Potential of mangaba (Hancornia speciosa), mango (Mangifera indica L.), and papaya (Carica papaya L.) seeds as sources of bioactive compounds1

The bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacities of mangaba, mango and papaya oils were investigated. Determinations of fatty acid composition, tocopherol, phytosterols, phenolic compounds profile, total carotenoids, and antioxidant activity were carried out in the oils of mangaba, mango and papaya seeds. The analysis of antioxidant activity was performed by the methods DPPH•, ABTS•+, FRAP, and β-carotene/linoleic acid. Only essential fatty acid C18:2 was detected, in an average of 6.2%. In contrast, the main fatty acids quantified were oleic, palmitic, and stearic. The amount of phytosterols in mangaba (1951.7 mg kg-1), papaya (3540.3 mg kg-1), and mango (4565.7 mg kg-1) oils was higher than that of conventional oils, such as soybean oil. α-tocopherol was the main tocopherol found in all oils analyzed. Quantities of phenolic compounds were found only in mango seed oil. Papaya seed oil showed high quantity of total carotenoids (49.90 µg g-1). The possible use of the seeds studied to produce oils appears to be favorable. The information available in this study is of great importance for investigations regarding the use of vegetable oils as raw material for food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.