Phytochemical study of Mari-Mari fruit (Cassia leiandra Benth)

Phenolic compounds are of great interest to human health, due to their biological activities, such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic effects. The Amazon has a diversity of fruits rich in these compounds. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the phytochemical profile of the “mari-mari” fruit (Cassia Leiandra Benth) through extracts obtained from the peel, seed, pulp and endocarp, by different extraction methods (conventional, ultrasound and room temperature). Ultrasound assisted extraction was the best method for extracting phenolic compounds from seed, pulp and endocarp. For the peel, conventional extraction was more efficient. From the best method for each part of the fruit, the total contents of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and anthocyanins were quantified. The highest levels for phenolics and tannins were found in the peel and for flavonoids and anthocyanins in the seed. Thus, the different parts of the fruit presented different compositions of bioactive compounds.