Resumo Objetivou-se com o presente estudo determinar o teor de compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante presentes nos frutos de três espécies vegetais do Cerrado Brasileiro: carnaúba (Copernicia prunifera (Mill.) H.E. Moore), murici (Byrsonima crassifolia L. Rich) e oiti (Licania tomentosa (Benth.) Fritsch). Entre os frutos analisados, o fruto oitiapresentou maior conteúdo de fenólicos totais (1236,42 ± 34,06 mg EAG 100 g-1), seguido do murici (468,90 ± 27,30 mg EAG 100 g-1) e do côco da carnaúba (314,44 ± 9,50 mg EAG 100 g-1). Quanto à atividade antioxidante, o murici apresentou 4350,31 ± 1,85 µmol TEAC.100 g-1 e o oiti que apresentou 14721,69 ± 0,85 µmol TEAC.100 g-1. Foi verificado também um elevado conteúdo de antocianinas no côco da carnaúba (9,35 ± 0,00 mg-cy-3-glu.100 g-1) e elevado conteúdo de carotenoides (20,0 ± 1,23 mg-ß-carot.100 g-1) e vitamina C (58,60 ± 1,32 mg.100 g-1) no murici. Os dados obtidos somam informações ao conhecimento atual sobre as características nutricionais e funcionais de frutos do Cerrado Brasileiro ainda pouco explorados, como os analisados, que apresentaram elevado conteúdo de compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity present in three fruit species from the Brazilian Cerrado: carnauba (Copernicia prunifera (Mill.) H.E. Moore), murici (Byrsonima crassifolia L. Rich)and oiti (Licania tomentosa (Benth) Fritsch). Among analyzed fruits, oiti showed the highest total phenolic content (1236.42 ± 34.06 mg GAE 100 g-1) followed by murici (468.90 ± 27.30 mg GAE 100 g-1) and carnauba (314.44 ± 9.50 mg GAE 100 g-1). Regarding the antioxidant activity, murici showed 4350.31 ± 1.85 µmol TEAC.100 g-1 and oiti showed 14721.69 ± 0.85 µmol TEAC.100 g-1. In addition, high content of anthocyanins was verified in carnauba (9.35 ± 0.00 mg-cy-3-glu.100 g-1), as well as carotenoids (20.0 ± 1.23 mg-ß-carot.100 g-1) and vitamin C (58.60 ± 1.32 mg.100 g-1) in murici. In conclusion, data obtained add valuable information to the current knowledge on the nutritional and functional features of fruits from the Brazilian Cerrado that have been scarcely explored, such as those analyzed, which showed high content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity.

Introduction: studies have shown high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, polyphenols and ascorbic acid in Buriti fruit (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.). This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of buriti fruit (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.). Methods: the chemical composition and total phenolic and carotenoid contents of the buriti pulp and the feed rations were determined, and the in vitro antioxidant activity was analyzed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay. Wistar rats (21 days old) were randomly allocated (n=10) into a control groups and experimental groups (feed enriched with buriti pulp). After 60 days, the in vivo antioxidant activity was evaluated through the determination of the catalase activity and non-protein sulfhydryl (NPSH) groups in the liver and quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the plasma and tissues. Results: high contents of oleic fatty acids (73.3%), phenolic compounds (192 ± 0.3 mg/100 g) and carotenoids (23.9 ± 0.5 mg/100 g) as well as elevated in vitro antioxidant activity were found in the buriti pulp. The enriched diet had higher contents of phenols and carotenoids as well as higher antioxidant activity compared with the standard feed (p < 0.05). There were no differences between the groups regarding catalase activity in the liver and MDA concentrations in the plasma, liver and kidneys. The male rats of the experimental group had higher liver concentrations of NPSH compounds (p < 0.05). Conclusion: these results may corroborate the claim that buriti fruit is an antioxidant functional food and support its utilization in a nutritionally balanced diet.

