Polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of the Tarumá (Vitex cymosa) tree and the potential health benefits.

Abstract

Indigenous plants such as the Tarumá tree may have beneficial health properties through their bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional composition, the phytochemical performance, the total content of polyphenols, the antioxidant capacity and bioactive compounds of the fruits of the Tarumá tree (Vitex cymosa Berteo ex Speng) were evaluated for macronutrient content. Phytochemical screening was performed, the total content of polyphenols was obtained and the antioxidant capacity was determined. The macronutrients were in proportions of 11.3%, 9.3% and 16.4% for carbohydrates, proteins and fats respectively. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of phenols and triperthenoids. The total polyphenol content was 23 mg/g and the antioxidant capacity was (6773 ± 107) μmol/100 g. This study shows that the Tarumá fruits may have beneficial health properties based on the amount of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity thus making it likely to be able to prevent diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies.