Determination of total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and nutrients in Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa H. B. K.)

Abstract

Bertholletia excelsa is native to the Amazon, and it grows in the forests that border the great rivers of the Amazon. This tree brings interest in the commercialization of its fruit, which is called the urchin and almond. Bertholletia excelsa has antioxidant properties, and it is rich in phenolic compounds. In this research, the antioxidant capacity of the Brazilian nut from the city of São João da Baliza was evaluated by the DPPH method with a percentage of inhibition of 70.04 ± 0.07%. In addition, the quantification of the total phenolic compounds was carried out by spectrophotometry according to the Folin-Ciocateau method using gallic acid as standard. A value of total phenolic compounds expressed as gallic acid equivalents of 1.62 ± 0.11 mg GAE. g-1 was obtained. On the other hand, the minerals were determined by nitric-perchloric digestion highlighting the high concentration of potassium 581.21 ± 14.12 mg 100 g-1 and calcium 171.32 ± 0.84 mg 100 g-1. as a source of micronutrients, as well as iron 2.15 ± 0.07 mg 100 g-1 and manganese 1.49 ± 0.08 mg 100 g-1 .