Identification of Bioactive Phytomarkers in Fruits of “Nance” (Byrsonima bucidifolia), a Traditional Fruit Consumed in Yucatan, Mexico

Abstract

Currently, there is a particular interest in the study and identification of bioactive metabolites that can be used as phytomarkers in the standardization of fruit products consumed as natural alternatives for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. In this investigation, the chemometric analyses of data obtained from the metabolic (1H-NMR) and chromatographic (UPLC–MS) profiles, together with the results from antioxidant activity evaluations, allowed the identification of gallic acid and a quinic acid derivative as phytomarkers responsible for the antioxidant activity detected in crude extract of the fruits of Byrsonima bucidifolia. While the antioxidant activity of the fruit extract of B. bucidifolia is comparable to that of the positive control, its high content of gallic acid could be of interest to the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.