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Pereskia aculeata is a non-conventional vegetable belonging to the family Cactaceae, native to the Americas. The leaves are very appreciated in cooking in some Brazilian regions, specially Minas Gerais. Plants of P. aculeata showing severe leaf spot diseases and stem rot were observed in Vicosa, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Colletotrichum sp. was observed on the diseased plant tissue and since no records of this fungus (and anthracnose disease) are reported for this host, the present study has aimed to identify the Colletotrichum sp. associated to P. aculeata and elucidate the etiology of the anthracnose disease. Based on the analyses of morphological characters combined with phylogenetic data from ITS, GAPDH, CHS-1, HIS3, ACT, and TUB2, a new species, namely Colletotrichum pereskiae sp. nov., is proposed, which belongs to the C. orchidearum species complex. A representative isolate was inoculated on healthy P. aculeata plants and reproduced the severe symptoms observed in the field. Colletotrichum pereskiae is the etiological agent of anthracnose on Pereskia aculeata in Brazil.

Barbados gooseberry (BGB) is a non-conventional vegetable highlighted for its nutritional value, particularly its protein content. However, there is a lack of scientific information for improving the plantation system of this plant. This research proposed to evaluate high-density systems to cultivate BGB plants for sprout production. The experiment was carried out in the Horticulture Sector of the Canguiri Experimental Station Farm from UFPR, located in the county of Pinhais, Paraná State, Brazil. BGB was planted in open field beds using distinctive plantation systems according to plant stands and pruning and thinning management. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three repetitions per treatment. Five high-density plantation systems (treatments) were tested: 10 (10?10): 10 × 10 cm; 2) (20?20): 20 × 20 cm; and 3) (30?30): 30 × 30 cm spacing with thinning to keep one sprout growing per primary branch per plant; 4) (30?30TS) was represented by 30 × 30 cm spacing with thinning to keep one sprout growing from each of two secondary branches grown from the primary branch to give two sprouts (TS) per plant; 5) (30?30FS) consisted of plants with 30 × 30 cm spacing with no thinning (FS = free growing sprouts). The first three treatments were thinned to one sprout per plant. Protein content of BGB sprouts was also determined to verify its real protein content. A high-density plantation system promoted BGB sprouts productivity with high protein content (28.8% from leaves of sprout). Treatment 5 produced the highest yield (21.7 t/ha per month). RESUMO O ora-pro-nóbis (OPN) é uma olerícola não convencional que se destaca pelo seu valor nutricional, especialmente, em relação a seu teor proteico. Porém, há escassez de informações técnico-científicas sobre sistemas de cultivo recomendados. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a produção de brotos de OPN em sistema superadensado. O experimento foi desenvolvido no Setor de Horticultura da Fazenda Experimental Canguiri da UFPR, em Pinhais-PR. Para isso, efetuou-se o plantio do OPN em canteiros a céu aberto em diferentes sistemas de cultivo que variaram conforme a densidade de plantas (espaçamento) e manejo de podas e desbrotas. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com três repetições por tratamento. Foram testados cinco sistemas de cultivo em alta densidade de plantio (tratamentos): 1) 10 cm × 10 cm, 2) 20 cm × 20 cm, 3) 30 cm × 30 cm, 4) 30 cm × 30 cm e 5) 30 cm × 30 cm de espaçamento de plantio; sendo os três primeiros com desbrotas para produção de um broto por planta por colheita, o quarto com desbrota para produção de dois brotos por planta por colheita e o último sem desbrotas para livre produção de brotos. Foi também avaliada a porcentagem de proteína nos brotos de OPN para verificar o seu real conteúdo proteico. Os resultados mostraram que sistema de cultivo superadensado do OPN promove alta produtividade ao mesmo tempo que oferece um produto de alto conteúdo proteico (28,8% em folhas de broto). O cultivo no espaçamento de 30 × 30 cm e sem desbrotas proporcionou a maior produção de brotos (27,1 t/ha por mês).