Introducción: estudios previos han demostrado que la fruta Burití (Mauritia flexuosa L.f). posee una alta concentración de ácidos grasos monoinsaturados, carotenoides, polifenoles y ácido ascórbico. Este estudio evaluó la actividad antioxidante in vitro e in vivo del Burití. Métodos: fueron determinadas la composición química, el contenido de compuestos fenólicos y de carotenoides tanto de la pulpa del Burití como de las raciones de alimento. La actividad antioxidante in vitro fue analizada utilizando el ensayo del radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH). Ratas Wistar (21 días de edad) fueron asignadas al azar (n = 10) en grupos controles y grupos experimentales (alimentación enriquecida con pulpa de Burití). Después de 60 días, la actividad antioxidante in vivo se evaluó mediante la actividad enzimática de la catalasa y grupos sulfhidrílo no proteico (NPSH) en el hígado, y se cuantificó el malondialdehído (MDA) en plasma y tejidos. Resultados: la pulpa del Burití presentó alto contenido de ácido graso oleico (73,3%), compuestos fenólicos (192 ± 0,3 mg/100 g) y carotenoides (23,9 ± 0,5 mg/100 g), así como una elevada actividad antioxidante in vitro. La dieta enriquecida tenía mayor contenido de fenoles y carotenoides, y una mayor actividad antioxidante en comparación con la alimentación estándar (p < 0,05). No se observaron diferencias entre los grupos con respecto a la actividad de la catalasa en el hígado y las concentraciones de MDA en plasma, hígado y riñones. Las ratas macho del grupo experimental tuvieron concentraciones hepáticas más altas de NPSH (p < 0,05). Conclusión: estos resultados pueden corroborar la hipótesis de que la fruta Burití es un alimento funcional antioxidante y su consumo es conveniente en una dieta nutricionalmente equilibrada.

This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition, determine the fatty acid profile, and quantify the bioactive compounds present in guava seed powder (Psidium guajava L.). The powder resulted from seeds obtained from guava pulp processing. The agro-industrial seeds from red guava cv. paluma were used, and they were donated by a frozen pulp fruit manufacturer. They contain varying amounts of macronutrients and micronutrients, with a high content of total dietary fiber (63.94 g/100g), protein (11.19 g/100g), iron (13.8 mg/100g), zinc (3.31 mg/100g), and reduced calorie content (182 kcal/100g). Their lipid profile showed a predominance of unsaturated fatty acids (87.06%), especially linoleic acid (n6) and oleic acid (n9). The powder obtained contained significant amounts of bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid (87.44 mg/100g), total carotenoids (1.25 mg/100 g) and insoluble dietary fiber (63.55 g/100g). With regard to their microbiological quality, the samples were found suitable for consumption. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the powder produced has favorable attributes for industrial use, and that use of these seeds would be a viable alternative to prevent various diseases and malnutrition in our country and to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural waste.

Grape pomace (Vitis vinifera L.), Benitaka variety, grown in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil was evaluated in relation to chemical composition, and content of minerals and functional properties. Its microbiological quality and toxic potential, using Artemia salina sp, were also investigated. The results showed that the flour obtained from these residues had below neutral pH (3.82), moisture (3.33g/100g), acidity of (0.64g of citric acid/100g), and ash (4.65 g/100g). The amount of total dietary fiber (46.17g/100g) stood out quantitatively compared to the content of carbohydrate (29.2g/100 g), protein (8.49g/100g), and lipids (8.16g/100g). The total energy was 224Kcal/100g. With regard to the compounds with functional properties, higher values of insoluble fiber 79% (36.4 g/100 g); vitamin C (26.25 mg of acid ascorbic/100g), and anthocyanins (131mg/100g) were found. The minerals iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, and calcium were present in higher concentrations. There were no significant copper values. The results showed that the grape residues are an important source of nutrients and compounds with functional properties suggesting that they can be incorporated as an ingredient in the diet and/or used as a dietary supplement aiming at health benefits. The residues did not show microbiological contamination and were considered nontoxic.

