Cocona Fruits from the Peruvian Amazon: History
Please note this is an old version of this entry, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Contributor:

Cocona fruits are a popular food and medicinal fruit used mainly in the Amazon and several countries of South America for the preparation of several food products such as drinks, jams and milk shakes. In this study five ecotypes of cocona native to Peru have been studied regarding their nutritional and antioxidants values plus antihyperlipidemic activities.

  • antioxidant activity
  • UHPLC-PDA-ESI-OT-MS
  • Solanaceae
  • nutritional values
  • phenolics
  • antihyperlipidemic

1. Introduction

In recent decades, global interest has increased in search of the chemical composition and biological activities of natural sources since many of the compounds present in biological sources such as local plants and marine organisms are important for the protection of human health. The fruit of cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal; Solanaceae) are native of the Amazonian tropic. Just like other plants in the genus Solanum, they exhibit a morphological diversity corresponding to the variability in habitat and ecology changes, as well as with the process of domestication of the species; However, little is known about its chemical composition and the implications of the terroir and climate in its morphology and nutrient and health beneficial properties. The common name of the fruit in Spanish or Portuguese speaking countries is cocona, topiro or cubiu, and is known as “Orinoco apple” and “peach tomato” in English speaking countries. It is an endemic species to Amazon cultivated by natives and settlers in agroforestry arrangements and chagras in their settlement sites which improves it on a traditional food from this area. The pulp is the edible part of the fruit and is known for its refreshing flavor to produce refreshments, milk shakes, jams, and jellies and for the medicinal properties, including amelioration of itching produced by insect bites, elimination of parasites, it is also use as topical to heal burns and for the control of cholesterol, diabetes, and uric acid. The studies carried out on the chemistry of the species are few and no complete, mainly limited to the report of some phenolic compounds and volatile metabolites which cannot depict the differentiation in the variations in the chemical composition between the different morphotypes of the fruit which is very important to give added values to the different products and ecotypes. This study aimed to differentiate five varieties of cocona (Figure 1) with the use of UHPLC coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-PDA-ESI-OT-MS) grown in Peru, called oval, small round, large round big oval round and big square morphotypes, by means of the metabolite fingerprinting of the secondary metabolites present in mature fruits of the species. These adaptive morphotypes of the fruit depends directly on various biological factors and has been diversifying during the evolution and natural selection and can have the ability to produce different biologically important metabolites. Several carotenoids, alkaloids, organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoid glycosides, coumarins, tannins, and volatile and fixed acids were reported to occur in fresh cocona fruits from Brazil [1][2] and recently, caffeoyl quinic acid was reported as the main important phenolic in the fruits [3], whereas determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was done by HS-SPME/GC-MS in some ecotypes from Brazil [4], besides, extracts of those Brazilian ecotypes presented high concentrations of caffeic and gallic acids, beta-carotene, catechin, quercetin, and rutin and showed low density lipoproteins oxidation; cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect on breast (MCF-7) and colorectal (HT-29) cancer cell lines [5]. The purpose of this work is to contribute to the full phytochemical study of the Peruvian ecotype species through UHPLC-PDA-ESI-OT-MS for full untargeted metabolomic analyses to promote in fruit growers and fruit processors in the Peruvian Amazon the adoption of strategies for the sustainable use of the more promising ones based on its phenolic content and intrinsic health related properties, such as antihyperlipidemic capacities of the studied five ecotypes of this highly consumed fruit from Peru. Finally, proximal composition and mineral contents, plus the antioxidant activities thorough different methods and total carotene and phenolic contents of all ecotype pulps were tested and compared. The UHPLC full MS and PDA fingerprint analysis, was also performed for the ecotypes.
Figure 1. Pictures of cocona fruits NMA1, SRN9, CD1, CTR, UNT2 ecotypes.

