Phenological and physicochemical properties of Pereskia aculeata during cultivation in south Brazil

Abstract

Pereskia aculeata, known as ora-pro-nobis in Brazil, is native from tropical dry forests. This Cactaceae plant possesses succulent and edible leaves, which contain high amounts of protein, minerals, vitamins and fiber. Nutritional properties and ability to grow under limited water supply of ora-pro-nobis are known, but little information is available about the growth behavior and nutritional composition of this plant when cultivated under temperate humid climate. Therefore, we evaluated the phenology of the plant, including observation of new leaves, flowering, fruiting and relating it with the climate changes. Also, we analyzed some physicochemical characteristics (humidity, leaf area, height, protein, color, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity) of ora-pro-nobis cultivated in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We observed that ora-pro-nobis developed normally, but with a quiescent state in the winter, without producing leaves. Flowering of the plant started in March and the fructification started one month later. All physicochemical characteristics varied through the period of cultivation. Our findings support that cultivation of ora-pro-nobis for production of leaves is feasible under temperate and humid climate.

Influence of Harvest Time on the Chemical Profile of Pereskia aculeate Mill. Using Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry

“…As shown in Table 4, the values of L* did not vary between one season and another. In previous studies, luminosity values close to 47 for GBB leaves were found, values that are close to what was reported here, corroborating what was shown in our work [30].…”

“…GBB leaves harvested in autumn showed • Hue of 115.48 ± 2.05, which was higher (p < 0.05) than leaves collected in winter (111.70 ± 3.52). A value close to 122.5 • was reported for GBB leaves [30].…”

Phytochemical profile and biological activities of 'Ora-pro-nobis' leaves (Pereskia aculeata Miller), an underexploited superfood from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

“…The hexane fraction was the most active, due to its higher phenolic compound content. Souza et al (2016) reported a much lower DPPH scavenging activity (IC 50 = 7.09 mg/ml) for a methanolic extract of P. aculeata, whereas Silva, Seifert, Schiedeck, Dode, and Nora (2018) found an antioxidant activity of 44.99 g of Trolox/kg of fresh plant when also assessing a methanolic leaf extract of P. aculeata.…”

Ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Miller): a potential alternative for iron supplementation and phytochemical compounds

“…Souza et al (2016) noticed lower DPPH values assessing a methanolic extract of OPN leaves. Silva et al (2018) observed an antioxidant activity of 44.99 g TE kg -1 of fresh plant employing a methanolic extract of OPN leaves. Pinto et al (2012) recorded the potential antioxidant activity in OPN leaves using a DPPH method of indication.…”