Na busca pela identificação de novas fontes de antioxidantes naturais e de esclarecer lacunas acerca das reais propriedades benéficas atribuídas ao Noni (Morinda citrifolia Linn), este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar a caracterização química e avaliar a atividade antioxidante da polpa, casca e sementes do noni. Foram determinadas a composição centesimal (umidade, cinzas, proteínas, carboidratos e lipídios); os compostos bioativos (fenólicos totais, carotenoides totais e vitamina C) e a atividade in vitro em extratos aquoso, etanólico e acetônico. Os resultados demonstraram que o Noni possui quantidades significativas de carboidratos (27,21%; 9,70% e 8,37%) e de proteínas (2,64%; 2,23%; e 2,24%) nas sementes, casca e polpa, respectivamente. A polpa apresentou maior teor de vitamina C (23,1 mg/100g) e de carotenoides totais (3,90 mg/100g). No extrato acetônico da polpa, foram quantificados 109,81 mg/100g de fenólicos totais, seguidos pelos extratos acetônicos da casca (76,01 mg/100g), das sementes (28,75 mg/100g) e do extrato etanólico da polpa (20,33 mg/100g). Todos os extratos avaliados apresentaram atividade antioxidante in vitro; os extratos acetônico e etanólico da casca e das sementes do Noni apresentaram maior atividade pelo método β-caroteno/ ácido linoleico, enquanto o extrato etanólico da polpa teve maior atividade antioxidante pelo ensaio DPPH e ABTS, e o extrato acetônico da polpa, pelo método ABTS. O noni é um fruto com significativo teor de compostos fenólicos totais que apresentam atividade antioxidante in vitro.

In an attempt to identify new sources of natural antioxidants and to clarify gaps in the scientific literature about the real beneficial properties attributed to Noni (Morinda citrifolia Linn), this study aimed to determine the chemical characterization and to evaluate antioxidant activity of the pulp, skin and seeds of Noni. Chemical composition (moisture, ash, protein, carbohydrates and lipids), bioactive compounds (total phenolics, total carotenoids and vitamin C), and the in vitro activity in aqueous, ethanolic and acetone extracts were determined. The results showed that compared to others fruits, the different parts of Noni have significant amounts of carbohydrates (27.21%, 9.70% and 8.37%) and protein (2.64%, 2.23 %, and 2.24 %) in seeds, skin and pulp, respectively. The pulp had a higher content of vitamin C (23.1 mg/100 g) and carotenoids (3.90 mg/100g).An amount of 109.81 mg/100 g of total phenolics was determined in the acetone extract of the pulp, followed by 76.01 and 28.75 mg/100g in the acetonic extracts of the skin and seeds, respectively and the ethanolic extract of the pulp with 20.33 mg/100g). All extracts showed antioxidant activity in vitro. The acetone and ethanolic extracts of the skin and seeds of Noni showed higher activity by the β-carotene / linoleic acid method while the ethanolic pulp extract had a higher antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS assay and the acetone extract of the pulp by the ABTS method. Data showed that Noni has high content of phenolic compounds with antioxidant capacity in vitro in different parts of the fruit.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a concentração dos compostos fenólicos dos resíduos de polpas de frutas tropicais acerola (Malpighia glabra L.), goiaba (Psidium Guayaba L.), abacaxi (Ananas comosus L.), cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), bacuri (Platonia insignis) e graviola (Annona muricata L.), bem como avaliar a sua capacidade antioxidante in vitro, pelos métodos de captura de radicais DPPH• e ABTS+. Os resultados encontrados demonstraram elevados teores de fenólicos totais para o resíduo da polpa de acerola, com 247,62 ± 2,08 mg.100 g-1 de fenólicos totais para o extrato aquoso e 279,99 ± 3,5 mg.100 g-1 para o extrato hidroalcoólico (p < 0,05). Quanto à atividade antioxidante, avaliada pelo método DPPH, o extrato hidroalcoólico do resíduo de goiaba apresentou a maior atividade antioxidante, com EC50 de 142,89 ± 4,85 μg.mL-1, seguido pelo extrato hidroalcoólico (EC50 de 308,07 ± 0,75 μg.mL-1) e aquoso (EC50 de 386,46 ± 1,41 μg.mL-1) do resíduo de acerola. Avaliando-se a capacidade antioxidante pelo método ABTS, observou-se que o resíduo de polpa de acerola apresentou a mais elevada capacidade antioxidante, com valores TEAC de 0,518 ± 0,103 mM.g-1 e 0,743 ± 0,127 mM.g-1 de resíduo para os extratos aquoso e hidroalcoólico (p < 0,05), respectivamente. Os resíduos de polpas de frutas empregados neste estudo são fontes potenciais de compostos fenólicos, além de possuírem significativa atividade antioxidante in vitro; tal atividade varia de acordo com o resíduo estudado, destacando-se os resíduos de acerola e goiaba.

