Morphometric, Nutritional, and Phytochemical Characterization of Eugenia (<i>Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn): A Berry with Under-Discovered Potential
Magenta Cherry or Eugenia <i>(Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn) is an underutilized berry species with an interesting source of functional components. This study aimed to evaluate these berries’ morphometric, nutritional, and phytochemical characteristics at two ripening stages, CM: consu...
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2025-07-01
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| author | Jeanette Carrera-Cevallos Christian Muso Julio C. Chacón Torres Diego Salazar Lander Pérez Andrea C. Landázuri Marco León María López Oscar Jara Manuel Coronel David Carrera Liliana Acurio |
| author_facet | Jeanette Carrera-Cevallos Christian Muso Julio C. Chacón Torres Diego Salazar Lander Pérez Andrea C. Landázuri Marco León María López Oscar Jara Manuel Coronel David Carrera Liliana Acurio |
| author_sort | Jeanette Carrera-Cevallos |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Magenta Cherry or Eugenia <i>(Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn) is an underutilized berry species with an interesting source of functional components. This study aimed to evaluate these berries’ morphometric, nutritional, and phytochemical characteristics at two ripening stages, CM: consumer maturity (CM) and OM: over-maturity. Morphometric analysis revealed size and weight parameters comparable to commercial berries such as blueberries. Fresh fruits were processed into pulverized material, and in this, a proximate analysis was evaluated, showing high moisture content (88.9%), dietary fiber (3.56%), and protein (0.63%), with negligible fat, indicating suitability for low-calorie diets. Phytochemical screening by HPLC identified gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, rutin, and condensed tannins. Ethanol extracts showed stronger bioactive profiles than aqueous extracts, with significant antioxidant capacity (up to 803.40 µmol <sub>Trolox</sub>/g via Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP assay). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic analyses established structural transformations of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aromatic groups associated with ripening. These changes were supported by observed variations in anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, both higher at the CM stage. A notable pigment loss in OM fruits could be attributed to pH changes, oxidative degradation, enzymatic activity loss, and biotic stressors. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) confirmed higher radical scavenging activity in CM-stage berries. Elemental analysis identified minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, although in moderate concentrations. In summary, <i>Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn fruit demonstrates considerable potential as a source of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds. These findings advocate for greater exploration and sustainable use of this native berry species in functional food systems. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2304-8158 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-5ea2d4d810d64c869f13b6e9ea39133f2025-08-20T03:36:00ZengMDPI AGFoods2304-81582025-07-011415263310.3390/foods14152633Morphometric, Nutritional, and Phytochemical Characterization of Eugenia (<i>Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn): A Berry with Under-Discovered PotentialJeanette Carrera-Cevallos0Christian Muso1Julio C. Chacón Torres2Diego Salazar3Lander Pérez4Andrea C. Landázuri5Marco León6María López7Oscar Jara8Manuel Coronel9David Carrera10Liliana Acurio11School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Urcuquí 100115, EcuadorSchool of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Urcuquí 100115, EcuadorSchool of Physical Sciences and Nanotechnology, Yachay Tech University, Urcuquí 100115, EcuadorG+ BioFood & Engineering Research Group, Department of Science and Engineering in Food and Biotechnology, Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Av. Los Chasquis & Río Payamino, Ambato 180150, EcuadorG+ BioFood & Engineering Research Group, Department of Science and Engineering in Food and Biotechnology, Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Av. Los Chasquis & Río Payamino, Ambato 180150, EcuadorCircular Engineering, Applied Sciences & Simulation Group (GICAS), Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, Quito 170901, EcuadorCircular Engineering, Applied Sciences & Simulation Group (GICAS), Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, Quito 170901, EcuadorSchool of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Ibarra Campus, Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, Jorge Guzmán Rueda Avenue and Padre Aurelio Espinosa Polit Avenue, Ibarra 100112, EcuadorSchool of Social and Human Sciences, Ibarra Campus, Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, Jorge Guzmán Rueda Avenue and Padre Aurelio Espinosa Polit Avenue, Ibarra 100112, EcuadorSchool of Agricultural and Agroindustrial Sciences, Yachay Experimental Technology Research University, Urcuquí100115, EcuadorIngeniería en Telecomunicaciones, Universidad de las Americas, Quito 170513, EcuadorG+ BioFood & Engineering Research Group, Department of Science and Engineering in Food and Biotechnology, Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Av. Los Chasquis & Río Payamino, Ambato 180150, EcuadorMagenta Cherry or Eugenia <i>(Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn) is an underutilized berry species with an interesting source of functional components. This study aimed to evaluate these berries’ morphometric, nutritional, and phytochemical characteristics at two ripening stages, CM: consumer maturity (CM) and OM: over-maturity. Morphometric analysis revealed size and weight parameters comparable to commercial berries such as blueberries. Fresh fruits were processed into pulverized material, and in this, a proximate analysis was evaluated, showing high moisture content (88.9%), dietary fiber (3.56%), and protein (0.63%), with negligible fat, indicating suitability for low-calorie diets. Phytochemical screening by HPLC identified gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, rutin, and condensed tannins. Ethanol extracts showed stronger bioactive profiles than aqueous extracts, with significant antioxidant capacity (up to 803.40 µmol <sub>Trolox</sub>/g via Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP assay). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic analyses established structural transformations of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aromatic groups associated with ripening. These changes were supported by observed variations in anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, both higher at the CM stage. A notable pigment loss in OM fruits could be attributed to pH changes, oxidative degradation, enzymatic activity loss, and biotic stressors. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) confirmed higher radical scavenging activity in CM-stage berries. Elemental analysis identified minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, although in moderate concentrations. In summary, <i>Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn fruit demonstrates considerable potential as a source of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds. These findings advocate for greater exploration and sustainable use of this native berry species in functional food systems.https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/15/2633<i>Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn<i>Eugenia berry</i>antioxidant activityphenolic compoundsbioactive compounds |
| spellingShingle | Jeanette Carrera-Cevallos Christian Muso Julio C. Chacón Torres Diego Salazar Lander Pérez Andrea C. Landázuri Marco León María López Oscar Jara Manuel Coronel David Carrera Liliana Acurio Morphometric, Nutritional, and Phytochemical Characterization of Eugenia (<i>Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn): A Berry with Under-Discovered Potential Foods <i>Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn <i>Eugenia berry</i> antioxidant activity phenolic compounds bioactive compounds |
| title | Morphometric, Nutritional, and Phytochemical Characterization of Eugenia (<i>Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn): A Berry with Under-Discovered Potential |
| title_full | Morphometric, Nutritional, and Phytochemical Characterization of Eugenia (<i>Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn): A Berry with Under-Discovered Potential |
| title_fullStr | Morphometric, Nutritional, and Phytochemical Characterization of Eugenia (<i>Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn): A Berry with Under-Discovered Potential |
| title_full_unstemmed | Morphometric, Nutritional, and Phytochemical Characterization of Eugenia (<i>Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn): A Berry with Under-Discovered Potential |
| title_short | Morphometric, Nutritional, and Phytochemical Characterization of Eugenia (<i>Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn): A Berry with Under-Discovered Potential |
| title_sort | morphometric nutritional and phytochemical characterization of eugenia i syzygium paniculatum i gaertn a berry with under discovered potential |
| topic | <i>Syzygium paniculatum</i> Gaertn <i>Eugenia berry</i> antioxidant activity phenolic compounds bioactive compounds |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/15/2633 |
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