Phenolic content, anti-inflammatory properties, and dermal wound repair properties of industrially processed and non-processed acai from the Brazilian Amazon

Food Funct. 2020 Jun 24;11(6):4903-4914. doi: 10.1039/c9fo03109j.

Abstract

Acai fruit is recognized for its health promoting properties. However, there is still a need to address the effects of industrial processing on this fruit. In this study, phenolic content, anti-inflammatory properties and dermal wound repair properties of 20 acai samples, before and after industrial processing, from various Amazon regions were investigated. Acai pulp was rich in total phenolics (18.9-58.8 mg g-1) and proanthocyanins (9.8-43.1 mg g-1), but contained trace anthocyanins (up to 0.1 mg g-1). Industrially processed samples lost substantial amounts of proanthocyanidins (up to 83.2%), while the anthocyanins inherently present were greatly enriched after processing (20-fold higher). Non-processed acai pulp extracts protected against early inflammation response which was correlated with proanthocyanidins, by significantly inhibiting nitric oxide production and suppressing pro-inflammatory gene expression including interleukin-1β, cyclooxygenase-2, nitric oxide synthase, and interleukin-6. The promotion of dermal wound repair of acai seed and pulp extracts was mainly contributed by anthocyanins and other bioactive compounds. The anti-inflammatory effect was diminished but wound healing effect was retained after pulp processing, suggesting the processing technology needs to be improved to maintain biological properties of acai fruit.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Arecaceae*
  • Brazil
  • Food Industry
  • Fruit
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Polyphenols / chemistry
  • RAW 264.7 Cells / drug effects
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polyphenols