2. Nutritional and Physicochemical Properties of 5 Cocona Ecotypes

Table 1 shows proximal composition such as the humidity, ashes, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and fiber, while Table 2 shows the mineral contents of five ecotypes of cocona. Proximal composition of cocona fruits NMA1, SRN9, CD1, CTR, UNT2 ecotypes was performed. The results of physicochemical properties showed that the proximal composition and the caloric value of this fruit are similar to that showed for other species, but with a high fiber (from 1.08 to 1.93) and carbohydrate content (from 3.12–4.24). The edible portion of cocona ecotypes were analyzed for mineral content (Ca, Na, Mg, K, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe). The foods were generally high in K (570.83–2382.24 mg K/100 g edible portion) and low in sodium (3.25–6.87 mg Na/100 g edible portion). The five ecotypes had the highest contents in most of the elements, especially in calcium (17.85–70.07 mg Ca/100 g edible portion) and iron (52–71 mg Fe/100 g edible portion).
Table 1. Proximal composition of cocona fruits NMA1, SRN9, CD1, CTR, UNT2 ecotypes.
Ecotypes Humidity Ashes Total Lipids Crude protein Crude fiber Carbohydrates
NMA1 91.85 ± 0.09 a 0.75 ± 0.01 a 0.65 ± 0.00 a 1.08 ± 0.04 a 1.68 ± 0.04 a 3.99
CD1 86.64 ± 0.36 b 1.24 ± 0.06 b 0.88 ± 0.00 b 1.93 ± 0.05 b 5.03 ± 0.15 b 4.28
CTR 92.82 ± 0.03 c 0.71 ± 0.03 a 0.45 ± 0.01 c 1.09 ± 0.04 a 1.03 ± 0.05 c 3.9
SRN9 86.67 ± 0.12 b 0.94 ± 0.02 c 0.93 ± 0.01 d 2.72 ± 0.04 c 4.76 ± 0.17 b 3.98
UNT2 93.52 ± 0.08 d 0.79 ± 0.02 a 0.19 ± 0.00 e 1.64 ± 0.06 d 0.76 ± 0.03 c 3.1
Each value represents the means ± SEM of three replicates, n = 3, while different letters on the same column indicate significant difference using Tukey test at 0.05 level of significance (p < 0.05).
Table 2. Mineral content (mg/100 g fresh pulp) of cocona fruits NMA1, SRN9, CD1, CTR, UNT2 ecotypes.
Ecotypes Fe Zn Mn Cu Mg K Na Ca
NMA1 71.17 ± 2.69 a 26.33 ± 0.95 a 8.18 ± 0.30 a 12.27 ± 0.52 a 42.54 ± 0.93 a 846.47 ± 19.85 a 4.09 ± 0.13 a 28.63 ± 0.86 a
CD1 70.07 ± 2.65 a 67.05 ± 1.56 b 34.35 ± 1.16 b 41.22 ± 0.73 b 164.88 ± 6.55 b 2382.24 ± 29.95 b 6.87 ± 0.13 b 70.07 ± 1.62 b
CTR 40.70 ± 1.82 b 17.83 ± 0.84 c 7.85 ± 0.15 ac 11.42 ± 0.42 ac 38.56 ± 0.69 ac 638.10 ± 6.28 c 3.57 ± 0.09 c 17.85 ± 0.46 c
SRN9 58.09 ± 1.15 c 45.93 ± 2.19 d 9.46 ± 0.08 d 14.86 ± 0.65 d 91.87 ± 1.54 d 2004.88 ± 33.34 d 6.76 ± 0.18 b 58.09 ± 1.05 d
UNT2 52.02 ± 1.17 d 18.85 ± 0.90 c 8.45 ± 0.21 acd 10.40 ± 0.30 c 41.60 ± 0.84 ac 570.83 ± 12.13 e 3.25 ± 0.04 c 41.60 ± 0.72 e
Each value represents the means ± SEM of three replicates, n = 3, and different letters on the same column indicate significant difference using Tukey test at 0.05 level of significance (p < 0.05).

