Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of arboreal cashew pseudo-fruit from Cerrado

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition, the vitamin C and total phenolic contents and the antioxidant activity of arboreal cashew pseudo-fruits collected from three regions of the state of Goiás, Brazil. The pseudo-fruits showed high moisture content (above 80 %) and low contents of protein, lipid, ash and total carbohydrates. The pseudo-fruits from Faina and Santa Terezinha’s regions might be considered rich in vitamin C. The phenolic contents were higher than those found in fruits like yellow mombin (cajá), pineapple and tamarind. These compounds showed significant antioxidant activity by DPPH methodology. Therefore, the consumption of arboreal cashew pseudo-fruit might be recommended as an additional source of dietary antioxidants.