Composição centesimal e atividade antioxidante da polpa do umbu e da pitomba nativos da caatinga sergipana

Abstract

One of the areas of research in Nutrition that has stood out in the last few years is the study of bioactive compounds, particularly in vegetables. Such compounds can offer additional health benefits when consumed regularly. This essay aims to determine the centesimal composition and antioxidant activity of the pulp of the Brazil plum and of the pitomba, fruits originated from the semi-arid area of Sergipe. The analysis to determine humidity, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and fixed mineral residue were achieved by using the method described by the Adolf Lutz Institute with modifications. The antioxidant capacity of the ethanol extracts of these fruits were measured using the DPPH and FRAP methods. The Brazil plum and the pitomba both present a high content of humidity and a moderate amount of carbohydrates, proteins, ashes and lipids. These fruits achieved a higher antioxidant activity in the 1mg/mL concentration. For the Brazil plum 2, 29µM Fe2+/mg, 14, 37 47%, and for the pitomba 2, 18µM Fe2+/mg, 9, 97%, in both methods analyzed FRAP and DPPH, respectively. It shows to be necessary more studies on this subject to understand better the compounds present in these fruits.