3. Metabolite Profiling using UHPLC-PDA-ESI-OT-MS

The metabolite profiling was comprehensively performed by UHPLC-PDA-ESI-OT-MS, while Figure 2 shows the base peak UHPLC-mass chromatograms of ecotypes of cocona fruits and Table 3 shows the tentative identification of metabolites detected in the five ecotypes. Below are the detailed analyses, while Figure 3 show the structures of some representative compounds.
Figure 2. UHPLC-PDA-ESI-OT-MS chromatograms (TIC, total ion current) of cocona fruits NMA1, SRN9, CD1, CTR, UNT2 ecotypes: (ae) positive mode and (fj) negative mode.
Figure 3. Structures of some representative compounds detected in cocona ecotypes: spermidine, peak 2, the aminoacid triptophan, peak 23, phytoesphingosine peak 37, spirosol-5-en-3-ol, 3-O-[rhamnosyl-glucosyl]-galactoside, peak 33, 3-O-feruloylquinic acid, peak 42, naringenin 7-O-rutinoside, peak 45, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, peak 53, B-carotene, peak 63 and 1-hexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, peak 68.
Table 3. High resolution UHPLC-PDA-ESI-OT-MS identification of metabolites in fractions of cocona fruits (a–e): NMA1, SRN9, CD1, CTR, UNT2 ecotypes, respectively.
Peak# Retention Time (min.) UV Max Tentative
Identification
Molecular Formula Theoretical Mass (m/z) Measured Mass [M-H] or [M+H]+ (m/z) Accuracy
(ppm)
MSn Ions Ecotype
1 1.25 - Spermine C10H26N4 203.22302 203.2229 −2.448 129.1385, 112.1122, 84.0812, 73.0813 a–e
2 1.33 - Spermidine C7H19N3 146.16517 146.1651 −1.96 129.1385, 112.1122, 84.0812, 73.0813 a–e
3 1.35 - Histamine C5H9N3 112.08692 112.0872 0.79 95.0606, 83.0608, 68.0500, 55.0549 a–e
4 1.69 - Citric acid C6H8O7 191.01944 191.01863 4.24 129.1385 c–e
5 1.75 - Isocitric acid C6H8O7 191.01944 191.01947 3.25 111.00794 d–e
6 1.97 - Asparagine C4H8N2O3 131.0449 131.0454 3.81 114.0187, 113.0337, 95.0251, 88.0394
70.0288
a–b
7 2.29 - Arginine C6H14N4O2 175.1181 175.1188 3.99 158.0920, 140.0702, 130.0972, 116.0706
97.0661
70.0656
c
8 2.43 - Pyroglutamic acid C5H7NO3 130.0493 130.0499 4.61 102.0251, 84.0448, 56.0551, a–b
9 3.01 - Nicotinamide C6H6N2O 123.0550 123.0553 2.43 106.0289, 96.0446, 80.0499, 53.0391 c–e
10 3.15 - N-phenyl ethyl amide C8H10N 120.08810 120.08080 2.42 85.02876 a–b
11 4.1 - N-Fructosyl isoleucine C12H23NO7 294.1541 294.1544 1.01 276.1436, 258.1332, 230.1383, 212.1278
161.0681, 144.1017, 132.1017, 86.0968
c–e
12 4.32 - Norleucine C6H13NO2 132.1016 132.1019 2.27 105.0696, 86.0968, 69.0704 c–e
13 5.21 - Tyrosine C9H11NO3 188.0210 188.0211 0.53 165.0554, 147.0438, 136.0755, 123.0441
105.0337
a–e
14 7.03 - Adenosine C10H13N5O4 268.1037 268.1039 0.74 178.0730, 136.0616, 57.0341 c–e
15 8.12 - Phenylacetaldehyde C8H8O 121.0642 121.0649 5.48 103.0544, 93.0702, 91.0546, 77.0387
53.0392
c–e
16 8.53 - Guanosine C10H13N5O5 284.0983 284.0988 1.75 152.0564, 133.0494, 121.0647, 95.0609 c–e
17 9.62 - Phenylalanine C9H11NO2 166.0859 166.0861 1.20 149.0594, 131.0491, 120.0808, 103.0543
93.0703
c–e
18 10.23 - Aminobutyl benzamide C11H16N2O 193.1332 193.1336 2.07 176.1067, 134.0599, 105.0337, 72.0813 a–b
19 10.34 290–335 Chlorogenic acid C8H14O4 353.0863 353.0882 4.21 191.05574, 707.18678 b–c
20 10.5 208 Quinic acid C7H11O6 191.0550 191.0557 2.34 135.04477, 85.02844 b–e
21 10.88 235 3-O-diglucosyl-4-methoxy-3-hydroxybenzoic acid C20H27O14 491.1395 491.1412 3.46   a–d