Pereskia aculeata (Sin.: Pereskia aculeata plum., Cactus pereskia L.) is popularly known in English as Barbados gooseberry (Martin et al. 2017) and in Brazil as ora-pro-nóbis, lobrobô, poor meat, among others (Kinupp 2007), which contains edible leaves. Some authors (de Almeida et al. 2014; Barreira et al. 2021; Botrel et al. 2020; Lasta et al. 2021; Maciel et al. 2021; Sato et al. 2019; Silveira et al. 2020; Takeiti et al. 2009) suggest that ora-pro-nóbis is nutritionally rich and can be used in food preparations to promote health benefits. However, published studies on its nutritional and functional properties and use in food products are still scarce, and no systematic review has been identified that unifies these themes. Thus, we intend to critically analyze studies on ora-pro-nóbis in order to verify its nutritional composition, presence of bioactive compounds, the benefits of its consumption for health and innovative studies using the plant as a food product.

In Brazil, more than 3000 species of unconventional food plants (UFP) are unknown and rarely consumed by the majority of the population (KINUPP & LORENZI, 2014). Among them, Pereskia aculeata (Pereskia aculeata plum., Cactus pereskia L.) and Solanum betaceum (Cyphomandra betacea (cav.) sendtn, Cyphomandra crassifolia (Ortega) kuntze) stand out for being rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds (ANVISA, 2011; BOTREL et al., 2020; DIEP et al., 2020; DIEP et al., et al., 2020; al., 2020; MOURA et al., 2020; PEISINO et al., 2019; SILVERA et al., 2020), which can control and prevent diseases. Pereskia aculeata is popularly known as ora-pro-nóbis, lobrobô, among others. Its leaves, flowers and fruits are edible. It contains protein, dietary fiber, vitamins A, C and B complex, besides minerals such as calcium, zinc and iron (KINUPP & LORENZI, 2014). It has compounds with antioxidant activity (such as polyphenols) and some antinutritional factors, such as trypsin inhibitors, oxalates, tannins (SILVERA et al., 2020). Solanum betaceum is popularly known as tree tomato, Indian tomato, French tomato or tamarillo. The fruit of that plant is edible, which contains fiber, vitamin A, B 6, C and E, phosphorus, potassium and calcium (KINUPP & LORENZI, 2014). It is rich in carotenoids, lycopene, anthocyanin, with antioxidant potential (DIEP et al., 2020). Few clinical studies have evaluated the effects of UFP on diseases prevention and control. To date no systematic review on the effects of Pereskia aculeata and Solanum betaceum on that subject have been identified. Thus, in the systematic review, we intend to critically analyze the studies on that subject in order to identify the minimum amount of these plants that should be consumed to exert such beneficial effects and to describe the mechanisms involved.

Considering that bio-based ingredients have attracted the attention of food industries and the great demand for emulsifiers, the present work studied the mucilage of Pereskia aculeata Miller (OPN) as an alternative emulsifier in meat product. Aqueous extraction by physical process was used to obtain mucilage from the leaves of the plant with high emulsifying activity. The OPN mucilage was characterized by its proximal composition, emulsifying potential and amino acid profile and was evaluated as an emulsifier and fat replacement in processed meat. Different formulations of mortadella-type meat product were developed and studied in terms of nutritional composition, color, texture profile, product-emulsion stability, firmness and sensory acceptance. OPN mucilage had a high emulsifying potential, is rich in minerals, and contains all the essential amino acids in its composition, which characterizes it as a nutritionally attractive food ingredient. The use of this mucilage allowed the replacement of chicken skin, which is an emulsifier traditionally used in mortadella-type meat product, contributing to the reduction of the overall fat content of the product. The selected formulation showed high sensory acceptance demonstrating the great potential for using OPN mucilage in meat products and as food ingredient.

Raman scattering was used to obtain vibrational modes in a Pereskia aculeata sample. The obtained spectrum was compared with quercetin's theoretical spectra, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, rutinose, caffeic, and tartaric acid, generated from the density functional theory (DFT) method, which used structures of the known composition present in the sample. Among the main compounds, phenolic acids and flavonoids are mentioned. Vibrational signatures, designated as CO and CH group modes, are abundant and bands in the region between 800 and 1800 cm-1. This showed that the theoretical and experimental results had good correspondence between the flavonoids. Statistical observations of correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) were used, which helped in the process of correlation between sample and data obtained. Theoretical spectra have been corrected by a single scale factor of 0.961, and vibrational contributions by the molecular group were via VEDA software.

