Tropical fruit by-products water extracts as sources of soluble fibres and phenolic compounds with potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and functional properties

Fibre content, phenolic content, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated for water extracts of fruit by-products (passion fruit, orange, acerola, and mango). The impact of these extracts on microbial growth, folate production, and adhesion ability of Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG was investigated. Mango water extract (MWE) presented the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Orange water extract (OWE) and MWE showed the best anti-inflammatory potential by decreasing the highest nitric oxide levels. When TH-4 and LGG were grown together, folate production was only stimulated by MWE. Passion fruit water extract and OWE increased the TH-4 adhesion whereas acerola water extracts and MWE improved LGG adhesion when strains were used individually. These results showed that fruit by-product water extracts (FWE), especially from mango, presented potential beneficial biological and functional properties. These FWE could be used to develop new functional antioxidant foods and natural pharmaceutical ingredients.