Pouteria spp. fruits: Health benefits of bioactive compounds and their potential for the food industry.

The Sapotaceae family encompasses the genus Pouteria spp., comprising approximately 1,250 species of fruits cherished by consumers for their delightful assortment and flavors. Over the years, extensive research has been devoted to exploring the natural bioactive compounds present in these fruits, with the primary goal of preventing and/or mitigating the risk of degenerative diseases. Despite their widespread popularity in numerous countries, the chemistry, nutritional content, and biological potential of these fruits remain relatively unexplored. This comprehensive review aims to shed light on the principal volatile and non-volatile chemical components found in Pouteria fruits, which present notable antioxidant properties. By doing so, a broad perspective on the current trends in characterizing these compounds and their potential applications were provided, as well as the associated health benefits. Additionally, the prospects and potential applications of Pouteria fruits in the food industry were explored herein.

Pouteria sapota (Red Mamey Fruit): Chemistry and Biological Activity of Carotenoids.

BACKGROUND: Red mamey is the fruit of P. sapota, a tree found in Mesoamerica and Asia. This fruit is considered a nutraceutical due to its multiple beneficial health including antiamyloidogenic activity and potential anti-tumorigenic property. Red mamey contain a variety of carotenoids including novel ketocarotenoids such as sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin. A ketocarotenoid is a chemical compound with a carbonyl group present in the ß-ring or in the double bond chain of a carotenoid. In red mamey, the 3'-deoxy-k-end group in sapotexanthin has proven to be an important pro-vitamin A source, which is essential for maintaining a healthy vision and cognitive processes. OBJECTIVE: This work reviews the current knowledge about the chemistry and biological activities of carotenoids in red mamey. METHOD: An exhaustive extraction is the most usual methodology to isolate and thoroughly characterize the carotenoids present in this fruit. High performance liquid chromatography is used to determine the profile of total carotenoids and its purity, while atmospheric pressure chemical ionization was used to determine their molecular weight and nuclear magnetic resonance determined their structure. RESULT: For each 100 g of fresh weight, 0.12 mg of total carotenoid from this fruit can be obtained. Out of the more than 47 reported carotenoids in red mamey, only 34 have a detailed characterization. CONCLUSION: It is important to continue studying the chemical composition and biological activity of this unique tropical fruit with commercial and nutritional value.

Pouteria lucuma Pulp and Skin: In Depth Chemical Profile and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity.

Pouteria lucuma Ruiz and Pav., known as the 'Gold of the Incas' or 'lucuma', is a subtropical fruit belonging to the Sapotaceae family, with a very sweet flavor, used to prepare cakes, ice creams as well as in the baking and dairy industries. To date, the content of primary metabolites is known, but little information is reported about the composition in specialized metabolites. Moreover, no study is reported on skin which represent an important agricultural waste due to the high demand for lucuma. In order to have a preliminary metabolite profile of Pouteria lucuma, the extracts of pulp and skin have been analyzed by LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS/MS in negative ion mode. The careful analysis of the accurate masses, of the molecular formulas and of the ESI/MS spectra allowed to identify specialized metabolites belonging to phenolic, flavonoid and polar lipid classes. The LC-MS/MS analysis guided the isolation of compounds occurring in the pulp extract whose structures have been characterized by spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments and ESI-MS analysis. Furthermore, the phenolic content of the extracts along with the antioxidant activity of extracts and isolated compounds was evaluated.

