Fruits native to South America: a narrative review of their biological properties and chemical profiles

Abstract

Fruits native to South America have been recognized for their relevant levels of phytochemicals with bioactivities that offer human health benefits beyond nutrition; however, many of them remain unexplored. The objective of this study was to compile the recent literature regarding the phytochemical profiles and biological properties of fruits native to South America. Over 600 fruits were analyzed, and those with the most substantial scientific literature regarding their phytochemical profiles and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities were selected. Based on the reviewed literature, 40 selected fruits were analyzed, and antioxidant activity was reported for 38 fruits, antimicrobial activity for 31, and anti-inflammatory activity for 30. This data allowed for a comparative analysis of the bioactive potential of these fruits. However, factors like extraction methods, harvest time and location, and cultivar variations were found to have significant impacts on fruit bioactivity. Common limitations in properly investigating the phytochemical composition of fruits grown in the wild include lack of access to sufficient materials, lack of reproducibility of results owing to variations in chemical composition, and inability to use accurate techniques, such as mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. Clinical trials should be encouraged to confirm the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of fruits observed in vitro. Furthermore, extract refinement prior to antimicrobial analysis remains challenging to obtain reliable results. This review provides helpful information to guide further studies on these fruits and strategic public policies concerning the development of sustainable supply chains to preserve the biodiversity of South America.