BACKGROUND Species introduced into new habitats are fitter than their native populations, as hypothesized by the 'evolution of increased competitive ability' (EICA). Here, Pereskia aculeata Miller was used as a model to test EICA and explore how 'enemy release' may have influenced the invasion success of its 400-year-old introduced populations (genotypes) compared with native populations. Plant growth traits (height and shoot length) of 15 genotypes [four from the introduced range (South Africa) and 11 from the native range (Brazil and Argentina, Venezuela and The Dominican Republic)] were assessed. Damage and impact of a shoot-feeding, sap-sucking specialist Catorhintha schaffneri Brailovsky & Garcia on ten genotypes were also compared. RESULTS All but one of the invasive genotypes were significantly taller than native genotypes. Although the invasive genotypes were relatively more damaged by herbivory than some of the native genotypes, the observed differences were not explained completely by their origins. Nonetheless, the findings partially supported the predictions of the EICA hypothesis because invasive genotypes were generally taller than native genotypes, but did not fully support the hypothesis because they were not always more damaged than the native genotypes by C. schaffneri. CONCLUSION Invasive genotypes had an advantage in the introduced range as they can climb neighbouring vegetation more quickly than native genotypes, but the damage incurred by the invasive genotypes relative to the native genotypes suggests only that C. schaffneri would be as damaging in South Africa, where it serves as a biocontrol agent, as it is in its native distribution in Brazil. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of nutrients in Ora-pro-nobis to the physical-chemical attributes and the communities of N2-fixing bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of the soils in the southern part of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Rhizospheric soil, root, and leaf samples were collected from 12 sampling points in four neighboring municipalities. N2-fixing bacteria from rhizospheric soil, roots, and washed roots macerated in water were isolated using a N-free semi-solid medium, and the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores were extracted from the soil by the wet-sieving method, followed by sucrose-gradient centrifugation. The collected roots were cleared and analyzed according to the traditional methods for the evaluation of mycorrhizal colonization. The soil samples and leaves were analyzed for physical-chemical and chemical attributes, respectively. There was no relationship between the total nitrogen in the soil and the protein content (based on N content) in the leaf of Ora-pro-nobis as well as between the concentration of the other nutrients in the leaf and their corresponding concentration in the soil, except for potassium and magnesium. Of the 86 isolates obtained, 70 were identified in the genus of the N2-fixing bacteria Azospirillum. There was a variation in spore density and mycorrhizal colonization. The families Ambisporaceae, Archaeosporaceae, Claroideogloraceae, Glomeraceae, Acaulosporaceae, Diversisporaceae, and Gigasporaceae were identified. Associative N2-fixing bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were abundantly found in close relationship with Ora-pro-nobis, which may explain the ability of this plant to sustain high protein content in its leaves even in soils with relatively low nitrogen concentration.

Unconventional food plants (UFPs) are by definition little known and infrequently consumed by population, although are recognized as having high nutritional value and economic potential. The objective was to assess the knowledge about UFPs by the population in the southwestern region of the state of Paraná, Brazil; and more particularly to evaluate the holistic perception of an ice cream prepared with the UFP ora-pro-nóbis, a plant that is gaining attention in recent years We applied a questionnaire to assess knowledge of several UFPs; check-all-that-apply questions to evaluate the knowledge, habits and perceptions regarding UFPs; and word association (WA) and acceptance tests for holistic and hedonic evaluation of the ice cream. The results revealed that the best known UFP species were taro and roselle, followed by ora-pro-nóbis and lamb’s ear. They also revealed that among participants, the majority (63%) had heard of UFPs, but only 19.4% stated they had the custom of eating these plants. The respondents also indicated interest in buying UFPs, but stated it was not easy to find them for sale. In the WA test, ice cream was described mainly in the categories tasty, innovation, sweet taste, plant flavor, smooth and creamy, and the acceptance index was 74%.