The objective of this study was to determine the phenolic compound contents and evaluate the in vitro antioxidant capacity of the following extracts from tropical fruit pulp wastes: acerola (Malpighia glabra L.), guava (Psidium Guayaba L.), pineapple (Ananas comosus L.), cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), bacury (Platonia insignis), and cherimoya (Annona muricata L.) using the DPPH and ABTS+ radical capture methodologies. The results showed high levels of phenolic compounds in the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of the acerola pulp wastes, of 247.62 ± 2.08 mg.100 g-1 and 279.99 ± 3.5 mg.100 g-1, respectively (p < 0.05). The antioxidant activity, when measured by the DPPH method, showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of the guava wastes presented the highest values with an EC50 of 142.89 μg.mL-1, followed by the hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of the acerola wastes, with EC50 values of 308.07 and 386.46 μg.mL-1, respectively. When the antioxidant activity was evaluated by the ABTS method, the acerola pulp wastes showed the highest antioxidant capacity, with TEAC values of 0.518 ± 0.103 and 0.743 ± 0.127 mM.g-1 of residue for the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts, respectively (p < 0.05). Thus, the fruit pulp wastes studied in this work, especially acerola and guava, represented potential sources of phenolic compounds, apart from possessing significant in vitro antioxidant capacity, the levels varying according to the residue studied.

O consumo de frutos e suas polpas tem sido muito recomendado por seu valor nutricional, alto teor de fibras, vitamina C e carotenoides. Trabalhos recentes têm apontado esses alimentos como fontes de compostos fenólicos com ação antioxidante, portanto sequestradores de radicais livres, com ação protetora contra o surgimento e/ou desenvolvimento de processos degenerativos que conduzem a doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Devido à crescente comercialização e consumo de polpas de frutas no Brasil, especialmente na cidade de Teresina-Piauí, este trabalho selecionou um grupo de polpas de frutos de elevado consumo local para avaliação do teor de fenólicos totais e da atividade antioxidante in vitro pelo método de captura de radicais livres: DPPH (radical 1,1-diphenil-2-picrilhydrazil) e ABTS (radical 2,2'azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)). Os frutos selecionados foram: Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.), Bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.), Cajá (Spondias mombin L.), Caju (Anacardium occidentale), Goiaba(Psidium guajava) e Tamarindo (Tamarindus indica L.). Os teores de fenólicos totais encontrados nas polpascongeladas destes frutos exibiram quantidades relevantes de polifenóis, destacando-se a polpa de acerola com 835,25 ± 32,44 e 449,63 ± 10,24 mg /100g nos extratos aquosos e hidroalcoólicos, respectivamente, seguido pela polpa de caju com 201,61 ± 19,15 e 165,07 ± 4,10 mg /100g. As polpas de bacuri e tamarindo foram as que apresentaram os menores teores de fenólicos totais. Com relação à atividade antioxidante in vitro, os melhores resultados foram encontrados para os extratos aquosos e hidroalcoólicos das polpas de acerola, caju e goiaba. A capacidade antioxidante destas polpas (EC50 em µg/mL) variou de 24,42 a 413,36 e de 1,74 a 259,18 para os extratos aquosos e hidroalcoólicos, respectivamente. Utilizando o radical ABTS, a atividade antioxidante para essas mesmas polpas de frutas apresentou valores TEAC que variaram de 3,69 ± 0,209 a 0,052 ± 0,013 (mM TROLOX/g de polpa). Foi observado existir uma correlação direta entre a quantidade de fenólicos totais e a atividade antioxidante nas polpas avaliadas.

