Smaniotto_2025_Food.Res.Int_202_115693

Eugenia involucrata is an underexplored indigenous plant species found in the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil. Recent investigations have disclosed the substantial presence of bioactive phenolic compounds (PC) in various plant parts (leaves, pulp, and seeds) of this species. This study aimed to assess the in vitro anti-hyperglycemic, anti-obesogenic, and antioxidant potential of PC extracts derived from the fruit pulp and seeds of E. involucrata. This evaluation encompassed their capacity to inhibit enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid digestion, as well as the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Additionally, the study examined their ability to neutralize biologically relevant reactive species. The extraction yield of PC was 26-fold higher for seed over pulp extracts. Pulp extract had lower values of inhibitory concentration 50% (IC(50); microg of PC. mL(-1)) than seed extract towards alpha-amylase (0.2 vs. 1.3) and alpha-glucosidase activities (0.3 vs. 1.5), but higher IC(50) values towards pancreatic lipase (0.7 vs. 0.6). Moreover, pulp extract had lower IC(50) values (microg of PC. mL(-1)) than seed extract to mitigate the formation of AGEs (6.8 vs. 30.9) and to scavenge peroxyl (0.02 vs. 0.12) and hydroxyl radicals (3.9 vs. 4.5). The results obtained unveiled the in vitro antidiabetic, anti-obesogenic and antioxidant activity of E. involucrata with a higher potency observed for phenolic compounds derived from fruit pulp than seed. The bioactive potential of phenolic compounds of pulp and seed must be further investigated in vivo to support its beneficial role in human health.