DETERMINATION OF ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL IN VITRO OF BRAZILIAN CERRADO FRUITS

Methanol and acetone extracts from different species of Brazilian Cerrado, seeds of Solanum lycocarpum A.St. -Hil (Lobeira), pulp of Byrsonima verbascifolia (L.) DC. (Murici), epicarp and mesocarp of Caryocar brasiliense Cambess (Pequi) and penducle of Cipocereus minensis F.Ritter (Quiabo-da-lapa) were submitted to in vitro antioxidant tests to evaluate the capacity to sequester organic radicals DPPH and ABTS.(+), to reduce the iron (FRAP) and to inhibit the lipid peroxidation (beta-carotene). All samples showed considerable antioxidant activity, but in different proportions, highlighting the mesocarp of Caryocar brasiliense as responsible for the higher antioxidant activity by capturing free radicals (DPPH and ABTS) and power reduction of the metal (FRAP) and peduncle of Cipocereus minensis in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation (B-carotene). The studied fruits could be considered potential sources of natural antioxidants and could be exploited as promising feed additives for the prevention of diseases and health maintenance.