Search

Graphical Abstract:

•Genipap from Amazon is an underused source of a natural blue colorant.•Ultrasound technique using water as a solvent allowed the recovery of the colorant.•Genipin, geniposide, and other ten iridoids were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS.•The natural blue extract can inhibit digestive enzyme activities.•The extract obtained in the eco-friendly approach did not show cytotoxicity.

To understand the influence of environmental factors on the metabolic diversity of phytochemical compounds from extracts of leaves and bark of Anacardium occidentale, collected in two different geographic areas, ultra-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were used, as well as the composition of physicochemical properties of both soils at the collection site (“Lavras da Mangabeira” and “Crato”). It was possible to observe physicochemical differences between the soils of the two collection areas and some similarities. Both present granulometry with a sandy texture, with high values of total sand, with acid pH, and variation in porosity rates. The micronutrients with the highest accumulation in the soil, with emphasis on the predominance of P (Phosphorus) and Al (Aluminium) mainly in the 20–40 cm layer in Crato. Thirty-three phytochemical compounds were identified in the leaf and bark extracts, of which 28 were present in the leaves and 20 in the bark part. Of this total, 13 were present in at least one of the parts of the plant (leaf or bark), and most were present in both Crato and Lavras da Mangabeira, presenting mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins in all extracts evaluated. Both extracts showed similarities between the groups of compounds. Taken together, this study may be relevant to assess environmental influences on the production of secondary metabolites.

Photograph of graviola leaves and fruit, structures of annonacin and squamocin and picture of an accelerated solvent extractor.

Tapioca is a traditional product with great acceptability, especially in Brazil. As a starch‐based food, its nutritional quality is limited to carbohydrates. The aim of this work was to evaluate the contribution of tropical fruit pulps and soy extract to tapioca's nutritional and sensory characteristics. The products were formulated with dried tapioca starch (63%) supplemented by acerola or mango fruit pulps or by soy extract in selected combinations (37%). The mixtures were homogenised and roasted for starch gelatinisation. The final product was submitted to vitamin C and protein determinations and sensory analysis (appearance, flavour, texture and overall acceptance). Vitamin C content of the acerola tapioca products was significantly increased. Protein content was increased by supplementation with soy but the absolute levels were still quite low. Acceptability by sensory attributes of formulated tapiocas was similar to, or in some cases higher than, the traditional product. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This study was aimed at investigating the phytochemical constituents, antifungal properties and antibiotic-modifying activity of the aqueous crude extract and fractions of Amburana cearensisseeds (CEFAC). The CEFAC were chemically characterized by LC–MS/MS–QTOF. In addition, the antifungal activity was assayed by the microdilution method against strains of Candida albicans. The phytochemical profile of CEFAC exhibited phenolic compounds, organic acids, and polyphenols. The results of the assessment of antifungal activity reveled an IC50ranging from 45.6 to 2048 µg/mL. Interestingly, when CEFAC was associated with Fluconazole, we evidenced a decreased IC50(1.81–11.9 µg/mL), suggesting a synergism with antibiotic. It was possible to identify in the crude extract and fractions several phenolic compounds, organic acids, and some polyphenols in positive ionization mode. These results suggest that CEFAC may present compounds with the ability to interact and act synergistically with antimicrobial drugs, highlighting its potential as an alternative source for the development of new antimicrobial agents.