L., , as a Source of Bioactive Compounds of Antioxidant Properties.

Natural bioactive compounds play an important role in the prevention of various diseases. The exotic fruits L. (star fruit), (tamarillo) and (camu-camu) can be valuable sources of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties. The aim of this study has been to compare the antioxidant properties of these exotic fruits, the structure of polyphenolic compounds and the content of vitamin C and β-carotene. All the juices were analyzed for their antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and the composition of phenolic compounds (TP and FBBB assays, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanins). In addition, HPLC assays were performed to analyse the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, vitamin C and β-carotene. The results demonstrated that juice from the fruit had the highest antioxidant capacity, which was 4.5-fold higher than that of juice from L., and nearly 7-fold higher than the antioxidant capacity of fruit juice. Additionally, juice from the camu-camu fruit had a 3- to 4-fold higher total polyphenol content (8290 ± 254 mg GAE L) and a high level of vitamin C (8410.8 ± 16.9 mg AA kg). In turn, tamarillo juice had a high content of total anthocyanins (5796 mg CGE L) and phenolic acids (mostly chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid). Juice produced from carambola had a high content of total flavonoids (1345 mg CAE L), and the composition of these compounds was dominated by flavanols (epicatechin). The research results justify the conclusion that fruits of , L., are rich sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, and in the near future may serve as healthful food ingredients.