In vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion and its influence on the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of phenolic compounds from Buritirana (Mauritiella armata) pulp, shells, and seeds.

The buritirana, a palm tree native to the Cerrado region, is known for its importance in maintaining the local biome. Moreover, the buritirana fruits are also widely used by the local communities in their diet. In this study, the phenolic profile (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and antioxidant potential (DPPH•, FRAP, CUPRAC, TRC, and ILP) of buritirana pulp, shell, and seeds were evaluated before and after simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion according to the methodology INFOGEST®. Thus, the significance of this research lies in the evaluation of the bioavailability of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant potential of buritirana fractions after simulation of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, providing unprecedented data that can contribute to the full use and processing of this fruit, essential for the maintenance of the local biome. Shells showed higher amount of phenolic compounds before digestion (226.18 μg/g), followed by the pulp (152.27 μg/g), and seeds (129.03 μg/g). Ferulic acid was the main compound in buritirana pulp and shells (38.99 and 62.37 μg/g, respectively). 2.5-dihydroxybenzoic acid was the main phenolic compound in seeds (12.28 μg/g). A decrease in phenolic compounds was observed after digestion (49.93, 75.58, and 59.61 % for pulp, shells, and seeds, respectively). Higher bioaccessibility was observed for gallic acid in buritirana pulp, shells, and seeds (98.60, 98.88, and 97.91 %, respectively). On the other hand, lower bioaccessibility was found for pulp and shells during gastrointestinal digestion (10.64 % and 18.58 %, respectively). Antioxidant potential was significantly reduced between the gastric and intestinal phases. Bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion of buritirana coproducts, which have not been reported in the literature yet, indicated the potential for full use and processing of the fruit.