Changes of the composition in acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) fruit in relation to cultivar, growing region and maturity

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) has been known as a fruit rich in vitamin C. However, changes in composition of constituents in relation to cultivar, growing region and maturity have not been studied. We investigated the composition for five types of acerola fruits: three different cultivars ('BOK', 'Flor Branca' and 'NRA309') growing in Brazil, and one cultivar each in Vietnam ('Vietnam') and in Japan ('Okinawa'). We also investigated the influence of fruit maturity on the compositional profiles.

Antigenotoxicity and Antioxidant Activity of Acerola Fruit (Malpighia glabra L.) at Two Stages of Ripeness

“…Vitamin C and other constituents of acerola, like flavonoids, act as antioxidants in the human body [10]. It has been reported that the amounts of both vitamin C and flavonoids in acerola decrease with fruit maturation [11]. In this scenario, the antioxidant properties of flavonoids have drawn attention to preventive nutrition, because food constituents protect against oxidative damage and may also contribute to the prevention of major pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, aging and cancer [12].…”

Skin-Lightening Effect of a Polyphenol Extract from Acerola (Malpighia emarginataDC.) Fruit on UV-Induced Pigmentation

“…This fruit is well known to be one of the best natural sources of vitamin C, and has become extremely popular among health-conscious people. Besides vitamin C, acerola contains such functional ingredients as carotenoids, 18) -amino butyric acid (GABA) 19) and polyphenols. 20,21) In respect of polyphenols, it has been found that acerola contained cyanidin-3--O-rhamnoside (C3R) and pelargonidin-3--O-rhamnoside (P3R) as anthocyanins, quercitrin (quercetin-3--O-rhamnoside), hyperoside (quercetin-3--O-galactoside) and kaempferol glycosides as flavonols, and astilbin and proanthocyanidin.…”

“…20,21) In respect of polyphenols, it has been found that acerola contained cyanidin-3--O-rhamnoside (C3R) and pelargonidin-3--O-rhamnoside (P3R) as anthocyanins, quercitrin (quercetin-3--O-rhamnoside), hyperoside (quercetin-3--O-galactoside) and kaempferol glycosides as flavonols, and astilbin and proanthocyanidin. [19][20][21] These acerola polyphenols (APs) have been reported to have antioxidative activity and an antihyperglycemic effect. 20,22) However, little is known about the effect of APs on melanogenesis.…”

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) Juice Intake Suppresses UVB-Induced Skin Pigmentation in SMP30/GNL Knockout Hairless Mice

“…Additionally, acerola contains numerous functional phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and polyphenols [14–16]. Previously, we tested for various polyphenols in acerola and found that cyanidin-3-α-O-rhamnoside, pelargonidin-3-α-O-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-α-O-rhamnoside, kaempferol glycosides, astilbin, and proanthocyanidin are present [14, 15, 17]. In addition to polyphenols, we have reported on the contents of various nutritional components such as glucose, fructose, malic acid and several amino acids in the edible part of acerola [17].…”