The consumption of fruit, pulps has been highly recommended for its nutritional value, high-fiber, vitamin C and carotenoids. Recent studies have demonstrated these foods as sources of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity, therefore, free radical scavengers, with a protective effect against the emergence anddevelopment or degenerative processes that lead to chronic diseases. Due to the increasing commercializationand consumption of fruit pulp in Brazil, especially in the city of Teresina, Piauí, this study selected a group of fruit pulp of high local consumption to evaluate the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in vitro by the method of capture of free radicals: DPPH (1,1-radical diphenil-2-picrilhydrazil) and ABTS (2,2 'azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)). The fruit were selected Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) Bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.) Caja (Spondias mombin L.), Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), Guava(Psidium guajava) and Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.). The levels of phenolics found in the frozen pulp of fruit exhibited relevant quantities of polyphenols, especially if the pulp with 835.25 ± 32.44 and 449.63 ± 10.24 mg / 100g in hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts, respectively followed by cashew pulp with 201.61 ± 19.15 and 165.07 ± 4.10 mg / 100g. The pulp of tamarind bacuri showed the lowest levels of total phenolics. Regarding the antioxidant activity in vitro, the best results were found for aqueous and ethanolic of pulp of acerola, cashew and guava. The antioxidant activity of these pulps (EC50 in mg / mL) rangedfrom 24.42 to 413.36 and 1.74 to 259.18 for the hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts, respectively. Using the ABTS radical, the antioxidant activity for these same fruit pulps showed that TEAC values ranged from 3.69 ± 0.209 to 0.052 ± 0.013 (mM Trolox / g of pulp). We observed that a direct correlation exists between the amount of total phenolics and antioxidant activity in the analyzed pulps.

O Brasil é um dos países que mais produz resíduos agroindustriais, como os resíduos de frutas pelas indústrias de polpas, o que tem contribuído para o aumento da produção do lixo orgânico, provocando graves problemas ambientais. Nesse contexto, estudos têm sido conduzidos com o intuito de investigar o valor nutricional desses resíduos, valorizando-os e sugerindo novas alternativas de utilização. Assim, neste trabalho, objetivou-se realizar a caracterização nutricional e determinar os compostos antioxidantes dos resíduos de polpas de frutas tropicais: acerola (Malpighia glabra L.), goiaba (Psidium Guayaba L.), abacaxi (Ananas comosus L.), cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), bacuri (Platonia insignis) e graviola (Annona muricata L.). Os resultados encontrados mostraram que os resíduos analisados apresentaram quantidades significativas de macronutrientes (carboidratos, proteínas e lipídios). Todos os resíduos avaliados, com exceção do cupuaçu, apresentaram valores elevados de vitamina C. Quanto aos carotenóides, destacou-se o resíduo de acerola com 881,56 ± 9,01 µg/100 g e o resíduo de goiaba, com 644,9 ± 10,02 µg/100 g. Os resíduos analisados apresentaram baixas concentrações de antocianinas e flavonóides. Com relação aos teores de fenólicos totais se destacou o resíduo da polpa de acerola com 247,62 ± 2,08 mg/100 g. Portanto, pode-se concluir que os resíduos de polpas de frutas empregados neste estudo são fontes potenciais de macronutrientes e compostos bioativos, destacando-se os resíduos de acerola e goiaba como mais ricos em compostos antioxidantes.