22 11.25 - Pantothenic acid C9H17NO5 220.1173 220.1179 2.72 202.1069, 184.0965, 160.0965, 142.0860
124.0756
a–d
23 11.43 - Tryptophan C11H12N2O2 205.0961 205.0968 3.41 188.0701, 170.0596, 159.0914, 146.0597
132.0804
118.0650
a–b
24 11.75 - Tryptophol C10H11NO 144.0802
[M-
H2O+H]
144.0807 3.47 128.0491, 117.0699, 103.0506, 91.0547 a–b
25 11.97 330 N-Caffeoyl-N-(dihydrocaffeoyl)spermidine C25H33N3O6 472.2439 472.2441 0.42 455.2163, 310.2118, 293.1852, 222.1120
163.0386, 72.0813
a
26 12.03 330 N-Caffeoyl-N-(dihydrocaffeoyl)spermidine C26H37N3O6 488.2751 488.2756 1.02 471.2478, 324.2273, 293.1844, 236.1275
222.1119, 165.0542
a–b
27 12.02 325 3-O-Diglucosyl-4-methoxy-3-hydroxybenzoic acid C20H27O14 491.13953 491.14124 3.46   a–d
28 12.24 254–354 Rutin C27H30O16 609.14702 609.14709 0.11 463.0920, 343.0465, 301.0254, 300.0280, 271.0252
178.9982, 151.0031
b–c
29 12.46 240 Apiosyl-(1→6)-glucosyl 4-hydroxybenzoate C18H24O12 431.0980 431.0983 0.46 431.1196, 299.0768, 281.0679, 137.0237
93.0336
b–d
30 14.03 280 Naringenin-5,7-di-O-D-glucopyranoside C27H31O15 595.16575 595.16772 3.32 271.06152, 153.01845, 147.04482, 119.05661 c–e
31 14.21 280 Genistein 5-O-glucoside C21H20O10 431.0980 431.0984
433.1123
0.46 414.3355, 271.0595, 269.0390, 253.0485, 215.0698
146.0598, 127.0389, 85.0288
d–e
32 15.02 254–354 Isoquercitrin C21H20O12 463.1022 463.1027 1.08 300.0280, 271.0251, 255.0301, 178.9982
151.0032
c–e
33 15.21 - Spirosol-5-en-3-ol, 3-O-[Rhamnosyl-(1→2)-
glucosyl-(1→3)]-galactoside
C45H73NO16 884.4982 884.4987
928.4909 [M+FA-H]
0.56 722.4060, 576.3906, 414.3356 b–e
34 15.24 329 1-O-Sinapoyl-glucoside C17H22O10 385.1142 385.1147 1.29 247.0612, 223.0611, 205.0504, 190.0269
164.0704, 119.0342,
b
35 15.36 280 Protocatechuic acid 5-O-[apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-glucopyranoside] C19H26O13 461.1301 461.1302 0.21 329.0872, 167.0344, 152.0108, 123.0443
108.0208
b–c
36 15.57 325 4-O-(3′-O-Glucopyranosyl)-caffeoyl quinic acid C22H28O14 515.1401 515.1407 1.16 395.0990, 353.0876, 191.0557, 179.0344
161.0238, 135.0444
a–e
37 15.87 - Phytosphingosine C18H39NO3 318.2990 318.2995 1.57 300.2890, 282.2785, 270.2785, 60.0450 a, b, d, e
38 16.23 280 N,N″-Bis[3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propanoyl] spermidine C27H39N3O6 502.2902 502.2907 0.99 485.2633, 307.1996, 236.1275, 179.0698
137.0594
a–b
39 16.73 325 N,N,N-tris(dihydrocaffeoyl) spermidine C34H43O9N3 638.3059 638.3062 0.46 474.2588, 456.2484, 293.1852, 222.1120
165.0543, 123.0439
a–b
40 17.23 - Spirosol-5-en-3-ol, O-[Rhamnosyl-(1→2)-[xylosyl-
(1→2)-rhamnosyl-(1→4)]-galactoside
C50H81NO19 1000.5450 1000.5456 0.59 868.4970, 722.4737, 576.3879, 414.3358 a–b
41 17.55 - Cholest-5-ene-3,16,22,26-tetrol, 3-O-[Rhamnosyl- (1→4)-[rhamnosyl-(1→2)]glucoside], 26-O- glucoside C51H86O22 1051.5660 1051.5665 0.47 1049.5541, 903.4961, 757.4382, 595.3851
433.3324
a–b
42 17.67 330 3-O-Feruloylquinic acid C17H20O9 367.1032 367.1039 1.90 191.0558, 173.0451, 134.0366, 111.0443
93.0336,
a–b
43 18.05 329 2-O-Sinapoyl-glucoside C17H22O10 385.1141 385.1147 1.55 247.0612, 223.0611, 205.0504, 190.0269
164.0704, 119.0342
a–b
44 19.01 330 Syringaresinol 4-gentiobioside C34H46O18 787.2676 787.2678 [M+FA-H] 0.25 417.1560, 402.1323, 387.1069, 371.1494
356.1233, 181.0502, 166.0266
a–e
45 19.53 280 Naringenin 7- O-rutinoside C27H31O14 579.17083 579.17291 3.59 271.06152, 151.00319 a–b
