CAMU-CAMU (Myrciaria dubia (HBK) McVaugh), a small Amazonian fruit rich in vitamin C.
Resumo
ABSTRACT
The Amazon rainforest is rich in a diversity of species with various bioactive properties that have been widely used to treat a variety of diseases. Many of these diseases the process of infection, an environment of oxidative stress is created that leads to cellular damage causing a decline in the immune system. In this sense, the camu-camu fruit (Myrciaria dubia (HBK) McVaugh), native to the Amazon region, has in its nutritional composition several bioactive compounds and the highest level of vitamin C among Brazilian tropical fruits. It is also known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the objective of this review is to analyze the evidence collected in the literature on camu-camu and its vitamin C content and other nutrients can be considered a functional food acting among other benefits the strengthening of the immune system, fighting diseases that can caused by oxidative and inflammatory stress.
Keywords: Camu-camu, vitamin C, antioxidant. bioactive compounds.