Cupuaçu (Theobroma Grandiflorum) Waste: Metabolism, Bioavailability and Potential for Sustainable Use

• DOI: 10.55905/oelv23n4-063
• Publication Date: 2025-04-11T23:51:00Z
• Authors: Rosimeiry Belem D...; Eliana Oliveira d...; Allan Delon da Co...; Lilia Rayanne Abr...; Arthur Drumond Pa...; Érica Stephanie H...; Larissa Gomes Sil...; Vanessa Leal de Q...

Cupuaçu (Teobrama) by-products are abundant and little used in the Amazon region. They are often discarded in inappropriate places. Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) is an Amazonian fruit that generates waste rich in bioactive compounds during its processing, such as peels and seeds. This review addresses the metabolism, bioavailability and potential for sustainable use of these residues. Cupuaçu by-products are abundant sources of polyphenols, flavonoids such as hypolaetin and isoscutelarein, and proanthocyanidins, known for their antioxidant and anti- inflammatory effects. During metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract, these compounds interact with the intestinal microbiota, undergoing transformations and resulting in bioactive metabolites that can have health benefits, such as regulating glucose and the lipid profile. The potential for using waste is significant in various industries. In the food industry, they can be used as functional ingredients rich in antioxidants. In cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, its compounds offer beneficial properties for skin care products and supplements. In addition, waste has the potential to produce bioenergy and biofertilizers, contributing to sustainability and the circular economy. Despite the advances, there are still gaps in the literature on the efficacy of bioactive compounds in clinical studies and the most efficient methods for extraction and utilization. Promoting the valorization of cupuaçu waste can transform by-products into high value-added resources, contributing to sustainability and offering benefits to health and industry.