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- High-value compounds in papaya by-products (Carica papaya L. var. Formosa and Aliança): potential sustainable use and exploitationPublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; S.G.Costa, Anabela; Espírito Santo, Liliana; Ferreira, Diana Melo; Silva, Carla Sousa e; Pinto, E.; Almeida, Agostinho; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.Background: Food waste is a global and growing problem that is gaining traction due to its environmental, ethical, social, and economic repercussions. Between 2022 and 2027, the worldwide papaya market is expected to have a huge increase, meaning a growth in organic waste, including peels and seeds. Thus, this study evaluated the potential use of peels and seeds of two mature papaya fruits as a source of bioactive compounds, converting these by-products into value-added products. Proximate analysis (AOAC methods), mineral content (ICP-MS), free sugars (HPLC-ELSD), fatty acid composition (GC-FID), vitamin E profile (HPLC-DAD-FLD), and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assays) were evaluated. Results: Both by-products showed high total protein (20–27%), and dietary fiber (32–38%) contents. Papaya peels presented a high ash content (14–16%), indicating a potential application as a mineral source. 14 fatty acids were detected, with α-linolenic acid (30%) as the most abundant in the peels and oleic acid (74%) in the seeds. Both by-products showed high antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Papaya by-products display great potential for industrial recovery and application, such as formulation of new functional food ingredients.
- Bioactive compounds and scavenging capacity of Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab fruit) pulp extracts against ROS and RNS of physiological relevancePublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Costa, Anabela S.G.; Pimentel, Filipa B.; Santo, Liliana Espírito; Silva, Carla Sousa e; Freitas, Marisa; Fernandes, Eduarda; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.Background: Baobab fruit is valued for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. Although it is acknowledged that baobab pulp is beneficial for health, studies that link its nutraceutical properties to the ability to eliminate reactive species (ROS and RNS) are scarce. Methods: The nutritional profile and the antioxidant properties of baobab pulp extracts from Angola were evaluated. Thus, for the first time, the evaluation of in vitro scavenging capacity against the most physiologically relevant reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) were the focus of inves tigation. Results: Angolan fruit pulp presented high contents of ash (8.0%) and total dietary fiber (52%). Vitamin E content was reported for the first time in fruit pulp. Green solvents were used to quantify bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Hydroalcoholic extracts exhibited the high est contents of phenolics (1573.0 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (768.7 mg/100 g). Thus, hydroalcoholic extracts showed higher antioxidant activity, and higher scavenging capacity for ROS (O2•−, H2O2, HOCl, ROO•) and RNS (•NO, ONOO−), being most active for •NO and ONOO−. Conclusion: For the first time, Angolan baobab fruit was described in respect to its nutritional contribution as well as its positive antioxidant effects, both as a functional food and as a nutraceutical ingredient.
- A new approach on carotenoids: classification; bioavailability and further industrial applicationsPublication . Ferreira da Vinha, Ana; Silva, Carla Sousa e; Moutinho, Carla; Matos, Carla; Espírito-Santo, Liliana; SG Costa, Anabela; Oliveira, M. Beatriz P.P.Carotenoids are versatile isoprenoids that have been related to a number of health benefits. Their presence in foods, dietary intake and circulating levels have been associated with a reduced incidence of obesity, diabetes, certain types of cancer, and even lower total mortality. In this review, several considerations for their safe and sustainable use in foods mostly intended for health promotion are provided. Specifically, information about biosynthesis, sources, ingestion, and factors affecting their bioavailability is summarized. Furthermore, their health-promoting actions and their importance in public health regarding their contribution to reduce the risk of several deseases are synthesized. Also, in this review is emphasized carotenoids benefits as potential strategy for nutraceuticals, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industrial applications.This study also addressed the significant obstacles as well as the synergistic factors that interfere with the bioavailability and consequent biological functions of carotenoids. Finally, this review enhances the use of carotenoids as functional compounds in different industries.