A planta Pereskia aculeata, popularmente conhecida como ora-pro-nóbis, pertence à família Cactaceae e é uma das poucas que, durante o seu desenvolvimento, gera folhas. O trabalho teve como objetivo obter farinhas a partir da secagem das folhas da planta ora-pro-nóbis e avaliar algumas características físico-químicas nos produtos obtidos. Folhas da planta nativa foram coletadas em Itaqui/RS, divididas em três partes (uma aquecida em micro-ondas, outra cortada em pedaços e outra que manteve as folhas inteiras), desidratadas e moídas (FL). Outras duas farinhas foram recebidas da Embrapa Hortaliças, uma de cultivar nativa com espinhos (FCE) e outra de cultivar sem espinhos (FSE). As farinhas foram avaliadas quanto aos atributos de cor em colorímetro, composição química e compostos bioativos. A obtenção das farinhas foi bem sucedida, sendo que o aquecimento prévio das folhas em micro-ondas minimizou o tempo da secagem em estufa. As cinco farinhas diferiram pouco em relação à cor, com destaque para a FL que apresentou tonalidade mais verde. Embora com diferenças na composição, todas as farinhas apresentaram elevados conteúdos de minerais (entre 14,59 e 16,65%), proteínas (destaque para o teor de 16,14% na FL) e fibra alimentar (entre 55,65 e 57,16%). Observou-se grande quantidade de compostos fenólicos e elevada capacidade antioxidante, principalmente na FL previamente aquecida em micro-ondas, o que sugere uma relação entre o tempo de secagem em estufa e a preservação dos compostos bioativos da ora-pro-nóbis. As características físico-químicas avaliadas evidenciam potencial para o uso das farinhas na alimentação, visando agregar nutrientes e proporcionar benefícios à saúde.

Ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata), an emerging unconventional food plant belonging to the Cactaceae family, is known as a source of protein with high nutritional value, traditionally used in folk medicine. In this study, different compressed fluid technologies were used to obtain antioxidant rich extracts from P. aculeata leaves. The recovered extracts from ora-pro-nobis leaves showed, in general, high antioxidant potential in DPPH and FRAP in vitro assays. Complementary, supercritical fluid extracts presented acetylcholinesterase inhibition and anti-inflammatory activity. Overall, 11 compounds were identified from the non-polar extracts belonging to terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Metabolites like 2,4-Ditert-butylphenol, β-sitosterol, campesterol, phytol, Vitamin E were already identified in other Pereskia sp. extracts, but compounds like fucosterol and lupeol were also tentatively identified in the present study. Terpenes and phenolic compounds are known for its biological activities, which shows the potentiality of the P. aculeata leaves extracts recovery by compressed fluids technologies., The authors are grateful to the following agencies for the financial support: CNPq (National Council of Technological and Scientific Development, Brazil), Project 404347/2016-9; CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher-Level Personnel, Brazil), projects CAPES/PROEX-1624/2018 and CAPES/PRINT88887.310560/2018-00; and MINECO (Ministery of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain), project AGL2017-89417-R. We are also grateful to LAMEB (Laboratório Multiusuário de Estudos em Biologia), from Biological Sciences Center (CCB) of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC, Brazil). G.A.-R. would like to acknowledge MINECO for a “Juan de la Cierva” postdoctoral grant.

Pereskia aculeata Mill. is a cactaceous, popularly known as ora-pro-nobis, considered a native and non-endemic vegetables besides being rich in protein, fiber, iron and calcium, among others. This work aimed to study the chemical composition of noodles prepared with the incorporation of dry leaves flour, stems and fresh leaves of Pereskia aculeata, to identify and quantify the nutrients and minerals present. Four recipes were tested: traditional noodles with flour; noodles with incorporating flour from dried leaves; noodles with leaves flour incorporation + stem; noodles with incorporation of fresh leaves. The following analyzes were carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications, and data expressed in percentage in wet and dry basis (g 100g-1): moisture, ash, protein, fiber, lipids, total carbohydrates, total caloric value and minerals. Among the tested recipes, it was concluded that the noodles with incorporating flour dried leaves of Pereskia aculeata showed the best moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, fibers and lower total caloric values. Furthermore, it showed the best results for all analyzed minerals, thus the better nutritional quality.

Background: The exploration of the plant biodiversity as a natural source to obtain sustainable food products and new bioactive pharmaceutical compounds has been growing significantly due to their abundance, safety and economy. Natural pharmaceutical and edible compounds present some advantages when compared to synthetic ones, such as being chemically inert and widely available. In this sense, plants of the genus Pereskia belonging to the Cactaceae family, have been studied. It is an unconventional wild edible plant that contains a large amount of protein and minerals. Studies have demonstrated their biological activities and potential application in different areas such as pharmaceutical, medicinal and food. Objective: This review is focused on the chemical composition, functional properties, applications on pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food areas and formulation techniques to enhance the stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds from the underutilized wild edible plant known as ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata or Pereskia grandifolia). Conclusion: The latest studies involving ora-pro-nobis demonstrated its great potential due to its biological activities, which could stimulate further investigations. The utilization of this plant as a natural source to supplement the diet, or to prepare new food products and pharmaceutical formulations is an attractive approach to explore and fully realize the potential of the rich biodiversity found in Brazil and in other countries.

