Introduction

Jaboticaba is a South American native fruit which has a rich composition of proteins, minerals and essential phenolics. The fruit has a circular structure and with a seed, pulp and a peel. When the fruit is ripe there are opportunities for studying the content of the fruit as well as countless possibilities for use and its applications,to potentially provide consumers with a higher range of bioactivity from Jaboticaba.¹

Jaboticaba belongs to the genus Myrciaria from the Myrtaceae family. It has a red to black bark and a white mucilaginous pulp. It can be sweet or sour at times but tasteful and normally presents a single seed. Jaboticaba can be consumed in a variety forms including liquor, jams, ice creams, juices and alcoholic beverages; which have seen an increase in Brazil and other countries. The medicinal benefits of Jaboticaba has been used to treat throat inflammation, asthma and gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disturbances. Research has also shown Jaboticaba peels significantly reduce cholesterol levels and obesity-associated insulin resistance ( type-two diabetes).²

Nutritional profile of Jaboticaba

Findings from a phytochemistry study of the plant identified the presence of certain compounds that play a part in a healthful diet. Some of the identified compounds are:

• Quercetin
• Isoquercitrin
• Pyranocyanin B
• Rutin
• Ellagic acid 
• Gallic acid²

Additionally, higher levels of antioxidants in Jaboticaba have been identified with the several compounds found on different parts of the fruit. For example, a greater concentration of phenolic compounds are found to be present in the peel. The exotic fruit can be beneficial to controlling blood pressure. In particular those portraying hypotension as it has vasodilation effects on the human body that can contribute in helping those with cardiovascular conditions.

Research findings by Andrade et al. showed that in those with hypertension (a high heart rate) Jaboticaba is associated with an increased aortic vascular conductance. As well as, induced relaxation in isolated arteries with a functional endothelium. This showed Jaboticaba contains substances that reduce blood pressure without inflicting any negative cardiac effects; due to the altered function of endothelial vascular activity.²

Jaboticaba, a delightful superfruit, containing many antioxidant compounds that hold important biological functions in the body. These may support the certain inflammatory conditions which affect the digestive system and impair the functioning of organs such as the pancreas, liver, stomach, gallbladder and the intestines. Fernandes and colleagues investigated the metabolism of the compound ellagen from the Jaboticaba peel and seed. They found urolithins, which is the main metabolite from ellagitannins in urine samples after consuming a dessert prepared with Jaboticaba peel and seed powder. A laxative effect was also noted as 63% of the subjects showed reduced metabolite concentration in urine. This indicated to the researchers that metabolism of ellagitannins is primarily performed in the gut microbiota. The protective and anti-inflammatory properties of Jaboticaba are due to the phenolic compounds particularly the ellagitannins can support all the parts of the gastrointestinal system once they are metabolised in the final part of the intestine (the colon).¹ 

Although the Jaboticaba fruit is generally sweet, it is also acidic with a pH ranging from 3.4 to 3.8. It is compacted with phenolic compounds and its antioxidant capacity. One example are the anthocyanins present in the fruit’s skin. 

The fruit is also a source of many health benefiting compounds, such as vitamins, B complex and minerals:

• Carbohydrate
• Fibre

Vitamins

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A

B Complex

• Thiamine
• Riboflavin

Minerals

• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Calcium
• Magnesium¹

Different parts (epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp, and seed) of the superfruit Jaboticaba have shown to hold bioactive compounds and are responsible for different biological activities. The fruit’s peel (epicarp) and pulp (mesocarp) are usually consumed and the seeds are usually discarded, although they hold rich phenolic portions of Jaboticaba.¹

Weight management benefits

To reduce the development of chronic diseases including gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases, metabolic syndrome ands cancer, the regular consumption of bioactive fruits are essential. However a combination of other healthy habits are also needed, such as regular exercise and a healthy intake of water. 

Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor that is evident in individuals which have:

• Obesity
• Hypertension
• Insulin resistance
• Hyperglycemia
• Hypercholesterolemia
• Accelerated atherosclerosis
• Cardiovascular attacks¹

Studies have shown mice that were fed a high-fat-sucrose diet showed a decrease in some symptoms of metabolic syndrome. This was through the usage of polyphenol-rich extracts from Jaboticaba containing tannins. This was investigated with two different concentrations of tannins. Samples collected from both groups treated with the extracts showed a decrease in body weight, increased fasting blood glucose concentration and hyperinsulinemia. However, in the high tannins extract group, an increase in cholesterol levels and a reduction in obesity was also noted in the mice.¹ 

Brazil and South America harbour great plant biodiversity. Berries grown in these regions hold unique botanical features, as their botanical families have evolved over many years in a particular habitat. It is home to more plant species than any other country. The Atlantic rainforest is documented to be a diverse Brazilian domain to grow plants and fruits. Studies of several berries have shown to be a source of bioactive compounds. Most of them are included in the Myrtaceae species similar to Jaboticaba.¹

The skin of the Jaboticaba is a natural source of bioactive compounds, due to consisting of dietary fibre and phenols such as anthocyanins. Research in food science confirmed the prebiotic role of the Jaboticaba peel. There was a positive correlation between the gut microbiota and its metabolites, by using freeze dried Jaboticaba peel consumed by participants of a healthy diet. Glucose metabolism was improved by reduced inflammation. Further studies are needed to fully understand the role of the Muribaculaceae microorganism family. Particularly how the glucose metabolism is modulated alongside food matrices and isolated compounds of the Jaboticaba berries to gain a better understanding of their exact mechanisms of action. Researchers found incorporating a high-fat diet led to dysbiotic obesity status, impairing glucose metabolism and the production of short-chain fatty acids as well as, overall improving obesity via the feed efficiency.⁵

FAQ’s

Is it safe to eat Jaboticaba? 

Berries from the Jaboticabatree are wholesome and safe to eat. They provide numerous health benefits due to the great amount of antioxidants and antiinflammatory properties found in the berries. They also contain vitamins C and E, iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. 

Is Jaboticaba good for diabetics?

There is a link between managing diabetes and Jaboticaba. Type 2 diabetes can be caused due to an abnormal high level of blood sugar but can be treated and managed by medication, healthy habits and weight loss. Jaboticaba peel supplement can reduce interleukin-6 levels by developing insulin resistance and contributing to adipose tissue inflammation. 

Do you eat the peel of the Jaboticaba fruit?

The peel of these fruits are edible but commonly do possess a harsh, herbal flavor from its high tannin content, and further produces a sour taste due to its low pH value. Harvesters could potentially utilise the peel medicinally, however most usually discard it.

What are the advantages of Jaboticaba?

• Positive impact on the respiratory system - diminish symptoms of asthma
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Prevents cancer
• Boosts the immune system
• Positive impact on weight loss 
• Uplifting effect on skin health

• Promotes hair growth
• Strengthens heart health
• Positive impact on digestion 
• Can aid in as a remedy for diarrhoea 

Summary

Jaboticaba is a sweet fruit tree found in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Brazilian berries, such as those from the Jaboticaba plant are well recognised as a containing bioactive compounds. They can be a rich food source with potentially life saving health benefits and aid in managing a healthy weight. High nutritional value, phytochemical composition, taste and fruit perishability relating to Jaboticaba have encouraged industrial processing of these berries to develop new products. However the use of Jaboticaba to develop new products by the food industry is innovative and yet resticted due to limitations in scientific knowledge in regards to using these fruits through sustainable processing strategies.