Caracterização qualitativa de frutos de achachairu (Garcinia humilis (Vahl) C. D. Adam) cultivados em Moreno-PE

Abstract

Considering the recent commercial interest of exotic fruit and the need to obtain data for consumers and producers, this study aimed to characterize the fruits of achachairu (Garcinia humilis) from commercial plantation located in Bonança, district of Moreno-PE. Ripe fruits were used for physical measurements, proximate composition, fiber, sugars, minerals, ascorbic acid, soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH. Hydroacetonic and hydromethanolic extracts, both at 80%, of the skin, pulp and seed were submitted to quantification of total phenolic compounds and determination of free radical ABTS+● scavenging activity. The enzymatic activity of the different parts of the fruit was also assessed using solvents such as water, phosphate buffer and sodium chloride. With respect to physical characteristics, the pulp yield of achachairu was 31.8%. Regarding to the proximate composition, the seed stood out with higher content of ash, protein, lipid and carbohydrates; the pulp with the values of total sugars and non-reducing sugars, while the skin with the reducing sugars and potassium content. There were statistical differences between the analyzed parts of the fruit for pH, titrable acidity, soluble solids and ascorbic acid. The total phenolic content of skin in methanol statistically differed from the others, and showed the highest level of this phytochemical (EAG 4,137.03 mg 100g-1). Among the solvents, the phenols extraction of the skin was more efficient with methanol, on the pulp, was acetone, whereas on the seed, both solvent exhibited statistically similar (p>0.05) extraction capacity. The antioxidant activity of skin in acetone against the radical ABTS●+ was higher than the other solvents extractors and parts of the fruit, and the pulp in methanol was the less effective combination. For the enzymatic activity, the values obtained showed wide variation between enzymes, extraction solutions and parts of the fruit. Thus, the consumption of achachairu can contribute with nutrients to the human diet, and its skin and seed can be an alternative to obtain natural antioxidant.