Scientific studies analyze antioxidant properties of tropical fruit species

Scientific studies have analyzed the nutritional and antioxidant properties of various fruit species. In the Philippines, research conducted at De La Salle University examined the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and protein content of Annona muricata (guyabano) and Annona squamosa (atis) fruit flesh extracts.

The study found that atis pulp exhibited higher antioxidant activity and protein content compared to guyabano, which researchers attributed to its denser cellular matrix and lower water content.

In Brazil, research focused on fruits from the Cerrado region, including pitanga (Eugenia uniflora), jambolao (E. jambolana), and murta (E. punicifolia). Using high-resolution mass spectrometry and chemometric profiling, researchers identified significant metabolite diversity and antioxidant signatures. Jambolao extract demonstrated high antioxidant activity and total phenolic content, with the study identifying cyanidin and delphinidin derivatives as key markers. The findings suggest these fruits are rich sources of bioactive polyphenols suitable for nutraceutical applications.