Current Functional Foods - Online First

Murici is valued by the local population for its healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which are attributed to its phenolic compounds and carotenoids, although its quality and properties are not well-known.

This research aimed to evaluate the quality of murici pulp (Byrsonima spp.) commercialized in some places of Santarém, Pará, Brazil.

Murici pulp samples were collected in Santarém and Curuá, PA, between October 2022 and January 2023. The samples were packed in plastic containers and stored in a refrigerated laboratory. Physicochemical analyses included pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, ash content, moisture, phenolic compounds, proteins, and sugars, following standard methods. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays.

Murici pulp pH ranged from 3.2 to 3.6, all within legal limits, indicating higher acidity suitable for consumption. Titratable acidity ranged from 15.89 to 63.57 meq kg⁻¹, meeting regulatory standards. Ash content varied from 0.15% to 0.86%, moisture from 75.11% to 83.58%, and phenolic compounds from 2.73 to 3.64 mg GA g⁻¹. Significant statistical differences were observed in all analyses, highlighting the nutritional and antioxidant potential of the pulp.

Murici pulp samples showed low sugar and starch concentrations but high total acidity and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). pH levels met legal standards, with significant variations due to ripeness and environmental factors. The study underscores murici's health benefits and quality variations influenced by environmental conditions and processing factors.

Calendula (English Marigold), or “Pot Marigold,” is a well-known herbal plant from the family of Asteraceae, which has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb. It is one of the most widely used aromatic herbs in the Ayurvedic system of medicine, which is based on the ethnological significance of the plant. Extracts of this plant have been found to possess a range of therapeutic benefits, including anti-hyperlipidaemia, cardiovascular and antidiabetic properties, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it has been found to be effective in wound healing and has anti-cancer, anti-hepatitis, antibacterial, and antiretroviral properties. Traditionally, it has been used as a herbal remedy to treat skin tumours and dermatological lesions as well as ulcers and swellings, as well as nervous disorders.

In addition to ethnopharmacology, pharmacology, and toxicology, this abstract also covers the morphology, microscopy, phytoconstituents, pharmacological reports, phytochemistry, and toxicity of the well-known Calendula species. Cosmetic ingredients derived from the C officinalis plant include extracts, flower oil, seed oil, and other components of the plant. These components include minerals, carbohydrates, and lipids; phenolic acids; flavonoids; tannins; coumarins; sterols; steroids; monoterpenes; sesquiterpene; triterpenes; tocopherol; quinones; amino acids; and resins. A chemical analysis of these ingredients reveals a wide variety of chemical compounds, including amino acid, triterpenoid, quinone, flavonoid, volatile oil, carotenoid, and other chemicals. Some Calendula officinalis species have medicinal value, and a literature review highlights their utilization.

Calendula officinalis has a wide range of medicinal properties, ranging from antibacterial and antifungal properties to anthelmintic and antiviral properties. Additionally, it has antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, as well as cardioprotective and wound-healing properties. Furthermore, it has been used to treat gastrointestinal, eye, and skin diseases. The plant has the potential to be a significant medicinal resource for mankind. It exhibits anti-HIV, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and spasmolytic properties. The plant is used in almost 200 cosmetic formulations and has the potential for further research.

This review emphasizes the future scope of Calendula species, focusing on their multifarious biological activities and potential applications as medicinal agents. This research fills gaps in existing studies, allowing researchers to validate traditional claims and advance the safe and effective use of CO in treating various ailments.