46 19.72 254–354 Quercetin 3-galactoside C12H19O5 243.12270 463.08893 3.94 350.20898, 301.02795, 151.00310 a–e
47 20.45 - Spirosol-5-en-3-ol, 3-O-[Rhamnosyl-(1→2)-[rhamnosyl-(1→4)]-glucoside] C45H73NO15 868.5031 868.5035 0.46 722.4411, 576.3845, 414.3357 a, b, d, e
48 22.32 280 Biochanin A 7-O-rutinoside C28H32O14 593.1852 593.1859 1.18 447.1269, 327.0856, 285.0750, 153.0191 a, b
49 22.51 280 Genistin C21H20O10 431.0982 433.1123
431.0984
0.69 414.3355, 271.0595, 253.0485, 215.0698
146.0598, 127.0389, 85.0288,
a–e
50 23.35 255–340 3,5-Dihydroxy-4′,7-dimethoxyflavone 3-O-[Rhamnosyl-(1→2)-glucoside (Pectolarin) C29H34O15 623.1961 623.1963 0.32 477.1342, 315.0815, 300.0622, 284.0679 a, b, d, e
51 24.93 281 Naringenin-7-O-glucoside C21H22O10 435.1279 435.1282
433.1117
0.95 313.0506, 271.0617, 193.0138, 151.0032
119.0405
d–e
52 25.5 520 Pelargonidin 3-O-sophoroside C27H31O15 595.1652 595.1656 0.67 433.1080, 271.0595, 215.0695, 163.0596
127.0389
a–b
53 26.1 520 Pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside C21H20O10 433.1121 433.1126 1.15 311.0556, 269.0460, 163.0031 a–b
54 26.5 325 Methyl chlorogenate C17H20O9 367.1031 367.1035 1.08 191.0556, 179.0344, 161.0237, 135.0443
93.0335
a–d
55 26.7 - Peak 55, 1-Hexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine C21H44NO7P 454.2920 454.2923
452.2786
0.66 255.2630, 214.0482, 214.0284, 140.0111 c–e
56 27.0 280 Naringenin-5-O-glucoside C21H22O10 433.1132 433.1138 1.38 313.0551, 271.0613, 151.0030, 119.0493
93.00335
a–e
57 27.1 280 Eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside C21H22O10 449.1080 449.1083 0.66 287.0567, 205.0144, 175.0033, 151.0032
135.0445, 125.0237
a–e
58 27.2 - 1-Hexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-myo-inositol) C25H49O12P 573.3030 573.3034
571.2089
0.69 391.2256, 333.0594, 315.0487, 255.2329
241.0118, 152.9951
a–e
59 27.3 330 Syringaresinol-glucoside C28H36O13 579.2080 579.2084 0.89 417.1557, 402.1320, 387.1085, 223.0616
181.0501, 166.0265
c
60 27.5 - 1-(9Z-Octadecenoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-myo-inositol) C27H51O12P 599.3189 599.3192
597.3046
0.50 333.0594, 315.0488, 281.2487, 259.0223
241.0118
d–e
61 27.7 254–354 Quercetin 3-O-malonylglucoside C24H22O15 579.2080 579.2084 0.69 463.0888, 300.0280, 271.0252, 255.0301
178.9981, 151.0032
a–e
62 27.9 450 Lutein C40H56O2 568.4280 568.4282   124.08689, 145.0845, 105.08564, 335.12485 a–e
63 28.0 450 β-carotene C40H56 536.4379 536.4382   337.09189, 476.17609 a–e
64 28.1 280 Naringenin C15H12O5 271.06010 271.06155 5.36 153.01832, 147.04453, 119.05632 e
65 28.3 280 Phloretin C15H14O5 349.18569 349.18723 4.03 229.0871, 179.0347, 167.0347, 125.0237 e
66 28.4 254–354 Cirsimarin C23H24O11 475.12668 475.12524 4.36 315.07642 c–e
67 28.9 - 1-(9Z-Octadecenoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine C23H46NO7P 480.3080 480.3085
478.2937
0.83 281.2486, 214.0482, 196.0386, 152.9950
140.0110
a–b
68 29.2 - 1-hexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine C24H50NO7P 496.3391 496.3396 1.00 313.2128, 184.0721, 124.9998, 104.1072
86.0968
a–b
69 29.7 215 1-(9Z-Octadecenoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine C26H52NO7P 566.3419 566.3422 [M+FA-H]
522.3555
0.56 504.3450, 445.2715, 339.2892, 240.1001
199.0370, 187.0732, 124.9988
c–e
70 30.2 210 1-Oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine C42H82NO8P 760.5832 760.5839
758.542
0.92 184.0730, 125.9997, 104.1071, 86.0964 a–b

