Evaluation of Latin-American fruits rich in phytochemicals with biological effects

Abstract

This work aimed to provide a thorough description of the polyphenolic composition of five Latin-American fruits of increasing interest, which have certain anti-diabetic effects (açaí, maqui, Cape gooseberry, papaya and noni), and to correlate their antioxidant capacity and anti-diabesity activities (lipase and α-glucosidase inhibition), and examine their potential use by the food industry. The phytochemical profiling of the fruits revealed a wide range of bioactive phenolics. The inhibition of pancreatic lipase was significant for maqui, and maqui and papaya were the best inhibitors of α-glucosidase. Regarding the DPPH, ABTS·+ and FRAP assays, maqui berries displayed the highest activity. The ORAC method and the superoxide radical scavenging assays revealed maqui and açaí as the best performers. These Latin-American fruits are of great value regarding nutrition and health benefits, and the development of products for the control of diabetes and obesity.

Keywords

• Diabesity
• Fruits
• Berries
• Polyphenols
• Phytochemicals
• Antioxidants