Composição nutricional de frutos do Cerrado mato grossense: cajuzinho do cerrado (Anacardium humile A. St. -Hil), curriola (Pouteria ramiflora (Mart) Radlk) e inharé (Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul) / Nutritional composition of the fruits from Midwestern Cerrado: cajuzinho do cerrado(Anacardium humile A. St. -Hil), curriola (Pouteria ramiflora (Mart) Radlk)and inharé (Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul)

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização nutricional (umidade, proteínas, lipídeos, cinzas e açúcares totais), quantificação do Valor Energético Total (VET) e determinação do teor de carotenoides totais dos frutos de cajuzinho do cerrado (Anacardium humile A.St.-Hil.), curriola (Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk) e inharé (Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul), do Cerrado mato grossense. No intuito de oferecer uma alternativa de dieta nutritiva e incentivar o reaproveitamento de alimentos, foram analisadas polpas e cascas destes frutos. O cajuzinho do cerrado apresentou expressiva quantidade de carotenoides totais nas polpas (5,95 mg/100g) e cascas (6,55 mg/100g). Já a curriola apresentou um valor considerável de cinzas (0,66%) nas polpas e mostraram quantidade significativa de Valor Energético Total (80,96 Kcal/100g). O inharé destacou-se por apresentar elevado teor de proteínas nas cascas (3,76%) e polpas (3,19%). Estes resultados mostraram que polpas e cascas dos frutos analisados, podem ser utilizadas como fonte de nutrientes ou como ingredientes na elaboração de novos alimentos com potencial funcional. Este é o primeiro estudo que avalia o potencial nutricional e carotenoides totais nas cascas destes frutos do Cerrado mato grossense.

This study aimed at performing the nutritional characterization (moisture, protein, lipid, ashes and total sugar), quantification of the Total Energy Value (TEV) and determination of carotenoid content of cajuzinho do cerrado (Anacardium humile A.St.-Hil.), curriola (Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk) and inharé (Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul), of the Midwestern Cerrado. Aiming at offering a nutritious alternative of diet and motivating the reuse of foods, the pulps and peels of fruits were analyzed. Cajuzinho do cerrado showed expressive amount of total carotenoids in the pulps (5.95 mg/100g) and peels (6.55 mg/100g). The curriola presented a considerable amount of ash (0.66%) in the pulps and a significant amount of Total Energy Value (80.96 Kcal/100g). On the other hand, the inharé had a high amount of protein in the peels (3.76%) and pulps (3.19%). These results showed that pulps and peels of the analyzed fruits can be used as source of nutrients or as ingredients in the manufacture of new functional foods. This is the first report which evaluates the nutritional potential and total carotenoids in peels of fruits from Midwestern Cerrado.

Isolation and identification of sapotexanthin 5,6-epoxide and 5,8-epoxide from red mamey (Pouteria sapota).

Two new carotenoids, sapotexanthin 5,6-epoxide and sapotexanthin 5,8-epoxide, have been isolated from the ripe fruits of red mamey (Pouteria sapota). Sapotexanthin 5,6-epoxide was also prepared by partial synthesis via epoxidation of sapotexanthin, and the (5R,6S) and (5S,6R) stereoisomers were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-electronic circular dichroism (HPLC-ECD) analysis. Spectroscopic data of the natural and semisynthetic derivatives obtained by acid-catalyzed rearrangement of cryptocapsin 5,8-epoxide stereoisomers were compared for structural elucidation.

Characterization and the impact of in vitro simulated digestion on the stability and bioaccessibility of carotenoids and their esters in two Pouteria lucuma varieties.

Lucuma is a starchy orange-yellow fruit native to the Andean region. It is widely consumed in Latin America and has been recently adapted to the agronomical characteristics of the south region of Spain. However, its carotenoid profile has never been reported. The aim of this study was to characterize the carotenoid and carotenoid ester composition of lucuma pulps (var. Molina and Beltran) and assess their bioaccessibility with an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion according to the INFOGEST® methodology. The carotenoid profile in lucuma pulps revealed a high qualitative diversity composed of 33 compounds, corresponding to 9 free xanthophylls, 9 hydrocarbon carotenes and 15 xanthophyll esters. (13Z)-violaxanthin, (all-E)-violaxanthin and (all-E)-antheraxanthin were the most abundant carotenoids in lucuma fruits and were naturally present as xanthophyll esters: (all-E)-antheraxanthin 3-O-palmitate, (all-E)-violaxanthin laurate and (all-E)-violaxanthin palmitate. Carotenoids were stable during in vitro digestion; however, their release from the food matrix was limited which contributed to their low bioaccessibility.

