Quantification of bioactive compounds in pulps and by-products of tropical fruits from Brazil

TLDR

The study quantified resveratrol, coumarin, and other bioactives in pulps and by‑products of twelve Brazilian tropical fruits during pulp production. The authors measured total phenolics, anthocyanins, yellow flavonoids, β‑carotene, and lycopene in pulps and by‑products (peel, pulp leftovers, seed) of pineapple, acerola, monbin, cashew apple, guava, soursop, papaya, mango, passion fruit, surinam cherry, sapodilla, and tamarind. Resveratrol was found in guava and surinam cherry by‑products, coumarin in passion fruit, guava, surinam cherry by‑products, and mango pulp, and overall by‑products exhibited significantly higher bioactive content than pulps, indicating their potential as natural nutraceutical sources.

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify the levels of resveratrol, coumarin, and other bioactives in pulps and by-products of twelve tropical fruits from Brazil obtained during pulp production process. Pineapple, acerola, monbin, cashew apple, guava, soursop, papaya, mango, passion fruit, surinam cherry, sapodilla, and tamarind pulps were evaluated as well as their by-products (peel, pulp's leftovers, and seed). Total phenolic, anthocyanins, yellow flavonoids, β-carotene and lycopene levels were also determined. Resveratrol was identified in guava and surinam cherry by-products and coumarin in passion fruit, guava and surinam cherry by-products and mango pulp. These fruit pulp and by-products could be considered a new natural source of both compounds. Overall, fruit by-products presented higher (P<0.05) bioactive content than their respective fruit pulps. This study provides novel information about tropical fruits and their by-products bioactive composition, which is essential for the understanding of their nutraceutical potential and future application in the food industry.