EVALUATION OF THE POLYPHENOLIC CONTENT, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF TOTAL EXTRACT FROM EUGENIA PYRIFORMES CAMBESS (UVAIA) FRUITS

Eugenia pyriformes Cambess is a plant native to Brazil, where it is known as “uvaia.” Their fruits are used in juice or are eaten raw. In this study, fruits from nine different genotypes were investigated for their in vitro antichemotactic activity, their antioxidant activity and their total polyphenolic content. The extract showed similar antichemotactic and antioxidant activities and had substantially different total polyphenolic contents. The samples were also investigated for antiedematogenic and antioxidant activity in animal models. The total extract of uvaia exhibited significant dose-related anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity at 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg b.w. PRACTICAL APPLICATION The species Eugenia pyriformes Cambess is one of the most important species of the Eugenia genus. It is a small bushy tree (5–15 m tall) that is cultivated in the southern part of Brazil. In order to find a potential application for this native fruit, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were investigated. These results obtained showed that E. pyriformes possess antioxidant/anti-inflammatory property (in vivo/in vitro). Therefore, our results showed the possibility to use the uvaia extracts as harmless and economical antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. The structure function rationale of this research can also provide the information for better design of animal studies for more precise dietary recommendations.