Chemical characterization of non-conventional edible parts of pitayas fruits grown by family farmers in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

The use of non-conventional edible parts of plants, normally neglected, could be of great importance in relation to obtaining the necessary nutrients for a healthy diet. An example of a fruit that has these parts wasted is pitaya (Selenicereus spp.). In this way, the objective was to carry out the chemical characterization of barks, as well as to measure phenolic compounds and flavonoids, with fruits collected in family farming areas, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. The biometric analysis of the barks was carried out using 14 specimens per sample assessing fresh mass, dry mass and thickness of the barks. Extracts were subjected to phytochemical analysis, wet, through a series of reactions, aiming to indicate the presence or absence of secondary metabolites. The results of the biometric analysis highlighted the species S. undatus (red bark) and S. costaricensis, for having the highest averages in all variables. Phytochemistry indicated a significant number of secondary metabolites with biological activity beneficial to human health, with emphasis on flavonoid phenolic compounds. However, not all barks could be consumed, as some have a partial positive or high frequency of cardiotonic heterosides or strongly positive of saponins. Therefore, the species with the greatest potential for using its barks would be Selenicereus megalanthus (low levels of heterosides, tannins and absence of saponins, although with a small production of matter). In the end, taking into account the probability of finding fruits with inadequate concentrations of metabolites that can cause problems, its consumption would not be recommended.