Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activity from Bromelia macambira Seeds

Abstract

The Bromeliaceae family includes 3140 species grouped in 58 genera. This family stands out mainly for its ornamentals characteristics, besides presenting some fruit species, like the pineapple. The Bromelia laciniosa, known as "macambira", is present in the dry areas of Brazilian Northeast, covering the states of Bahia to Piauí, being used in large scale for garden's ornamentation. The aim of this work was evaluated the chemical composition of B. laciniosa seeds. The seeds showed average lengths of 0.28 mm and 0.45 mm and average widths of 0.24 mm and 0.39 mm, and are formed in a fruit with three locus having 4±1 cm in length and 15±5 cm in diameter, and yellow berries with purples axes when reach the maturation stage. The protein levels was 4.34%, the acidity present 3.13%, the pH showed a medium value of 5.24 and the vitamin C present in seeds reached the level of 920 mg/100 g. The Bromelia laciniosa seeds showed a great potential as source of vitamin C and antioxidant compounds, and also can be used in human feeding.