| dc.description.abstract | Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) is found and consumed in several states in Brazil, with
great potential for studies and research on cancer prevention. Pitanga is a source of
nutrients that give it nutritional and biological properties, has vitamins, minerals,
fibers, and also bioactive compounds, which have an antioxidant characteristic,
which is a protective factor against various degenerative and carcinogenic
pathologies. Within this context, this narrative review research aimed to review in the
literature studies that demonstrate the compounds present in Eugenia uniflora L. that
exert preventive action on the etiology of cancer. Studies have identified in samples
of fruits, leaves and seeds of pitanga the presence of phytochemicals such as
carotenoid compounds (lycopene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin) and
phenolic compounds (flavonoids, flavonols and anthocyanins). The carotenoid
compounds act by stimulating the immune system, perform antioxidant,
chemotherapeutic action and also neutralize free radicals. Phenolic compounds, in
addition to the antioxidant and neutralizing capacity of free radicals, also act on the
death of tumor cells and on cell signaling. The results found in this review reinforce
that Eugenia uniflora L. is a rich source of compounds that act in the prevention of
oncological diseases. These anticarcinogenic properties of pitanga must be
disclosed, reinforcing the nutritional potential of the consumption of this Brazilian fruit. | |
