RESUMEN:

ABSTRACT. Consumer awareness about health beneficial effects of secondary metabolites from fruits has increased interest in fruits with high levels of these compounds. Globally, non-traditional fruits are generating growing interest for their nutraceutical potential. Uruguay is a primary center of origin of several species of fruits with unique flavor, aroma, appearance and nutritional properties. Those traits have led to their domestication and development as commercial crops. Involved species Guayabo del Pais (Acca selowiana (Berg.) Burret); Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.); Arazá (Psidium cattleianum Wis) and Guaviyú (Myrcianthes pungens (Berg) Legr.) belong to the family Myrtaceae. The objective of this work was to evaluate total polyphenol (TP) content, total anthocyanins (TA) and the free radical scavenging activity (antioxidant capacity, AC) of native fruits in regard to nutraceutical potential. Guaviyú showed a range between 158-349 mg TP /100 g fresh weight; 19-75 of AC; 51-132 mg anthocyanins/100 g fresh weight. Values for Pitanga were 252-575 mg TP/100 g; 14-34 AC; 83-110 mg of TA. Arazá gave values ranging between 132-644 mg of TP/100 g; 33-68 of AC and 12-17 mg of TA. Guayabo del Pais showed a range of 129-648 mg of TP/100 g and 24-82 for the AC. This study indicated that Uruguayan native fruits have potential as valuable sources of antioxidant components. Data illustrated interesting variability both at the intra-species level as well as among different species under study, indicating a significant input for the breeding of commercial cultivars derived from native Uruguayan germplasm.