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Abstract: Major compounds (i.e. phenolic compounds and carotenoids) were analysed in the extracts of the edible part of three tropical fruits: the Andean blackberry, the naranjilla and the tree tomato. Ellagitannins and anthocyanins were predominant in blackberries and phenolic composition can be used to differentiate the two species studied. Similar phenolic composition occurred in red and yellow tree tomato except for anthocyanins which were absent in the yellow tree tomato. Phenolic acids were detected in the naranjilla pulp. Carotenoids were analysed in the fruits. The composition in carotenoids was similar in the two varieties of tree tomato and their vitamin A activity was calculated. Carotenol fatty acid esters were predominant. β-Cryptoxanthin esters and β-carotene were the major carotenoids. The carotenoid content was high compared to literature data, providing an important high vitamin A activity. In blackberries and naranjilla, this class of compounds was found only at trace level. Finally, ORAC values were estimated in different solvent extracts and results were compared with published data in common fruits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Morinda citrifolia L., the “noni”, has been used in traditional Polynesian medicine for over 2000 years. Morinda citrifolia (Rubiaceae) is an evergreen shrub whose ripe fruit has a strong butyric acid smell and flavor. The leaves and especially the fruit are consumed in different forms by various communities (e.g., the Polynesians) throughout the world; the root is used as a dye. As a result of these uses and the market that is developing around “noni juice”, it has become increasingly important to confirm the actual therapeutic properties of this plant. While recent studies have shown that this fruit has antibiotic and antioxidant properties in vitro, we still do not have scientific evidence supporting the nutritional and medicinal values of noni in humans. However, both the fruit and damnacanthal, an anthraquinone compound extracted from noni roots, are currently being studied in the context of anti-cancer research. If, in the future, the nutritional and medical values of the noni can be assessed, especially its anti-cancer activity, this fruit could play a noticeable economic role in producing countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]