This work analyses the rheological properties of the mucilage extracted from leaves of the Pereskia aculeata Miller (HOPN) dependent of concentration and temperature. The concentrations studied were 1–5% (w/w) at temperatures 2–42 °C. The stationary shear test was performed to determine the fluid's behavior to the flow and the apparent viscosity (at 100 s−1). The oscillatory dynamic shear tests were performed by varying the deformation of 0.5% to 700% (at 1 Hz). The frequency sweep was performed by varying the frequency of 0.1 to 10 Hz (at 1%). The power and exponential models and the Arrhenius model were used to evaluate the effect of concentration and temperature, respectively. The mucilage solutions were classified as pseudoplastic and the behavior was explained by the power law. The HOPN concentration had a positive effect and temperature had a negative effect on the apparent viscosity. The linear viscoelasticity region exceeded the 1% deformation in all systems which were characterized as natural polymeric gels. Higher concentration yielded the higher mucilage deformability and the greater structural resistance. The frequency sweep showed that the mucilage with concentration of 1% at 2 °C do not have defined behavior; concentrations of 1% (12–42 °C), 2%, 3% and 4% (2 °C, 12 °C and 22 °C) were characterized as concentrated solutions and concentrations of 4% (32 °C and 42 °C) and 5% were characterized as gel.

Nutritionally enhanced pasta was developed by adding dried leaves of Pereskia aculeata Miller, known as ora-pro-nobis (OPN). The OPN are edible wild plants, underused and unknow plants. The incorporation of OPN dried leaves flour (OPN-F) into a regularly eaten food product, such as pasta, could be a healthy and low-cost strategy to improve nutrient intake and promote an exploration into a new fresh market food. The aim of this study was to develop a pasta product containing OPN-F, improving the protein, dietary fibre, calcium and iron intake and characterize its physico-chemical and sensorial aspects. The addition of OPN-F decreased the cooking loss and increased significantly the dietary fibre and ash content, as well as calcium and iron, as compared to conventional pasta. An alternative and healthy application of non-conventional edible vegetable proposed was greatly accepted (80.0%) by the potentials consumers.

The objective of this work was to evaluate and classify 16 tropical ingredients, co-products and by-products with potential use in rabbit feeding. We evaluated alfalfa hay, maize, wheat bran, soybean meal, crumbled maize with straw and cob (CMSC), soybean hull, citrus pulp, sugarcane bagasse, coffee husk, macauba seed cake meal (Acrocomia aculeata; MSCM), desmanthus hay (Desmanthus virgatus), sicklepod hay (Senna obtusifolia), neem hay (Azadirachta indica), Sodom apple hay (Calotropis procera), Barbados gooseberry hay (Pereskia aculeata) and moringa hay (Moringa oleifera). Chemically, were quantified dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (aNDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and their nitrogen content (NDIN and ADIN, respectively), lignins, hemicelluloses, cellulose and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC). Were evaluated the in vitro digestibility (ivDMdig) and degradability (ivDMdeg) of DM, and fermentation parameters, maximum amount of gas produced (B, mL/g DM), specific rate of gas production (C), decay of the specific rate of gas production (A), maximum fermentation rate (MFR, mL/h), time for maximum fermentation rate (TMFR, h) and latency time (LAG, h), using caecal inoculum for the in vitro evaluations. Were performed the hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) of the data collected in the in vitro evaluations and obtained the matrix containing Pearson’s correlation coefficients between the chemical composition and the in vitro parameters. The values of DM, CP, Ash, EE, aNDF, ADF, lignins, hemicelluloses, cellulose, NDIN, ADIN, GE and NFC ranged from 857 to 906 g/kg, 22.9–552 g/kg DM, 7.0–153 g/kg, 5.26–136 g/kg DM, 204–697 g/kg DM, 20.6–493 g/kg DM, 2.27–226 g/kg DM, 73–443 g/kg DM, 18.3–437 g/kg DM, 25.3–395 g/kg CP, 19.9–227 g/kg CP, 13.3–21.7 MJ/kg and 38.9–690 g/kg, respectively. The results for ivDMdig, ivDMdeg, B, C, A, TMFR, MFR and LAG ranged from 0.21 to 0.84, 0.22 a 0.67, 79.9–348 mL/g DM, 2.75–4.44, 0.08 to 0.30, 8.58–38.8 h, 2.99–9.32 mL/h and 0.07–6.51 h, respectively. The results of the HCPC analysis determined the classification of the feeds into four groups: Group I contain sugarcane bagasse, coffee husk and citrus pulp; Group II contain soybean hull, desmanthus hay, MSCM, moringa hay and Barbados gooseberry hay; Group III contain alfalfa hay, Sodom apple hay, soybean meal, wheat bran, sicklepod hay and neem hay and Group IV contain maize and CMCS.

