ARAÇÁ-ROXO (Psidium myrtoides O. Berg): COMPOSITION, ETHNOMEDICINAL, PHARMACOLOGICAL, AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES – A REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66104/b8zzw386Keywords:
Psidium , pharmacological properties, MyrtaceaeAbstract
Psidium myrtoides O. Berg, comumente conhecido como araçá-roxo, é um fruto nativo brasileiro pertencente à família Myrtaceae, que tem recebido crescente atenção devido ao seu potencial bioativo e ao seu rico perfil fitoquímico. Estudos recentes sugerem que o araçá-roxo possui compostos antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórios e quimiopreventivos, tornando-o um alvo promissor para o desenvolvimento de tratamentos naturais e complementares. Esta revisão teve como objetivo compilar e analisar evidências científicas disponíveis entre 2009 e 2025 referentes às características botânicas, distribuição geográfica, composição nutricional, perfil fitoquímico, atividades biológicas, usos etnomedicinais e dados toxicológicos relacionados a Psidium myrtoides. Os estudos analisados indicam que o fruto e as folhas de P. myrtoides são ricos em compostos fenólicos, flavonoides, antocianinas (predominantemente cianidina-3-O-glicosídeo) e óleos essenciais, tendo como principais constituintes o β-cariofileno e o limoneno. Esses compostos estão associados a uma notável atividade antioxidante, além de efeitos anti-inflamatórios, antimicrobianos, quimiopreventivos, antidiabéticos, anti-hipertensivos, antiobesidade e potenciais efeitos neuroprotetores relatados em modelos experimentais. O perfil químico e as variações dos compostos bioativos são influenciados por fatores como a parte da planta, a origem geográfica e a sazonalidade. Embora os resultados disponíveis sejam promissores e indiquem baixa citotoxicidade em modelos experimentais, as evidências ainda se restringem, em grande parte, a estudos in vitro e pré-clínicos. Os achados atuais fornecem uma base científica consistente para a continuidade das investigações e exploração tecnológica de Psidium myrtoides.
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