Murici (Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth and B. verbascifolia (L.) DC.) and tapereba (Spondias mombin) are Amazonian fruits that contain bioactive compounds. Biochemical and molecular characterization of these fruits can reveal their potential use in preventing diseases, including cancer. The extracts were characterized regarding the presence and profile of carotenoids by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total phenolic content by the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, and antioxidant activity by antioxidant value 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) content analysis, 22,20-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) content analysis, Ferric-Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) analysis. The extracts of tapereba and murici studied were important sources of total carotenoids and lutein, respectively. The extracts were then tested for their effect on the viability of the A2780 ovarian cancer (OC) cell line and its cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant derived cell line, called ACRP, by using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays. Their influence on cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by using flow cytometry. Murici and tapereba cell extracts exhibited a strong bioactivity by inhibiting A2780 and ACRP cell viability by 76.37% and 78.37%, respectively, besides modulating the cell cycle and inducing apoptotic cell death. Our results open new perspectives for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies using these Amazon fruit extracts to sensitize ovarian cancer cells to current chemotherapeutic options.

The present study investigated the effects of murici and tapereba on improving hepatic and inflammatory biomarkers in high-fat-diet rats. Female Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 10/group): control (CON), high-fat diet (HF), murici drink + high-fat diet (Mu-HF), tapereba drink + high-fat diet (Tap-HF), and murici and tapereba blend drink + high-fat diet (MT-HF). Drinks were offered daily for 60 days, following which body and liver weights, hepatosomatic indexes, serum parameters, inflammatory profile, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and ORAC) were analyzed. The cell death of hepatic cells was evaluated using flow cytometry. It was observed that weight gain was similar among the groups, while glycemia was lower in the MT-HF group. A high-fat diet increased the concentration of cholesterol total, ALT, IL-1β (in plasma and liver), and TNF-α (in the liver), and this was reduced by treatment with the fruit-based beverages. The other evaluated parameters showed no statistically significant difference. Compared to the CON and HF groups, the groups that received the drinks had higher cellular antioxidant activity and reduced oxidative stress, lipid oxidation, and development of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β. A high-fat diet induced higher cell death in hepatic tissue, which was prevented by the murici, tapereba, and the fruit-blend drinks. The consumption of murici, tapereba, and fruit-blend-based beverages showed beneficial effects on liver metabolism; therefore, they may serve as a nutritional approach for preventing and treating non-alcoholic liver disease.

A balanced diet is essential in obesity control. Fruits stand out for the presence of various bioactive compounds, which represent promising tools in the prevention and treatment of various pathologies. In obesity, fruits phytochemicals present are related to different important mechanisms of action, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. This narrative review aims to understand the main physiological alterations of obesity and the effects of bioactive compounds in fruits on them, identifying the best-known substances and their likely mechanisms of action on the main biomarkers. The research was carried out in the Google Scholar, Scielo, Pubmed and Science Direct databases, considering reviews published since 2015 and experimental studies since 2010. Inflammatory cytokines and adipokines are considered primary biomarkers of obesity, and are currently also considered the insulin resistance, lower glucose tolerance, oxidative stress, gut microbiota, nutrients and microRNAs. Three groups of fruits stood out for their effects: Citrus fruits, berries and tropical fruits, sources mainly of flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids. Experimental results indicate that fruits and their compounds can help in the prevention and treatment of obesity through the regulation of inflammatory cytokines and adipokines involved in the mechanisms of this disease, as well as antioxidant properties and modulation of lipogenesis. More clinical studies are needed to understand the biochemical mechanisms involved, in order to favor not only the production of specific supplements but also the best clinical dietary prescription.

The red beetroot exemplifies a globally consumed vegetable. Consumption practices vary, with some societies consuming the entire beetroot, including the peel, petiole, and leaves, and others consuming only the flesh, raw or processed. The vibrant red to purple color of red beetroot is attributed to betalains, primarily betacyanins. Additionally, betaxanthins contribute to the spectrum, with their yellow to orange hues. Beyond their visual appeal, these pigments have biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, and even epigenetic effects. The diverse consumption practices and the intricate biological activities of red beetroot pigments underscore their potential as not only a dietary staple but also as agents with promising health benefits, particularly in the context of cancer treatment. This review delves into the synthesis of betalains in red beetroot, exploring their applications, efficacy, mechanisms of action, and safety as adjuvants in cancer treatment.

The focus on natural compounds and their potential health benefits has gained considerable momentum in scientific research, particularly in the context of cancer prevention and treatment, a global issue that demands innovative approaches. Among natural sources, fruits from the Amazon rainforest have garnered attention for their rich nutritional profiles and bioactive compounds, which may provide therapeutic properties. This study aimed to compile scientific data found in the literature up to 2025 on the nutritional compounds, phytochemicals, and anticancer properties of selected fruits including murici (Byrsonima crassifolia and B verbascifolia), taperebá (Spondias mombin), camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia), bacuri (Platonia insignis), araçá-boi (Eugenia stipitata), tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum), and abricó (Mammea americana), highlighting the main mechanisms involved. These fruits have shown promising evidence of various anticancer actions, including antiproliferative, antigenotoxic, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, and anti-inflammatory effects. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying these actions and synthesizing results from in vitro and in vivo studies, this research underscores the invaluable role of these Amazonian fruits as potent sources of bioactive compounds, offering new perspectives for advancing cancer treatment strategies.