ANALYSIS OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN ACEROLA (Malpighia emarginata DC) PULP AND SEEDS FOCUSING ON THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF ITS AGROINDUSTRIAL BY-PRODUCTS

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the composition and antioxidant activity of compounds present in the pulp and seeds of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.), with a view to the sustainable use of agro-industrial by-products. The samples were prepared and analyzed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to identify and quantify phenolic compounds and flavonoids, and were also subjected to different methods of antioxidant activity assessment, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). The analysis revealed a greater diversity and concentration of bioactive compounds in the seed, highlighting the exclusive presence of ferulic acid, detection of rutin in both fractions, and chlorogenic acid only in the pulp. The results indicate that the seed has greater antioxidant potential and total phenolic content compared to the pulp, evidencing its nutritional value. The study reinforces the potential of acerola seeds as a possible application in functional foods and value-added products, contributing to the valorization of agro-industrial waste.