Comprehensive identification and quantification of unexploited phenolic compounds from red and yellow araca (Psidium cattleianum Sabine) by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS

LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS was used to comprehensively characterise the non-extractable phenolic compounds (NEPC) in red and yellow araca genotypes. Results showed a total of 45 and 43 phenolic compounds in the NEPC fraction and, similarly, 51 and 50 compounds i0n extractable phenolic compounds (EPC) fraction from red and yellow araca, respectively. Gallic acid and ellagic acid were the unique compounds found in both fractions. The NEPC fraction represented about 35% (m/m) of the total phenolic content and was characterised by an abundance of phenolic acids, while the EPC fraction was rich in flavanols. Although NEPC represented one-third of the total phenolic compounds found in araca, its antioxidant capacity (against peroxyl radical) was 50% higher than the EPC fraction. The results of this work show that the NEPC fraction of araca has great diversity and a relatively high concentration of low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds with high antioxidant capacity.