Abstract:
Tropical ecosystems are rich in plant species of special interest to the pharmacological industry. Tropical fruit peels contain several bioactive compounds and show biological activities, unfortunately they don't get enough attention. This is an updated review of the bioactive compounds present in tropical fruits peels: Actinidia deliciosa (Kiwifruit), Mangifera indica L. (Mango), Annona squamosa L. (Sugar-apple), Annona reticulata L. (Custard apple), Ananas comosus (Pineapple), Canarium odontophyllum Miq. (Dabai), Carica papaya L. (Papaya), Cucumis sativus L. (Cucumber), Persea americana Mill. (Avocado), Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate), Musa acuminata, Musa sapientum, Musa paradisiaca (Banana), Psidium guajava L. (Guava), Genipa americana L. (Jagua), Citrus maxima - Citrus grandis L. (Pomelo), Citrus paradisi Macfad (Grapefruit), Citrus sinensis (Orange), Citrus macroptera (Wild Orange), Citrus reticulata (Mandarine), Citrus limon (Lemon), Citrus medica L. (Citron), Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq. (Spanish Lime), Euphoria longana Lam. (Longan), Nephelium lappaceum L. (Rambutan) and Chrysophyllum cainito L. (Star Apple) belonging to 15 different families. The peels of tropical fruits are a potential source of various bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpenoids, alcaloids, among others. They also possess properties and antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer and antidiabetic activities that could be used to create new therapeutic agents. This review shows the pharmacological potential of tropical fruit peels and also pretends to be a basis to encourage cultivation and conservation of these rare (non-commercial) fruit species and promote their integral and sustainable use.
Keywords:
biological activities
,
Pharmacological potential
,
Neotropical fruit shells
,
Fruit peels