This study evaluated the protein recovery from extract of Barbados gooseberry leaves by the synergistic effect of salting out and isoelectric precipitation using a factorial design, varying salt type ((NH4)2SO4, NaCl and KCl), salt concentration and temperature. Temperature elevation increased salting out effect. The optimum salt concentration was 0.5 mol/L for (NH4)2SO4 (66%), 1.5 mol/L for KCl (58%), and 2.5 for NaCl (62%). Research on isoelectric precipitation were performed. The most effective condition was found at 85 °C, using (NH4)2SO4 at 0.8 mol/L to 1.0 mol/L and pH = 1.0. Results showed the effectiveness of these effects on protein precipitation.

Succulent plants are of a special interest for Russian botanical gardens’ collections, many of them are meant to be used not only in phytodesign but in pharmacy while drug manufacturing. The analysis of a species composition of the Nikitsky botanical gardens’ collection of officinal succulents is among high-priority tasks as it will highlight that advanced species for research and growth and development special aspects’ study in the introduction conditions, bioactive substances’ content in them and replenish the collection with new taxons, that are notable not only decorative characteristics but for officinal properties. The officinal succulents Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f., Aloe arborescens Mill., Sansivieria trifasciata Prain, Opuntia ficusindica (L.) Mill., Pereskia aculeata Mill., Selenicereus grandiflorus (L.) Britton & Rose, Crassula ovata (Mill.) Druce, Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym. Hamet & H. Perrier, with the complex of bioactive substances and a wide range of a human exposure, are exposed in the collection of the Nikitsky botanical gardens. They deserve a general pharmaceutical application while drug and cosmetic products’ manufacturing. The collection of the succulents in the Nikitsky botanical gardens was started to form in the years of 1812-1824. The total area of a new greenhouse, that was opened in 1996, is 960 square meters. The main part of the succulent collection of 985 taxons, including 87 subspecies, 38 subvarieties, 70 forms, 13 cultivars, is contained in it. Many plants are presented in the open field exposition with the total area of 1,240 square meters.

Ora-pro-nobis mucilage (MOPN) is a polysaccharide extracted from the leaves of Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae family), and is composed of the biopolymer arabinogalactan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of MOPN-based films supplemented with glycerol. The films were developed using the casting technique in five treatments: 1.5% MOPN with 20% glycerol (w/w), 1.5% MOPN with 25% glycerol, 1.8% MOPN with 22.5% glycerol, 2.0% MOPN with 20% glycerol, and 2.0% MOPN with 25% glycerol. The films were characterized according to their rheological, optical, mechanical, thermal, and water vapor permeability (WVP) properties. The film-forming solution presented shear thinning and elastic behavior (G'>G"). Films with 1.5% MOPN and 20% glycerol presented greater elongation (46.10%), higher puncture strength 13.8 N, and lower WVP (8.288 g water·mm·day−1·m-²·kPa−1) than the other evaluated films. Glycerol acted as a cross-linking agent, increasing the bond between the MOPN chains, generating more rigid films. These films presented two glass transition temperatures, below 0 °C and around 60 °C. Thermogravimetry indicated that MOPN contributes to better thermal stability of the films. MOPN is a promising alternative for the use of biodegradable and/or edible packagings, and the best formulation studied was 1.5% MOPN and 20% glycerol.