13,27-Cycloursane, ursane and oleanane triterpenoids from the leaves of Lucuma nervosa.

One hitherto unknown 24-nor-13,27-cycloursane-type triterpenoid, lucumic acid A (1), one new 24-nor-ursane triterpenoid, lucumic acid B (2), along with six known triterpenoids were isolated from the ethanol extract of the leaves of Lucuma nervosa. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation. Lucumic acid A (1) is the first example of a 24-nor-triterpenoid with a 13,27-cyclopropane ring.

Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk. extract: Flavonoids quantification and chemopreventive effect on HepG2 cells.

Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk., popularly known as curriola, is commonly used in Brazil as medicinal plant to treat worm infections, dysentery, pain, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. At present the safety of this extract when used therapeutically in human remains to be determined. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine cytotoxicity, antiproliferative, and antimutagenic actions of this extract. The hydroalcoholic extract from P. ramiflora leaves consisted of flavonoids identified and quantified as myricetin-3-O-ß-D-galactopyranoside (13.55 mg/g) and myricetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (9.61 mg/g). The extract exhibited cytotoxicity at concentrations higher than 1.5 µg/ml in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2)and 2.5 µg/ml in non-tumoral primary gastric (GAS) cells using the MTT assay, and at concentrations higher than 3 µg/ml in HepG2 and 3.5 µg/ml in GAS cells by the neutral red assay. The extract did not show antiproliferative effect as evidenced by the nuclear division index (NDI). However, in the presence of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) (positive control), an enhanced cytostatic effect in the NDI and flow cytometry was noted. It is of interest that when the extract was co-incubated with BaP a significant decrease in DNA damage was observed indicating an antimutagenic action. This protective effect might be attributed to myricetin and gallic acid found in P. ramiflora extract. The low cytotoxicity action and protective effect observed in the present study encourage further studies regarding other biological effects of P. ramiflora, as well as its potential use as a chemopreventive agent.

Evaluation of antidiabetic activity of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles using Pouteria sapota in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have proven to be good sources of agents effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The present study focused on the green synthesis of AgNPs from the aqueous leaf extract of Pouteria sapota in order to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic properties of this extract and the synthesized AgNPs. METHODS: The AgNPs were biologically synthesized under ambient conditions from an aqueous leaf extract of P. sapota using the hot percolation method and were characterized using spectroscopic methods, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The in vitro antidiabetic activity of the aqueous leaf extract and AgNPs was confirmed by non-enzymatic glycosylation of hemoglobin, glucose uptake by yeast cells following exposure of cells to 5 or 10 mmol/L glucose solution, and inhibition of α-amylase. Further, in vivo antidiabetic activity was assessed in streptozotocin-induced rats. Rats were treated with aqueous leaf extract (100 mg/kg) or AgNPs (10 mg/kg) for 28 days. Following treatment, rats were killed for biochemical and histopathological analysis of kidney and liver samples. RESULTS: A significant reduction in blood sugar levels was noted in rats treated with leaf extract or AgNPs. Results of in vitro and in vivo analyses in rats treated with leaf extract or AgNPs show that both the extract and the biologically synthesized AgNPs have antidiabetic activity. CONCLUSION: The aqueous leaf extract of P. sapota and AgNPs exhibited efficient antidiabetic activity in the rat model of diabetes and therefore could have potential for development for medical applications in the future.

Triterpenes from Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk. Leaves (Sapotaceae).