4. Antioxidant Activity, Total Carotenes and Total Polyphenols Content

In this study the antioxidant capacities of the five ecotypes were assessed by the trapping of ABTS and DPPH and expressed as µmol Trolox/g dry matter (Table 4). In addition, total phenolic contents by the Folin and Ciocalteau’s method plus the total carotenes was assessed and correlated with the antioxidant capacities. Trapping of ABTS and DPPH radicals showed similar values in the different ecotypes and correlated with carotene and phenolic contents for the dry pulps. Strong correlation was found between total phenolics and DPPH antioxidant assays (r = 0.847, p < 0.0001). Moderated correlation was found between total carotenoids and ABTS antioxidant assays used (r = 0.640, p < 0.011). Ecotype UNT2 showed the highest DPPH• radical scavenging capacity in terms of content of Trolox equivalents (23.29 ± 1.07 µmol Trolox/g), but interestingly, in ABTS• radical scavenging activity the most powerful was the CD1 ecotype (25.67 ± 0.28 µmol Trolox/g).
Table 4. Antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS), total phenolic content and total carotenoid contents of cocona fruits pulps NMA1, SRN9, CD1, CTR, UNT2 ecotypes.
Ecotypes DPPH
(µmol Trolox/g)
ABTS
(µmol Trolox/g)
Total Phenolics
(mg GAE/g)
Total Carotenoids
(μg β-carotene)/g)
NMA1 19.88 ± 0.34 a 19.70 ± 0.81 a 32.68 ± 1.33 a 101.22 ± 4.47 a
CD1 18.37 ± 0.24 b 25.67 ± 0.28 b 28.03 ± 0.90 b 122.65 ± 4.24 b
CTR 21.92 ± 0.53 c 21.98 ± 0.90 ac 35.79 ± 0.84 ac 85.13 ± 1.81 c
SRN9 18.21 ± 0.24 bd 23.97 ± 1.12 bc 27.86 ± 0.81 b 92.12 ± 3.64 ac
UNT2 19.15 ± 0.84 abd 20.25 ± 0.79 ac 34.26 ± 1.32 ac 58.81 ± 0.46 ab
Each value represents the means ± SEM of three replicates, n = 3, while different letters on the same column indicate significant difference using Tukey test at 0.05 level of significance (p < 0.05).

