Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Genipa Americana L. (Jenipapo) of the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

Brazil has the largest biodiversity of any country in the world, which includes a large number of fruit species. Cerrado, a Brazilian biome that has a large number of underexploited native and exotic fruit species, is of potential interest to the agroindustry and a possible future source of income for the local population. This paper presents the centesimal composition, phenolic contents, anthocyanin, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of Genipa americana L. fruit. The results indicated the following composition: moisture (75.00%), lipids (1.60%), proteins (0.67%), carbohydrates (20.50%), and ash (2.20%). The Genipa americana fruit contained considerable amounts of phenolic compounds (857.10 mgGAE.100-1 g) and flavonoids (728.00 mg.100-1 g), which contribute to its high antioxidant activity. This study highlights the potential of this fruit as an important source of both nutritional and bioactive compounds available in the native Brazilian flora. Keywords: