PROSPECTING FOR PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN LEAVES AND FRUITS OF TATURUBÁ (POUTERIA MACROPHYLLA (LAM.) EYMA)

Authors

  • Vitória Cristian Carneiro Santos Universidade Federal do Tocantins
  • Gabriela Fonsêca Leal Universidade Federal do Tocantins https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1257-2527
  • Glêndara Aparecida de Souza Martins

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20873/pibic_2024_21131

Abstract

The Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, renowned for its rich floral diversity, hosting numerous endemic trees that provide food and income for local populations. Among the fruit species native to the Amazon is Pouteria macrophylla (Lam.) Eyma, popularly known as taturubá, which stands out for its high nutritional value and bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical compounds present in taturubá using qualitative tests and conduct physicochemical analyses on its seed, leaf, pulp, and peel portions. Qualitative tests identified the presence of reducing sugars, phenols, tannins, and anthraquinones in the pulp and peel. In the seeds, polysaccharides, reducing sugars, and alkaloids were detected, while the leaves showed phenols, alkaloids, steroids, and triterpenoids. Physicochemical analyses revealed a pH of 5.22 for the peel and pulp, 5.74 for the seeds, and 6.31 for the leaves. The titratable acidity ranged from 1.01% in the pulp, 0.66% in the seeds, and 0.78% in the leaves, indicating a neutral pH tendency with mild acidity. The phytochemicals found in taturubá are recognized for their antioxidant properties, protecting healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals, strengthening the immune system, and preventing diseases. Moreover, they exhibit pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and gastrointestinal actions. These compounds hold great potential for application in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as serving as an excellent option for traditional therapy.

Published

2025-04-30

How to Cite

Carneiro Santos, V. C., Fonsêca Leal, G., & Martins, G. A. de S. (2025). PROSPECTING FOR PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN LEAVES AND FRUITS OF TATURUBÁ (POUTERIA MACROPHYLLA (LAM.) EYMA). DESAFIOS - Revista Interdisciplinar Da Universidade Federal Do Tocantins, 12(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.20873/pibic_2024_21131

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