Keywords
peel
seeds
Specialized metabolites
waste valorization
How to Cite
Abstract
Amazonian fruits constitute a promising source of bioactive compounds with functional and nutraceutical potential, particularly their non-edible fractions such as peels and seeds, which are commonly discarded as agro-industrial residues. This study evaluated the bioactive compound content and antioxidant capacity of peels, seeds, and pulps of Pourouma cecropiifolia (uva caimarona), Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu), and Mauritia flexuosa (canangucha), as well as the effect of extraction solvents on metabolite recovery. Two 70 % (v/v) solvent mixtures, methanol/water and acetone/water, were evaluated. Extracted phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, catechin, quercetin, gallic acid, and ascorbic acid, were quantified. Extract antioxidant capacities were assessed by radical-scavenging and reducing-power assays, and multivariate statistical analyses were applied to determine relationships between bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. Seeds of uva caimarona and camu-camu exhibited the highest concentrations of catechin, quercetin, and gallic acid. Canangucha peel stood out for its elevated content of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid. Positive associations were observed between bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. Additionally, 70 % acetone was more efficient than 70 % methanol in extracting the evaluated metabolites. Overall, the non-edible fractions of the evaluated Amazonian fruits demonstrated high antioxidant potential, supporting their valorization as functional ingredients for food and nutraceutical applications.
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