model cells (Caco-2) have shown that, at low concentrations, plant extracts may present beneficial effects.