Ascorbic acid and phenolic contents, antioxidant capacity and flavonoids composition of Brazilian Savannah native fruits

Abstract Brazilian Savannah native fruits have been investigated as potential sources of antioxidant substances. Cagaita, cerrado cashew and gabiroba were characterized with regard to the ascorbic acid and phenolic contents, antioxidant capacity and flavonoids composition. Gabiroba presented higher contents of ascorbic acid (61.5 mg.100 g-1), total phenolic compounds (1,222.59 mg GAE.100 g-1), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP and ORAC assays) than cagaita and cerrado cashew. The correlation coefficients between total ascorbic acid or total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity were strong and significant (0.970 ≤ r ≤ 0.998). Quercetin derivatives were found in cagaita (1.94 mg.100 g-1) and myricetin derivatives in cerrado cashew (1.2 mg.100 g-1). Peonidin 3-glucoside was the main anthocyanin in cerrado cashew, and its flavonoids composition was first identified in this study. Gabiroba showed relevant catechin content (23.32 mg.100 g-1). These Brazilian native fruits may be considered as important sources of bioactive compounds, notably gabiroba, since it presents high phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity.

Oilseeds native to the Cerrado have fatty acid profile beneficial for cardiovascular health / Oleaginosas nativas do Cerrado apresentam perfis de ácidos graxos favoráveis à saúde cardiovascular

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess and compare the fatty acid composition of edible seeds and a nut native to the Cerrado (Brazilian savannah) to that of traditional oilseeds. Methods: Baru almonds, Cerrado cashew nuts, and pequi almonds were extracted from the fruits using appropriate equipment. All edible seeds and nuts were roasted, except for the Brazil nut. The sample lipids were extracted via cold pressing. The fatty acids were esterified, and the fatty acid esters were analyzed by gas chromatography. Results: The native and traditional edible seeds and nuts contain mostly monounsaturated fatty acids (42.72 g to 63.44 g/100 g), except for the Brazil nut, which showed predominance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (45.48 g/100 g). Pequi almond had the highest saturated fatty acid content (36.14 g/100 g). The fatty acids with the highest concentration were oleic and linoleic acids, and palmitic acid was also found in considerable concentration in the oilseeds studied. The Cerrado cashew nut and the traditional cashew nut have similar fatty acid profiles. As for the ratio of ω-6 to ω-3, the baru almond showed the highest ratio, 9:1, which was the closest to the recommended intake of these fatty acids. Conclusion: The fatty acid profile of the edible seeds and nuts native to the cerrado is similar to those of traditional oilseeds. We suggest the inclusion of native oilseeds in the diet aiming at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially the baru almond and the cerrado cashew nut, due to the fact they have high ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a composição de nozes e sementes comestíveis nativas do cerrado, no que diz respeito aos ácidos graxos, e comparar com oleaginosas tradicionais. Métodos: A amêndoa de baru, a castanha-de-caju-do-cerrado e a amêndoa de pequi foram extraídas dos frutos com equipamentos apropriados. Todas as nozes e sementes comestíveis foram torradas, exceto a castanha-do-brasil. Os lipídeos das amostras foram extraídos a frio, os ácidos graxos foram esterificados e os ésteres de ácidos graxos foram analisados por cromatografia gasosa. Resultados: As nozes e sementes comestíveis tradicionais e nativas possuem, predominantemente, ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (42,72 g a 63,44 g/100 g), exceto a castanha-do-brasil, que apresentou predominância de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (45,48 g/100 g). A amêndoa de pequi apresentou o maior teor de ácidos graxos saturados (36,14 g/100 g). Os ácidos graxos encontrados em maior concentração nas oleaginosas foram o ácido oleico e o linoleico; o ácido palmítico foi também detectado em proporções consideráveis. O perfil de ácidos graxos da castanha-de-caju-do-cerrado é comparável ao da castanha-de-caju tradicional. Quanto à relação entre ácidos graxos w-6 e w-3, a amêndoa de baru apresentou o valor de 9:1, mais próximo ao recomendado para consumo. Conclusão: O perfil de ácidos graxos das nozes e sementes comestíveis nativas do cerrado se assemelha ao das tradicionais. Sugere-se, portanto, a inclusão das oleaginosas nativas em planos alimentares que visem a redução do risco de doenças cardiovasculares, sobretudo a amêndoa de baru e a castanha-de-caju-do-cerrado, por suas elevadas concentrações de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados em relação aos ácidos graxos saturados.

Compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante de pseudofrutos decaju arbóreo do Cerrado / Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of arboreal cashew pseudo-fruit from Cerrado

Este trabalho analisou a composição centesimal, o conteúdo de vitamina C e de compostos fenólicos, e avaliou a atividade antioxidante de pseudofrutos de caju arbóreo do Cerrado, provenientes de três regiões do estado de Goiás. Os pseudofrutos apresentaram elevados teores de umidade (superiores a 80 %) e baixos teores de proteínas, lipídios, cinzas e carboidratos totais. Os pseudofrutos das regiões de Faina e Santa Terezinha podem ser considerados ricos em vitamina C. Os teores de compostos fenólicos observados nos pseudofrutos foram superiores ao de frutas como cajá, abacaxi e tamarindo. Estes compostos apresentaram atividade antioxidante relevante pelo método DPPH, e o consumo do pseudofruto de caju arbóreo pode ser recomendado como fonte complementar de antioxidantes dietéticos.

This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition, the vitamin C and total phenolic contents andthe antioxidant activity of arboreal cashew pseudo-fruits collected from three regions of the state ofGoiás, Brazil. The pseudo-fruits showed high moisture content (above 80 %) and low contents of protein,lipid, ash and total carbohydrates. The pseudo-fruits from Faina and Santa Terezinha’s regions might beconsidered rich in vitamin C. The phenolic contents were higher than those found in fruits like yellowmombin (cajá), pineapple and tamarind. These compounds showed significant antioxidant activity byDPPH methodology. Therefore, the consumption of arboreal cashew pseudo-fruit might be recommendedas an additional source of dietary antioxidants.