Bioactive Compounds of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.)

Abstract

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) contains a variety of essential nutrients and numerous phytochemicals that play significant roles in disease treatment as well as in management through certain mechanisms. Persea americana consist of long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), which have effects on many human disorders and diseases. Studies suggested that avocado may support cardiovascular health, weight management, and anti-aging. (-)-Epicatechin, a phenolic present in Persea americana fruits, has the ability to directly or indirectly scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) by chemically reacting or by modulating the pathways and also acts as an anticancer molecule. All parts of the Persea americana contain secondary metabolites, and their activities against several diseases and metabolic disorders have been discussed in this chapter.