5. Antihyperlipidemic Activities

Table 5 shows the variations in cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL in the different study groups. The highest cholesterol and triglyceride values correspond to the hypercholesteremic group that only received saline treatment (group II), with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) with the group control (group I) for the variables considered, thus corroborating the effectiveness of the model used. The increases obtained with Triton were 370 and 600 % for cholesterol and triglycerides, respectively. Several authors report similar elevations in the lipid profile of rodents treated with this agent. For instance, Harnafi et al. [6], obtained elevations of 270% for cholesterol and up to more than 1000% for triglycerides; while Khanna et al. [7], reported an elevation of cholesterol by 134%, these differences seem to depend on the strain of animals used.
Table 5. Effect of cocona fruit pulps NMA1, CD1, CTR, SRN9, UNT2 in serum biochemical parameters on Triton induced hyperlipidemic rat.
Groups Cholesterol Triglyceride HDL LDL
Group I (control) 78.9 ± 5.90 72.28 ± 3.98 50.97 ± 4.02 27.97 ± 5.26
Group II hypercholesterolemic, saline treated 378.17 ± 6.27 a 461.65 ± 8.82 a 42.68 ± 3.14 225.64 ± 12.16 a
Group III hypercholesterolemic, atorvastatin treated 118.41 ± 10.05 b 93.90 ± 11.23 b 60.13 ± 5.08 b 50.79 ± 4.46 b
Group IV hypercholesterolemic, NMA1 pulp treated 302.76 ± 17.87 a 268.90 ± 7.92 a 47.44 ± 5.06 145.33 ± 9.56 a
Group V hypercholesterolemic, CD1 pulp treated 287.28 ± 10.03 a 259.63 ± 13.24 a 48.12 ± 8.07 139.06 ± 8.07 a
Group VI hypercholesterolemic, CTR pulp treated 130.09 ± 8.55 b 108.51 ± 10.04 b 57.30 ± 5.72 b 65.41 ± 7.68 b
Group VII hypercholesterolemic, SRN9 pulp treated 126.74 ± 6.63 b 102.11 ± 9.47 b 58.16 ± 6.64 b 61.05 ± 4.00 b
Group VIII hypercholesterolemic, UNT2 pulp treated 338.81 ± 15.95 ac 299.86 ± 17.81 ac 45.56 ± 7.46 c 165.85 ± 7.42 ac
Values represent the mean ± SD for observations made on six rats in each group. Units: milligrams per deciliter. a Statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared with group I values, b Statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared with group II values, c Statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared with group III values.
When comparing the groups treated with the pulps, we noticed that samples which has received the CTR and SRN9 pulps showed the lowest cholesterol and triglyceride levels after treatment, however there is no clear correlations with the compounds detected and bioactivity showed by pulps. In agreement to the above, there isn’t a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the cholesterol and triglyceride levels of the hypercholesterolemic group that received treatment with atorvastatin and the groups that received treatment with CTR and SRN9 pulps; which suggests that the treatment of the experimental animals with two pulps brings cholesterol levels closer to their basal values; this result is very important since it is an indicator of the effectiveness of the pulps tested. Regarding carotene compounds present in cocona fruits, it has been proved that diet with carotenes at a dose 80 mg/kg in rats decreased the lipid serum concentrations and its effect was comparable to that of simvastatin [8]. Regarding anthocyanins, also detected in cocona fruits, a juice from the fruit Aronia containing 106.8 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 mL juice and 709.3 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 mL juice, showed an antihyperlipidemic effect in rats with hyperlipidemia and was proved to be valuable in reducing factors of cardiovascular risks [9]. Moreover, mulberry (Morus alba L.) lyophilized fruit administered to rats proved to have significant decrease in levels of serum and liver triglycerides, total cholesterol, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and a decrease in the atherogenic index, while the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased [10]. Several flavonoids and extracts rich in flavonoids were attributed anti hyperlipidemia activities; Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood and its flavonoid constituents, marsupsin, pterosupin, and liquiritigenin were able to effect a significant fall in serum cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and atherogenic index[11], also extracts full of glycosylated flavonoids from Cardoncellus marioticus showed antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activities [12] moreover, using our same triton induced hyperlipidemia system extracts from the Mediterranean buckthorn, Rhamnus alaternus full of flavonoids decreased blood levels of cholesterol and triacylglycerols in hyperlipidemic rats (by 60% and 70%, respectively, at 200 mg CME/kg) [13]. In this study, all groups treated with the pulps showed a significant reduction in LDL-C (p < 0.05) with respect to the negative control group (group II), with the SRN9 group showing the best results. Despite the reduction in total cholesterol obtained with the different pulp treatments, we can observe that none of the treatments achieved lower values than the group treated with atorvastatin. In all the groups evaluated, an increase in HDL-C concentration was observed, the increase being significant in the groups that received CTR and SRN9 pulp (p < 0.05); the best result obtained was in the group that received SRN9 pulp after 96 hours of treatment. From the above mentioned we can say that SRN9 pulp, presents the best result of inhibition of the surfactant used (Triton WR-1339), by significantly decreasing the serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides, corroborating the traditional use of this species and previous reports on its antihyperlipidemic activity [14][15]. This allows us to affirm that SRN9 pulp at the doses tested shows an antihyperlipidemic effect and could be an option in the management of people with high lipid levels. The presence of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, could explain the hypolipidemic effect shown, presumably due to their proven antioxidant activity, as a result of a combination of their iron chelating and free radical scavenging properties [16][17]. During the experimental phase, no toxic effects were evidenced in the experimental specimens treated with NMA1; CD1; CTR; SRN9 and UNT2 pulps.

This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper 10.3390/antiox10101566

