Investigation of the physicochemical, bioactive properties and antioxidant potential of seeds of native fruits from Brazil: a study on the tucumã (Astrocaryum vulgare), bacupari (Garcinia gardneriana) and pupunha (Bactris gasipaes).

Abstract

The seeds of bacupari, tucumã, and peach palm fruits have distinct characteristics that significantly influence their industrial applications and nutritional value. These seeds have slightly acidic pH levels (5.88 - 6.79), indicating the presence of organic acids. The tucumã seed, for instance, stands out with a high lipid content of 19.35 g 100 g-1, contributing to a high energy value, while the bacupari seed has low lipid levels (0.73 g 100 g-1). Bacupari seeds exhibit high antioxidant potential using the β-carotene/linoleic acid method (244% inhibition) and vitamin C (91.17 mg AA 100 g-1). There were significant variations in phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity among the seeds analyzed. The fatty acid profile, with a predominance of saturated acids, 90.42 and 88.66%, for tucumã and peach palm oil, respectively. However, the high atherogenicity and thrombogenicity rates suggest caution in consumption. The analysis of triacylglycerol molecules in pupunha and tucumã seeds demonstrated the predominance of mono-, di- and triacylglycerols. When analyzing the acidity index throughout the storage period, a clear trend towards an increase in its results is observed. Therefore, proposing control measures is essential for its correct use.