Brazil is one of the largest agro-industrial residues producers, such as waste fruit pulp industries, which has contributed to the increased production of organic waste, causing serious environmental problems. In this context, studies have been conducted in order to investigate the nutritional value of these wastes, valuing them and suggesting new alternatives for use. The objective of this study was to characterize and determine nutritional antioxidant compounds of the waste pulp of the following tropical fruits: acerola (Malpighia glabra L.), guava (Psidium Guayaba L.), pineapple (Ananas comosus L.), cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), bacuri (Platonia insignis) and soursop (Annona muricata L.). The results showed that the waste analyzed showed significant amounts of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and lipids). All waste assessed, except cupuaçu, showed elevated levels of vitamin C. As for carotenoids, highlighted the residue of acerola with 881.56 ± 9.01 µg/100 g and residue of guava, with 644.9 ± 10.02 µg/100 g. The waste also showed low concentrations of anthocyanins and flavonoids. Regarding of total phenolic levels, the residue of the pulp acerola with 247.62 ± 2.08 mg/100 g of total phenolics was high. Therefore, it may be concluded that the waste of fruit pulp used in this study are potential sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds, especially the waste from acerola and guava as richer in antioxidant compounds.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do extrato aquoso de alecrim sobre o estresse oxidativo em ratos diabéticos. MÉTODOS: O extrato aquoso de alecrim foi obtido por método sequencial. Os fenólicos totais foram determinados pelo método de Folin Ciocateau e a atividade antioxidante in vitro foi determinada através de três métodos: β-caroteno/ácido linoleico, varredura do radical 2,2 Difenil-1-Picril-hidrazil e oxigen radical absorbance capacity. Ratos Wistar machos foram distribuídos em 5 grupos: controle, diabético, e três grupos de animais diabéticos tratados com extrato aquoso de alecrim em concentrações diferentes: 25, 50 ou 100mg/kg por via oral durante 30 dias. O diabetes foi induzido por estreptozotocina e, no final do experimento, foi coletado sangue para avaliar o percentual de hemoglobina glicada e os tecidos hepático e cerebral para determinação das enzimas antioxidantes: superóxido dismutase, catalase, glutationa peroxidase e glutationa redutase. RESULTADOS: Constatou-se que o extrato aquoso de alecrim apresentou altos teores de compostos fenólicos totais e expressiva atividade antioxidante in vitro nos três métodos de avaliação. O extrato aquoso de alecrim na concentração de 50mg/kg diminuiu o percentual de hemoglobina glicada e aumentou a atividade das enzimas catalase e glutationa peroxidase no fígado, e da superóxido dismutase no cérebro de ratos diabéticos. No entanto, não foi observado efeito dose-resposta nas demais concentrações analisadas. CONCLUSÃO: O extrato aquoso de alecrim apresenta significativa capacidade antioxidante in vitro, atribuída à presença de compostos fenólicos em sua composição. E, quando administrado em ratos na concentração de 50mg/kg, demonstrou-se eficiente na atenuação do estresse oxidativo presente no diabetes experimental.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effect of aqueous rosemary extract on the oxidative stress of diabetic rats. METHODS: Aqueous rosemary extract was obtained by the sequential method. Total phenolic content was determined by the Folin Ciocateau method and antioxidant activity in vitro was determined by the following methods: β-carotene/linoleic acid, 2,2 Difenil-1-Picril-hidrazil and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Male Wistar rats were distributed into 5 groups: control, diabetic, and three groups of diabetic animals treated with aqueous rosemary extract in different concentrations: 25, 50 or 100mg/kg orally for 30 days. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin and, at the end of the experiment, blood was collected to assess the percentage of glycated hemoglobin; liver and brain tissues were collected for the determination of the antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutatione peroxidase and glutatione reductase. RESULTS: Aqueous rosemary extract contains high levels of phenolic compounds and significant total antioxidant activity in vitro according to the three methods. Aqueous rosemary extract at a concentration of 50mg/kg decreased the percentage of glycated hemoglobin and increased the activity of glutatiose peroxidase and catalase enzymes in the liver and superoxide dismutase in the brain of diabetic rats. However, no dose-response effect was observed in the other concentrations. CONCLUSION: Aqueous rosemary extract presented significant antioxidant capacity in vitro attributed to its high phenolic compound content. When administered to rats at a concentration of 50mg/kg, it proved to be efficient against the oxidative stress secondary to experimental diabetes.