Ora-pro-nobis (OPN) (Pereskia aculeata Miller) is a non-conventional edible plant rich in protein, fibres and minerals. The innovation of this work is based on the sustainability production of the aqueous extract (green solvent) containing iron and bioactive compounds as well as employing a native plant from Brazil. A screening of phytochemicals components, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins contents were performed using OPN extract. The antioxidant activity of the OPN aqueous extract was determined by three different assays as following: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•); Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP); and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). The OPN dried leaves presented high protein and minerals contents. Indeed, the Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR Spectroscopy) analysis performed in OPN aqueous extract confirmed the appearance of representative functional groups of the bioactive compounds. Overall the results suggested that it is possible to use simple aqueous solvent to produce OPN extract rich in iron, bioactive compounds and within antioxidant activity that could be potentially used as functional food ingredient. Resumo Ora-pro-nobis (OPN) (Pereskia aculeata Miller) é uma planta alimentícia não convencional rica em proteínas, fibras e minerais. A inovação deste trabalho é baseada na produção sustentável de um extrato aquoso contendo ferro e compostos bioativos utilizando uma planta nativa brasileira. Uma triagem dos componentes fitoquímicos e a determinação dos compostos fenólicos, flavonoides e taninos foram realizadas usando extrato de OPN. A atividade antioxidante do extrato aquoso de OPN foi investigada empregando-se três diferentes métodos: DPPH•, FRAP e ORAC. Folhas secas de OPN apresentaram elevados conteúdos de proteínas e minerais. A análise de FTIR realizada no extrato aquoso de OPN confirmou a presença de grupos funcionais representativos de compostos bioativos. Os resultados sugerem que é possível usar um solvente aquoso simples para produzir um extrato de OPN rico em ferro, compostos bioativos e com atividade antioxidante, o qual poderia ser potencialmente utilizado como ingrediente alimentar funcional.

The sustainable food valorization is capable to stimulate the local products consumption with quality and nutritional security. In this scenario, Unconventional Food Plants (UFPs) deserve attention representing an alternative for rural communities and contributing to the local and regional economy. This work aimed to add nutritional information, once it evaluates total Fe concentration, Fe-species (water soluble, acid soluble, and inorganic), proteins, and Fe- proteins distribution in beldroega (Portulaca oleracea L.), guasca (Galinsoga parviflora Cav.), ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.), piracá (Vernonia scorpioides (Lam.) Pers.), and trapoeraba (Commelina benghalensis L.). Considering the Fe total concentration, the studied UPFs can be excellent Fe sources, when compared to foods of plant origin widely consumed and cultivated, detaching the guasca leaves (687±19 µg g-1). However, the guasca leaves showed low concentration of Fe associated to macromolecules and Fe soluble species (1.6±0.3 µg g-1). These results may justify the low bioavailability of Fe species. On the other hand, beldroega leaves presented the highest concentration of inorganic Fe (1.3±0.2 µg g-1). In the UFPs, there is high glutelins concentration when compared to the other protein groups, meaning that UFPs can be low-cost alternative to supplementing protein intake. Finally, for majority UFPs, except guasca leaves, Fe is mainly associated to albumins, being a good source of bioavailable Fe species. Resumo A valorização de alimentos sustentáveis é capaz de estimular o consumo de produtos locais com qualidade e segurança nutricional. Nesse cenário, as plantas alimentícias não convencionais (PANCs) merecem destaque, representando uma alternativa para as comunidades rurais e contribuindo para a economia local e regional. Este trabalho visa agregar informações nutricionais através da avaliação da concentração total de Fe, espécies de Fe (solúvel em água, solúvel em ácido e inorgânico) e proteínas, e da distribuição de Fe associado às proteínas em beldroega (Portulaca oleracea L.), guasca (Galinsoga parviflora), ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata), piracá (Vernonia scorpioides) e trapoeraba (Commelina benghalensis L.). Considerando-se a concentração total de Fe, as PANCs podem ser uma excelente fonte de Fe, quando comparadas aos alimentos de origem vegetal comumente consumidos e cultivados, destacando-se as folhas de guasca (687±19 µg g-1). Entretanto, as folhas de guasca mostraram baixa concentração de Fe associado a macromoléculas (como proteínas) e espécies solúveis em água (1,6±0,3 µg g-1). Esses resultados podem justificar a baixa biodisponibilidade das espécies de Fe. Por outro lado, as folhas de beldroega apresentaram a maior concentração de Fe inorgânico (1,3±0,2 µg g-1). Nas PANCs, existe alta concentração de glutelínas, quando comparadas às concentrações dos outros grupos proteicos, significando que as PANCs podem ser uma alternativa de baixo custo para suplementar a ingestão de proteínas. Portanto, para a maioria das PANCs, exceto folhas de guasca, o Fe está principalmente associado às albuminas, sendo uma boa fonte de espécies de Fe biodisponível.

