Phytochemical constituents and anthelmintic potential of Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) at different fruit developmental stages

Although rich in bioactive compounds, the anthelmintic activity of Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) fruits is not yet reported; therefore, the antioxidant and anthelmintic potential of fruit segments (pulp and seed) was analyzed at the mature green and ripe red stages. UPLC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 16 pheno-lic compounds in various extracts, whereas Mature green pulp ethanol (MPE) extract indicated the presence of Luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, Cyanidin 3-glucosyl-rutinoside, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, Homovanillic acid and 3-Hydroxybenzoic acid through UPLC-ESI-TOF-MS analysis. Highest antioxidant potential was exhibited by ripe seed ethanol extract in DPPH (IC50 of 0.12 mg/ml) and FRAP assay (32.51 mg trolox equivalent/ g dw). MPE extract showed the highest anthelmintic potential in egg hatch (LC50 of 0.17 mg/ml), larval mortality (LC50 of 1.44 mg/ml) and adult worm mortality (LC50 of 1.19 mg/ml) assays in Caenorhabditis elegans; and resulted in 89% death of infective juveniles in Heterorhabditis indica at 10 mg/ml concentration. Principal component analysis showed phenolic compounds in MPE extract such as tannic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid and syringic acid were highly correlated for its anthelmintic activity. Due to its high anthelmintic poten-tial, Surinam cherry fruits, especially at the mature green stage, can be utilized as an ingredient in anthelmin-tic product development. (c) 2022 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the antioxidant and anthelmintic potential of Surinam cherry fruit at different stages of maturity. The ripe seed ethanol extract showed the highest antioxidant potential, while the mature green pulp ethanol extract exhibited the highest anthelmintic potential in Caenorhabditis elegans and Heterorhabditis indica assays. Specific phenolic compounds in the MPE extract were highly correlated with its anthelmintic activity.