Scientific Advances in the Last Decade on the Recovery, Characterization, and Functionality of Bioactive Compounds from the Araticum Fruit (Annona crassiflora Mart.)

Abstract

Araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) is a native and endemic species to Brazilian Cerrado whose fruits have high sensorial, nutritional, bioactive, and economic potential. Its use in local folk medicine, associated with recent scientific findings, has attracted growing interest from different industrial sectors. Therefore, understanding the scientific advances achieved so far and identifying gaps to be filled is essential to direct future studies and transform accumulated knowledge into innovative technologies and products. In this review, we summarize the phytochemical composition, bioactivities, and food products from araticum fruit that have been reported in the scientific literature over the past 10 years. The compiled data showed that araticum fruit parts contain a wide range of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds, alkaloids, annonaceous acetogenins, carotenoids, phytosterols, and tocols. These phytochemicals contribute to different biological activities verified in araticum fruit extracts/fractions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antidyslipidemic, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, healing of the cutaneous wound, antibacterial, and insecticide effects. Despite the promising findings, further studies—particularly toxicological (especially, with byproducts), pre-clinical, and clinical trials—must be conducted to confirm these biological effects in humans and assure the safety and well-being of consumers.

UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Profiling of Phytochemicals from Araticum Fruit (Annona crassiflora Mart.) and Its Antioxidant Activity

“…The literature has been consistent in demonstrating that araticum pulp has a high content of phenolic compounds and potent antioxidant activity, as observed in the data presented in a recent review article published by our research group [ 6 ]. Various phytochemicals, particularly phenolic compounds, have been associated with these antioxidant effects.…”

“…Furthermore, these compounds have emerged as potent anticancer, cytotoxic, and immunosuppressive agents [ 96 ]. Recent studies have highlighted the selective cytotoxic effect of annonaceous acetogenins against various human tumor cell lines, demonstrating their potential for controlling different types of cancer [ 6 ]. Thus, araticum pulp may be a promising food source to prevent the onset and/or slow the progression of cancer.…”

“…This fruit is highly appreciated by inhabitants of the Cerrado region due to its attractive color, intense flavor, and singular aroma. It is consumed in both fresh and processed products (e.g., ice creams, juices, jams, jellies, and popsicles, among others) [ 6 ]. Furthermore, this fruit has been used for centuries in local and traditional medicine as a tonic and astringent and for the treatment of pain and rheumatism [ 6 ].…”

“…It is consumed in both fresh and processed products (e.g., ice creams, juices, jams, jellies, and popsicles, among others) [ 6 ]. Furthermore, this fruit has been used for centuries in local and traditional medicine as a tonic and astringent and for the treatment of pain and rheumatism [ 6 ]. Recent studies have shown that araticum pulp exerts various bioactivities, including antioxidant [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], anti-inflammatory [ 10 ], antibacterial [ 11 , 12 ], anti-Alzheimer’s [ 13 ], and anticancer effects [ 14 ].…”

“…These effects have been attributed to the presence of different bioactive phytochemicals that can be found in araticum pulp. Some recent studies have made efforts to characterize the bioactive phytochemicals present in araticum pulp, with the most frequently reported compounds belonging to the classes of phenolic compounds, alkaloids, annonaceous acetogenins, and carotenoids [ 6 ]. However, the number of studies with this approach is low, and the characterization data are often only partial and/or focused on a specific class of phytochemicals relevant to the work in question, particularly phenolic compounds.…”