Therapeutic and nutraceutical potential of Persea americana fruits and their by-products: a review

Abstract

Avocado (Persea americana Mill) is the only one commercial important member between edible fruit which belong to Lauraceae family, it is originated from Mexico and Central America. This fruit shows a growing value on the international market not only because its nutritional quality but also due to its medicinal uses and in cosmetic industry. Fruit constituents reveals that it abounds in various fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Besides this, a lot of secondary metabolites have also been isolated from different parts of the avocado plant. The predominant carotenoid is lutein, but other carotenoids are also described, including α-carotene, β-carotene, zeaxanthin, neoxanthin and violaxanthin. It has been reported that these lipophilic carotenoids may have potential anti-carcinogenic effects. This fruit has been recognized for its health benefits, especially due to the compounds present in the lipidic fraction, such as omega fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols and squalene. Several studies have shown the benefits of avocado associated to a balanced diet, especially in reducing cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular diseases. The processed avocado pulp is an alternative to utilize fruits, which can be used in various value-added food products. Also, tocopherols have been identified, not only in avocado pulp fruits as well as in their seeds. For these reason, the recovery of health benefit bioactive compounds from fruit and its wastes is a research trend not only to help minimize the waste burden, but also to meet the intensive demand from the public for bioactive compounds which are believed to have protective effects against chronic diseases. Avocado pulp and seed contains variable oil content, and is widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, and in the production of commercial oils similar to olive oil. It contains fatty acids such as lignoceric acid, arachidic acid, margaric acid, behenic acid, gadolenic acid, docosadienoic, myristic and eicosanoic acids, β-sitsterol, lecithin, minerals and vitamins, showing its potential as an alternate dietary supplement. This review is focused on the nutricional characterization, polyphenolic compounds recovery from

avocado fruits and their wastes (peel and seeds) as an excellent alternative for industry, especially for pulp processing or oil extraction, considering its composition and the benefits of its compounds. Furthermore, this crop can be used for exportation and oil extraction, application in processed products, or as raw material in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, generating high value added products.