Análise do perfil químico e avaliação do potencial antioxidante das sementes de Genipa americana (jenipapo) obtida no município de Tabatinga-AM

Abstract

Fruits are of great importance for human nutrition and health because they are sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Among the various fruits available for consumption, the genipap stands out, a fruit native to South America with medicinal properties. The pulp of the genipap is rich in vitamins from groups A, C, E and K, as well as minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron. The fruit's peel is rich in iridoids, which are bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Although most research on genipap focuses on other parts of the fruit, such as the pulp and peel, a study has been carried out on the antioxidant activity of the seeds. This part is little explored, which makes this research interesting, to say the least. Given the above, the objective of the present study was to determine the antioxidant potential and characterize the chemical constituents in the seeds of the Genipa americana fruit obtained at a market in the municipality of Tabatinga - AM. To achieve these objectives, the genipap fruits were collected, cleaned and peeled in the Chemistry Laboratory of the Tabatinga Higher Education Center – CESTB/UEA. Part of the collected material was used to prepare the exsiccata. The extracts were prepared with ethanol at concentrations of 70%, 80% and 100% and distilled water. After drying the extracts, the yield was calculated and a sufficient sample was weighed for evaluation of the antioxidant potential and mass spectrometry analysis. The antioxidant activity was determined by spectrophotometry, using the DPPH free radical capture reaction. The results revealed that the extract obtained in 80% ethanol presented the highest antioxidant activity, with 73.9% reduction of DPPH radicals, and for the extract prepared in distilled water, no antioxidant activity was detected. Negative mode mass spectrometry analyses revealed the presence of the ions m/z [M-H]-196 and 200, which, according to the literature, correspond to 1-hydroxy-7-(hydroxymethyl)-1H,4aH,5H,7aH-cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carbaldehyde and (z)-3-(1-Formyl-1-propenyl)pentanedioic acid. Positive mode analyses showed the presence of the ion m/z [M+H]+ 249, which corresponds to the compound genipacetal. This study demonstrates the antioxidant potential of genipap seeds and identifies bioactive compounds that may be responsible for this activity.