O conhecimento da composição química dos alimentos é fundamental para se avaliarem a disponibilidade de nutrientes e o seu consumo por populações. Neste trabalho, o pequi (Caryocar brasiliense, Camb.) foi caracterizado pela composição centesimal e pela presença de compostos bioativos na polpa e na amêndoa. Os dados do perfil lipídico mostram alto teor de lípides tanto na polpa quanto na amêndoa, destacando-se nos mesmos a presença dos ácidos graxos insaturados, predominando o ácido oléico como principal componente entre os ácidos graxos. Foi observada também a relação entre os elevados teores de ácidos graxos insaturados com os compostos fenólicos e carotenóides presentes, tendo a polpa quantidades mais expressivas dessas substâncias quando comparada à amêndoa, além de conter uma quantidade superior de fibra alimentar. Os resultados obtidos abrem a perspectiva de se utilizar o pequi como fruto que apresenta, na sua composição, compostos importantes para a formulação de uma dieta saudável.

The knowledge of the chemical composition of foods is basic for evaluate the nutrients availability and its consumption for the population. In this work, the pulp and the almond of pequi fruit (Caryocar brasiliense, Camb.) were characterized by the centesimal composition and the presence of nutrients. The results showed high amount of lipids and in the fatty acids profile, the oleic fatty acid was the main component. The presence between high unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant compounds (phenolic acids and carotenoids) was correlated with the fruit protection. In the pulp was observed too high amount of alimentary fiber. These results are suggesting the pequi utilization in a healthful diet preparation.

An increasing interest has been growing during the past years for the search of natural origin antioxidants, particularly those from marine algae. In this context, the main objective of current research was to evaluate the chemical composition and some antioxidant properties of the aqueous extract of the seaweed Bryothamnion triquetrum. The extracts contains: Proteins (9.5%), Lipids (1.3%), Carbohydrates (5.9%), Fibers (10.2%) and Ashes (43%). In current approach, the following results were obtained for the different procedures assessed: DPPH• radicals scavenging (38% for 4 mg of lyophilized); beta-Carotene-Linoleic assay (12% for 4 mg of lyophilized); O2•- radicals scavenging (IC50 0.36 mg/mL); OH• radicals scavenging (IC50 2.11 mg/mL) and iron quelation ability (IC50 0.37 mg/mL). Thus, antioxidant properties of this natural product seem to be related to its ability to scavenge free species. In previous reports of our group, cinnamic and phenolic acids were proposed as at least partially responsible for the antioxidant properties of the extract, but the necessity for the presence of other components was also shown. Then, the antioxidant properties of the extract could be envisioned as the result of the additive and/or synergic effect between phenolic constituents and the other antioxidant components, such as minerals, carotenes and ascorbic acid.

En la actualidad existe un marcado interés por la búsqueda de antioxidantes de fuentes naturales, incluidas las algas marinas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la composición química y propiedades antioxidantes del alga Bryothamnion triquetrum. Se estudió la composición centesimal y de minerales, identificación de ácidos grasos y sustancias antioxidantes. La composición centesimal es la siguiente: Proteínas (9,5%), Lípidos (1,3%), Carbohidratos (5,9%), Fibras (10,2%) y Cenizas (43%). Los resultados de la actividad antioxidante para las diferentes metodologías empleadas fueron: atrapamiento de radicales DPPH• (38%, 4 mg de liofilizado), beta-Caroteno-Linoleico (12%, 4 mg de liofilizado), actividad atrapadora de radicales O2•- (CI50 0,36 mg/mL), de radicales OH• (CI50 2,11 mg/mL) y unión al Fe (CI50 0,37 mg/mL). Las propiedades antioxidantes de esta alga parecen explicarse por la capacidad atrapadora de radicales libres, particularmente relacionada con mecanismos de dismutación de radicales O2•-, inactivación de radicales OH• y quelación de Fe. En trabajos previos se identificaron ácidos cinámicos y fenólicos como moléculas que pudieran explicar la actividad antioxidante, sin embargo adicionalmente se debe considerar un efecto sumatorio y/o sinérgico de otros componentes antioxidantes del extracto, como los descritos en este trabajo, incluidos minerales, carotenoides y vitamina C.