Pouteria ramiflora (Mart.) Radlk. (Sapotaceae) is a species used by inhabitants from the Cerrado for its edible fruits and medicinal value. Hexane crude extracts from leaves and fractions were evaluated for in vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity and antioxidant potential. The fraction with the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity was submitted to a phytochemical study. Three triterpenes were isolated, friedelin, epi-friedelanol, and taraxerol. This is the first report of these compounds isolated from P. ramiflora. Moreover, this is the first report of friedelin isolated from Pouteria sp. Epi-friedelanol was present in significant amounts, suggesting that this compound could be a candidate marker for this species.

Pouteria torta epicarp as a useful source of α-amylase inhibitor in the control of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes plays a major role in public health, affecting about 400 million adults. One of the used strategies to control type 2 diabetes is the inhibition of α-amylase activity to reduce post-prandial blood glucose levels. Therefore, in past decades, the search of new α-amylase inhibitors has led to the evaluation of natural products as a source of these compounds. Pouteria torta (Sapotaceae) is widespread in Brazil and bears edible fruits. Epicarp and pulp crude extracts of fresh fruits were studied for in vitro α-amylase inhibition activity. The pulp did not present activity while epicarp, usually considered as waste, showed a high α-amylase inhibitory capacity when compared with acarbose and Triticum aestivum. Therefore, an assay-guided fractionation study of epicarp crude extract was performed. Fraction VI shows very high inhibitory activity with IC50 of 9 µg/mL. However, subsequent fractionation led to lower inhibition potential (IC50 of 22.1 µg/mL). The qualitative characterization of fraction VI were performed by chromatographic and spectrometric analysis and showed the presence of epicatechin, catechin, sucrose, glucose, and fructose. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity were also assessed and there seemed to be no correlation between phenolic or flavonoids-rich fractions and antioxidant capacity or α-amylase inhibitory activity.

Antinociceptive and Antihyperalgesic Activity of a Traditional Maya Herbal Preparation Composed of Pouteria Campechiana, Chrysophyllum Cainito, Citrus Limonum, and Annona Muricata.

Preclinical Research The purpose of this work was to assess the antinociceptive and antihyperalgesic properties of an herbal preparation, composed of four vegetal species: Pouteria campechiana (P. campechiana), Chrysophyllum cainito (C. cainito), Citrus limonum (C. limonum), and Annona muricata (A. muricata), that is commonly used in combination (PCCA) in traditional Mayan medicine for the treatment of diabetes and pain. An ethanolic extract of PCCA was prepared at a ratio of 1:1:1:1 for each plant. The systemic antinociceptive effect of PCCA extract (50-600 mg/kg, p.o.) was dose-dependent in the rat formalin (1%) producing 66% antinociceptive response at 400 mg/kg, p.o. A concentration-dependent antinociceptive effect of the PCCA extract (20-160 mg/paw) was also demonstrated in the rat capsaicin (0.2%) test. The PCCA extract (100-400 mg/kg, p.o.) had antihyperalgesic effects in alloxan diabetic rats. These findings demonstrate the antinociceptive and antihyperalgesic effects of PCCA and supports the use of the plant extracts in Mayan folk medicine. Drug Dev Res 78 : 91-97, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Carotenoids and carotenoid esters of orange- and yellow-fleshed mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H.E. Moore & Stearn) fruit and their post-prandial absorption in humans.

Although different genotypes of mamey sapote with distinct pulp colors are consumed in countries from Central to South America, in-depth knowledge on genotype-related differences of their carotenoid profile is lacking. Since the fruit was found to contain the potentially vitamin A-active keto-carotenoids sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin, we sought to qualitatively and quantitatively describe the carotenoid profile of different genotypes by HPLC-DAD-MSn. Sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin were present in all genotypes. Keto-carotenoids such as cryptocapsin, capsoneoxanthin, and their esters were most abundant in orange-fleshed fruit, whereas several carotenoid epoxides prevailed in yellow-fleshed fruit. Differing carotenoid profiles were associated with different color hues of the fruit pulp, while the widely variable carotenoid content (3.7-8.0mg/100gFW) was mainly reflected by differences in color intensity (chroma C∗). Furthermore, the post-prandial absorption of sapotexanthin to human plasma was proven for the first time. Besides sapotexanthin, cryptocapsin was found to be resorbed.

