Comparative profiling of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities of Brazilian semiarid Spondias species

Spondias species fruits, from the Brazil’s semiarid region, are rich sources of bioactive compounds with significant health benefits. Genetic and environmental pressures drive distinct Brazilian Spondias species to develop specific quality attributes and highly specialized, unique bioactive profiles. This study characterized and compared the bioactive profiles and antioxidant potential of three Spondias types: ‘Cajarana do Sertão’ (CS), ‘Umbu-cajá’ (UC), and ‘Umbu’ ( S. tuberosa ; UM). Results indicated that UM possessed the highest soluble solids to titratable acidity ratio (12.6 ± 1.54), making it ideal for both fresh consumption and processing. CS excelled in soluble solids (14.0 ± 0.21%), ascorbic acid (30.4 ± 1.78 mg.100 g⁻¹), yellow flavonoids (3.2 ± 0.20 mg.100 g⁻¹), and total carotenoids (11.30 ± 0.96 µg.g⁻¹), driven by prominent fractions of zeaxanthin (4.99 µg.g⁻¹) and β-carotene (2.79 µg.g⁻¹), which correlated with its high antioxidant activity (R² = 1.00). Meanwhile, UC exhibited the highest total extractable polyphenol content (239.4 ± 3.77 mg GAE.100 g⁻¹) and a notable zeaxanthin level (5.20 ± 0.69 µg.g⁻¹). In conclusion, Spondias fruits demonstrate vast potential for fresh markets and agro-industrial applications, offering a pathway to strengthen regional production chains through health-focused product development.