Organic dragon fruits (Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus polyrhizus) grown at the same edaphoclimatic conditions: Comparison of phenolic and organic acids profiles and antioxidant activities

This study aimed to characterize and compare pulps of two species of organic dragon fruits, Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus polyrhizus, grown at the same edaphoclimatic conditions in terms of bioactive compounds and physicochemical aspects. No significant differences were observed between purple and white pulps concerning moisture, ascorbic acid concentration, and DPPH-assay antioxidant activity. Purple pulp demonstrated higher values for pH, Folin-Ciocalteau reducing capacity, and FRAP-assay antioxidant activity, lower acidity, and expressive total betalain content, suggesting higher bioactive potential. The main phenolic compounds identified in purple pulp were rutin, hesperidin, ferulic, and sinapic acids, while the white one was rich in chlorogenic acid. The major organic acids identified in both pulps were malic, citric, formic, pipecolic, and ascorbic. Pipecolic acid was detected in both, although more predominant in purple pulp, in remarkable concentrations, being the first report of it in the Cactaceae family. The found results indicate potential bioactivity, contributing to confirm the status of superfruit of these exotic fruits.

Automated summary

This study aimed to characterize and compare pulps of two species of organic dragon fruits, Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus polyrhizus, grown under the same edaphoclimatic conditions in terms of bioactive compounds and physicochemical aspects. The results indicate that purple pulp of dragon fruit has higher bioactive potential, with more abundant phenolic and organic acid compounds, while white pulp is rich in chlorogenic acid.