Carotenoid Composition of the Fruit of Red Mamey (Pouteria sapota).

The detailed carotenoid analysis of red mamey (Pouteria sapota) was achieved by HPLC-DAD-MS, chemical tests, and cochromatography with authentic samples. Altogether 47 components were detected and 34 identified from the total extract or after fractionation with column chromatography. The main carotenoids were cryptocapsin, sapotexanthin, and capsanthin 5,6-epoxide. Some further minor components containing the κ-end group with or without a hydroxy group and their 5,6-epoxy precursors were identified. Some comments are made about the biosynthesis of κ-carotenoids in red mamey.

Activity of crude extracts from Brazilian cerrado plants against clinically relevant Candida species.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants have traditionally been used in many parts of the world as alternative medicine. Many extracts and essential oils isolated from plants have disclosed biological activity, justifying the investigation of their potential antimicrobial activity. In this study, the in vitro antifungal activity of six Brazilian Cerrado medicinal plant species were evaluated against clinically relevant Candida species. METHODS: The crude extract plants were evaluated against American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) standard strains of Candida spp. using disk diffusion method and determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The chemical study results were confirmed by HPLC method. RESULTS: All six plant species showed antifungal activity. Among the species studied, Eugenia dysenterica and Pouteria ramiflora showed significant inhibitory activity against C. tropicalis at lowest MIC value of 125 and 500 µg/disc, respectively. The Eugenia dysenterica also disclosed MIC value of 125 µg/disc against C. famata, 250 µg/disc against C. krusei and 500 µg/disc against C. guilliermondii and C. parapsilosis. Pouteria torta, Bauhinia rufa, Erythroxylum daphnites and Erythroxylum subrotundum showed activity against the yeast strains with MIC value of 1000 µg/disc. The chemical study of the most bioactive extracts of Eugenia dysenterica and Pouteria ramiflora revealed catechin derivatives and flavonoids as main components. CONCLUSIONS: All six evaluated plant species showed good antifungal potential against several Candida strains. However, E .dysenterica and P. ramiflora showed the higher inhibitory effect against the non-albicans Candida species. Our results may contribute to the continuing search of new natural occurring products with antifungal activity.

Deposition Form and Bioaccessibility of Keto-carotenoids from Mamey Sapote (Pouteria sapota), Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum), and Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) Filet.

The ultrastructure and carotenoid-bearing structures of mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota) chromoplasts were elucidated using light and transmission electron microscopy and compared to carotenoid deposition forms in red bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) and sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Globular-tubular chromoplasts of sapote contained numerous lipid globules and tubules embodying unique provitamin A keto-carotenoids in a lipid-dissolved and presumably liquid-crystalline form, respectively. Bioaccessibility of sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin was compared to that of structurally related keto-carotenoids from red bell pepper and salmon. Capsanthin from bell pepper was the most bioaccessible pigment, followed by sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin esters from mamey sapote. In contrast, astaxanthin from salmon was the least bioaccessible keto-carotenoid. Thermal treatment and fat addition consistently enhanced bioaccessibility, except for astaxanthin from naturally lipid-rich salmon, which remained unaffected. Although the provitamin A keto-carotenoids from sapote were highly bioaccessible, their qualitative and quantitative in vivo bioavailability and their conversion to vitamin A remains to be confirmed.

Characterization of main primary and secondary metabolites and in vitro antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties in the mesocarp of three biotypes of Pouteria lucuma.