References

  1. Rodrigues, E.; Mariutti, L.R.B.; Mercadante, A.Z. Carotenoids and phenolic compounds from Solanum sessiliflorum, an unexploited amazonian fruit, and their scavenging capacities against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2013, 61, 3022–3029.
  2. Mascato, D.R.D.L.H.; Monteiro, J.B.; Passarinho, M.M.; Galeno, D.M.L.; Cruz, R.J.; Ortiz, C.; Morales, L.; Lima, E.S.; Carvalho, R.P. Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity of Solanum sessiliflorum (Cubiu) Extract: An in Vitro Assay. J. Nutr. Metab. 2015, 2015, 1–8.
  3. Vargas-Muñoz, D.P.; Cardoso da Silva, L.; Neves de Oliveira, L.A.; Teixeira Godoy, H.; Kurozawa, L.E. 5-caffeoylquinic acid retention in spray drying of cocona, an Amazonian fruit, using hydrolyzed collagen and maltodextrin as encapsulating agents. Dry. Technol. 2020, 39, 1854–1868.
  4. Faria, J.V.; Valido, I.H.; Paz, W.H.P.; da Silva, F.M.A.; de Souza, A.D.L.; Acho, L.R.D.; Lima, E.S.; Boleti, A.P.A.; Marinho, J.V.N.; Salvador, M.J.; et al. Comparative evaluation of chemical composition and biological activities of tropical fruits consumed in Manaus, central Amazonia, Brazil. Food Res. Int. 2021, 139, 109836.
  5. Dos Santos Montagner, G.F.F.; Barbisan, F.; Ledur, P.C.; Bolignon, A.; De Rosso Motta, J.; Ribeiro, E.E.; De Souza Praia, R.; Azzolin, V.F.; Cadoná, F.C.; Machado, A.K.; et al. In Vitro Biological Properties of Solanum sessiliflorum (Dunal), an Amazonian Fruit. J. Med. Food 2020, 23, 978–987.
  6. Harnafi, H.; Bouanani, N.e.H.; Aziz, M.; Serghini Caid, H.; Ghalim, N.; Amrani, S. The hypolipidaemic activity of aqueous Erica multiflora flowers extract in Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidaemic rats: A comparison with fenofibrate. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2007, 109, 156–160.
  7. Khanna, A.K.; Rizvi, F.; Chander, R. Lipid lowering activity of Phyllanthus niruri in hyperlipemic rats. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2002, 82, 19–22.
  8. Sundaram, R.; Ayyakkannu, P.; Muthu, K.; parveen Nazar, S.; Palanivelu, S.; Panchanatham, S. Acyclic Isoprenoid Attenuates Lipid Anomalies and Inflammatory Changes in Hypercholesterolemic Rats. Indian J. Clin. Biochem. 2019, 34, 395–406.
  9. Valcheva-Kuzmanova, S.; Kuzmanov, K.; Mihova, V.; Krasnaliev, I.; Borisova, P.; Belcheva, A. Antihyperlipidemic effect of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. Plant Foods Hum. Nutr. 2007, 62, 19–24.
  10. Yang, X.; Yang, L.; Zheng, H. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruit in hyperlipidaemia rats. Food Chem. Toxicol. 2010, 48, 2374–2379.
  11. Jahromi, M.A.F.; Ray, A.B.; Chansouria, J.P.N. Antihyperlipidemic effect of flavonoids from pterocarpus marsupium. J. Nat. Prod. 1993, 56, 989–994.
  12. Shabana, M.M.; El-Sherei, M.M.; Moussa, M.Y.; Sleem, A.A.; Abdallah, H.M. Flavonoid constituents of Carduncellus mareoticus (Del.) Hanelt and their biological activities. Nat. Prod. Commun. 2008, 3, 779–784.
  13. Tacherfiout, M.; Petrov, P.D.; Mattonai, M.; Ribechini, E.; Ribot, J.; Bonet, M.L.; Khettal, B. Antihyperlipidemic effect of a Rhamnus alaternus leaf extract in Triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats and human HepG2 cells. Biomed. Pharmacother. 2018, 101, 501–509.
  14. Maia, J.R.P.; Schwertz, M.C.; Sousa, R.F.S.; Aguiar, J.P.L.; Lima, E.S. Efeito hipolipemiante da suplementação dietética com a farinha do cubiu (solanum sessiliforum dunal) em ratos hipercolesterolêmicos. Rev. Bras. Plantas Med. 2015, 17, 112–119.
  15. Pardo, M.A. Efecto de Solanum sessiliflorum dunal sobre el metabolismo lipídico y de la glucosa. Cienc. Investig. 2004, 7, 43–48.
  16. Zeashan, H.; Amresh, G.; Singh, S.; Rao, C.V. Hepatoprotective activity of Amaranthus spinosus in experimental animals. Food Chem. Toxicol. 2008, 46, 3417–3421.
  17. Nicholson, S.K.; Tucker, G.A.; Brameld, J.M. Effects of dietary polyphenols on gene expression in human vascular endothelial cells. Proc. Nutr. Soc. 2008, 67, 42–47.
More
This entry is offline, you can click here to edit this entry!
Video Production Service