Abstract
- Background
Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.), widely recognized as Barbados cherry, stands out globally as one of the richest natural botanical sources of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and is heavily enriched with a diverse plethora of bioactive phytonutrients, including carotenoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Over the past few years, acerola has experienced an intense upsurge of scientific and industrial interest due to its exceptional functional profile. Containing an exorbitant ascorbic acid concentration ranging from 1500 to 4500 mg per 100 g—approximately 50 to 100 times greater than that of oranges or lemons—the fruit exhibits profound antioxidant capacity and unique biofunctional properties, such as skin-whitening effects, anti-aging activities, and multidrug resistance reversal capabilities. While countries like Brazil have successfully capitalized on its commercial potential by establishing a structured agro-industrial market, acerola remains largely underutilized across much of the globe, demanding greater attention in functional food and pharmaceutical sectors. This comprehensive literature review explores the latest frontiers in acerola's compositional characteristics, novel dimensions of ascorbic acid and allied pectic functionalities, nutraceutical phytonutrients, and advanced processing and waste-valorization technologies.
- Methods
A comprehensive systematic evaluation of contemporary scientific literature regarding the compositional characteristics, biofunctional properties, and technological valorization of acerola fruits was conducted. Data concerning extreme ascorbic acid concentrations, phenolic and carotenoid profiles, pectin and pectin methylesterase dynamics, skin-whitening and anti-aging mechanisms, and advanced food processing techniques—such as filtration, microencapsulation, ultrasound, sonication, edible film development, and agro-industrial waste utilization—were systematically compiled, critically appraised, and synthesized.
- Results
Synthesized findings highlight that acerola's extraordinarily high vitamin C content, combined with a rich reservoir of synergistic phytonutrients, confers exceptional antioxidant and biofunctional efficacy. The review details specialized biological activities, including cutaneous depigmentation (skin whitening), anti-aging protection, and the reversal of multidrug resistance in cellular models. Technologically, the analysis elaborates on recent processing innovations—such as non-thermal ultrasound, sonication, and advanced microencapsulation—designed to stabilize heat-sensitive bioactives. Furthermore, the utilization of acerola pulp in creating innovative edible films and the valorization of processing byproducts for high-value secondary applications are highlighted as key pathways for sustainable commercial expansion.
- Conclusions
Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) is a premier functional superfruit whose unmatched ascorbic acid concentrations and diverse phytonutrient matrix offer extraordinary potential for nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. Overcoming global underutilization through advanced processing technologies, innovative value-addition strategies, and waste valorization is essential for maximizing its commercial and health-promoting impact.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6098779/