https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1428-0413
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Abstract
Brazilian Amazon contains over 30,000 plant species and foods rich in bioactive compounds such as terpenes, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and flavonoids, of potential health benefits (antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anticancer, gastroprotection, prebiotic effects, among others). The existence of residues from non-edible parts of plants (leaves, roots, stems, branches, barks) or fruit wastes (peel, bagasse, seeds) in the agri-food industry and its supply chain is an important challenge in food loss and waste management. In this critical review several Amazon species, focusing on extracts/essential oils from nonedible parts or wastes, were analyzed in terms of phytochemicals, biological activity, and underlying mechanisms. We hope this review emphasizes the importance of Amazon’s sustainability initiatives on population health due to the potential shown against cancer, infectious diseases, and prevention of oral diseases. It is urgent to think about the conversion of amazon food wastes and co-products into high-added-value raw materials to develop novel drugs, food packaging systems, or nutraceutical foods.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Author contributions
Rayssa S. Lima: Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing-Original manuscript preparation. Anna Paula A. Carvalho: Conceptualization, Methodology, Supervision, Project administration, Writing-Reviewing, and Editing. Carlos A. Conte-Junior: Supervision. Writing-Reviewing and Editing, Funding. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.