Dentre a diversidade de espécies de plantas alimentícias não convencionais (PANC), a Pereskia aculeata Miller, conhecida popularmente como ora-pro-nóbis (OPN), está sendo consumida cada vez mais no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a capacidade antioxidante e a composição das frações volátil e não volátil das flores e frutos de OPN. A fração volátil foi isolada por hidrodestilação e por extração em fase sólida e caracterizada por CG/EM e CG/DIC. Extratos aquosos obtidos das amostras foram avaliados quanto ao teor total de compostos fenólicos (Folin-Ciocalteu) e à atividade antioxidante (DPPH, FRAP e ORAC). A identificação dos ácidos fenólicos, flavonoides e alcaloides presentes nessas matrizes foi conduzida por CLAE/EMAR. Foram identificados um total de vinte e oito compostos voláteis nas amostras. O ácido hexadecanóico e o escaleno foram os únicos compostos detectados em todas as frações voláteis. O ácido hexadecanóico, linoleico, oleico e o fitol se destacaram quantitativamente. O β-linalol, α-terpineol, β-farneseno e trans-nerolidol têm potencial para influenciar o aroma da FF. No que diz respeito à fração não volátil, foram identificados 17 compostos (fenólicos e alcaloides) no FV e 11 na FF. A FF, entretanto, apresentou maior potencial antioxidante do que os frutos, o que pode ser explicado pela concentração desses compostos durante o processo de secagem dessas flores. Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro estudo sobre o perfil fitoquímico e a atividade antioxidante das flores da Pereskia aculeata Miller, além de apresentar dados inéditos sobre o perfil de voláteis dos frutos desta espécie.

Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) is an unconventional vegetable found in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and consumed, mainly by the rural population who lives in this biome. The present study investigated the nutritional value and contribution potential this species to the recommendations of daily nutrient intake for adults. Moisture and ash content were determined by gravimetry after oven drying and muffle incineration, respectively. Proteins were determined by the micro-Kjeldhal method; lipids by gravimetric lipids using soxhlet extractor; Total dietary fiber (TDF) by non-enzymatic gravimetry; Carotenoids and vitamin C by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Diodes Array Detector; Vitamin E by HPLC and fluorescence detection; and minerals by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Ora-pro-nóbis presented concentrations of TDF (3.73 g 100 g-1), ash (0.96 g 100 g-1), lipids (1.45 g 100 g-1), protein (1.27 g 100 g-1), carotenoids (3.15 mg 100 g-1), total vitamin E (438.68 µg 100 g-1), Ca (427.08 mg 100 g-1), Mg (88.84 mg 100 g-1), Mn (3.46 mg 100 g-1), Fe (13.89 mg 100 g-1) and K (689.41 mg 100 g-1). The species was considered a source of TDF, a good source of Mg, Cu and K, and an excellent source of vitamin A, Ca, Mn, Fe and Se.

Background: Pereskia aculeata and P. grandifolia are non-traditional Brazilian vegetables with high nutritional value used in traditional medicine. The antioxidant, anticholinesterase, molluscicidal, cytotoxic, and antiproliferative properties of hydroethanolic extracts of P. aculeata and P. grandifolia leaves (PAL, PGL) and fruits (PAF, PGF) are investigated in this study. Methods: All extracts were prepared by maceration with ethanol 70%. Their antioxidant properties were assessed through DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and β-carotene bleaching inhibition assays. A TLC bioautography method was employed to evaluate the inhibiting capacity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. The molluscicidal activity was tested against the snail Biomphalaria glabrata, which serves as an intermediate host for Schistosoma mansoni. The cytotoxic activity was assessed by a Artemia salina lethality test and the antiproliferative properties against seven human carcinoma cell lines. Results: Compounds with anticholinesterase activity were found in all extracts. Polar compounds present in PAF and PGL extracts were the most active (IC50 < 25 μg of dry mass) and had an adequate inhibition capacity of the AChE. PGF and PGL were classified as moderate (LC50 = 19.2 μg/ml) and modest molluscicidal agents (LC50 = 66.6 μg/ml), respectively. All extracts exhibited selective antiproliferative activity against human chronic myeloid leukemia cell lines (K562). PAL, PGL, and PGF presented potent antiproliferative activity (TGI ≤ 5 μg/ml). Conclusion: Both species exhibited anticholinesterase, cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties. This research supports the potential of these species as sustainable sources of nutraceutical compounds.