Pouteria lucuma is an Andean fruit from pre-Incas' times highly appreciated due to its characteristic flavor and taste in its homeland. We characterized the primary (e.g., sugars and organic acids), and secondary (e.g., phenolics and carotenoids) and in vitro antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties of Rosalia, Montero and Leiva 1 lucuma biotypes. Significant differences were found in these metabolites and functional properties related to biotype and ripeness stage. Results showed significant amounts of sugars (119.4-344 mg total sugars g(-1)DW) and organic acids (44.4-30.0 mg g(-1)DW) and functional associated compounds such as ascorbic acid (0.35-1.07 mg g(-1)DW), total phenolics (0.7-61.6 mg GAE g(-1)DW) and total carotenoids (0.22-0.50 mg ß-carotene g(-1)DW). Important in vitro antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties were found and provide the base for the standardization of lucuma harvest and postharvest focused not only on the enhancement of sensory but functional properties.

Acute Toxicity and Dermal and Eye Irritation of the Aqueous and Hydroalcoholic Extracts of the Seeds of "Zapote" Pouteria mammosa (L.) Cronquist.

The common use of Pouteria mammosa (L.) Cronquist, "Mamey or Zapote," in food and ethnobotanic medicine shows its low or absent toxicity as fruit extracts prepared from seeds. However, it is essential to conduct security trials to scientifically support their use in drug therapy. This study evaluated the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extract (25%) Acute Oral Toxicity, obtained from the seeds of P. mammosa, in Sprague Dawley rats and dermal and eye irritability in New Zealand rabbits. The 404 and 405 acute dermal and eye irritation/corrosion guidelines were used, as well as the 423 Acute Oral Toxicity guideline, Acute Toxic Class Method of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The aqueous extract was located in the following category: not classified as toxic (CTA 5), while hydroalcoholic extract at 25% was classified as dangerous (CTA 4). Both extracts can be used without side reaction that irritates the skin which permitted classification as potentially not irritant. P. mammosa in the two extracts caused mild and reversible eye irritation, and it was classified as slightly irritating.

Isolation of ß-Cryptoxanthin-epoxides, Precursors of Cryptocapsin and 3'-Deoxycapsanthin, from Red Mamey (Pouteria sapota).

From an extract of red mamey (Pouteria sapota) ß-cryptoxanthin-5,6-epoxide, ß-cryptoxanthin-5',6'-epoxide, 3'-deoxycapsanthin, and cryptocapsin were isolated and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, electronic circular dichroism (ECD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry (MS). Epoxidation of ß-cryptoxanthin delivered the ß-(5'R,6'S)- and (5'S,6'R)-cryptoxanthin-5',6'-epoxides, which were identified by HPLC-ECD analysis. These carotenoids among others are quite common in the fruits of Central America, and as they are natural provitamins A, they should play an important role in the diet of the mostly vitamin A deficient population of this region.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of Pouteria campechiana on acetaminophen-induced hepatic toxicity in rats.

Pouteria campechiana (Kunth) Baehni. is used as a remedy for coronary trouble, liver disorders, epilepsy, skin disease, and ulcer. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of polyphenolic-rich P. campechiana fruit extract against acetaminophen-intoxicated rats. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of egg fruit were estimated followed by the determination of antioxidant activities. Treatment with P. campechiana fruit extract effectively scavenged the free radicals in a concentration-dependent manner within the range of the given concentrations in all antioxidant models. The presence of polyphenolic compounds were confirmed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The animals were treated with acetaminophen (250 mg/kg body weight; p.o.) thrice at the interval of every 5 days after the administration of P. campechiana aqueous extract and silymarin (50 mg/kg). Acetaminophen treatment was found to trigger an oxidative stress in liver, leading to an increase of serum marker enzymes. However, treatment with P. campechiana fruit extract significantly reduced the elevated liver marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase) and increased the antioxidant enzymes (viz., superoxide dismutase and catalase) and glutathione indicating the effect of the extract in restoring the normal functional ability of hepatocytes. These results strongly suggest that P. campechiana fruit extract has strong antioxidant and significant hepatoprotective effect against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.