Biological activity of native Myrtaceae fruits from Chile as a potential functional food

Abstract

Myrtaceae fruits (Myrceugenia obtusa, Luma apiculata and Luma chequen) were used by Chilean indigenous peoples for food and medicinal purposes. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactive properties of these berry-type fruits. The antioxidant capacity by FRAP assay varies between 10.4 -646.9 mmol Fe +2 /g while and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi varies between 0-33 mm and 0-7.33 m, respectively. All extracts were rich in polyphenols and showed low cytotoxicity. Overall, M. obtusa presented dissimilar results when compared to L. apiculta and L. chequen These results encourage the use of these native fruits as food or nutraceutical or pharmacological ingredients.