Tropical Fruits as Natural, Exceptionally Rich, Sources of Bioactive Compounds

Fruits are pointed out as natural sources of antioxidants, playing protective roles against aging, and chronic and degenerative pathologies. In this review it is shown that virtually unknown edible tropical fruits present significantly higher antioxidant activity when compared to temperate fruits considered to be good sources of antioxidants. For example, the pulp of fruits native to the Brazilian savanna, consumed widely by local populations, like araticum (Anonna crassiflora) and pequi (Caryocar brasiliense), have shown an antioxidant capacity of 148 (IC50 mu g/mL DPPH) and 9.4 mu g/mL, respectively. These antioxidant activities are much higher when compared to the antioxidant activity of 672 g/g DPPH reported for blackberries (Rubus fruticosus), temperate fruits thought to be good sources of antioxidants. These remarkably higher antioxidant activities found for some tropical fruits is related to the presence of exceptionally high levels of compounds known for their elevated antioxidant activity. Data provided in this review support recommendation for a broader use of anti-oxidant-rich tropical fruits for the enrichment of human diet with remarkable amounts of natural antioxidants beneficial to health.