Tamarillo ( Solanum betaceum Cav.) wastes and by-products: Bioactive composition and health benefits

Introduction: During processing, a large amount of by-products is produced from tamarillo fruits in the form of stalks, outer skins, and pomace (residual seeds and inner skins). This material is a renewable source of bioactive compounds with high economic value and positive effects on human health. Previous reviews have focused on the ethnobotanical, traditional uses, and phytochemistry of the tamarillo fruit. This report aims to compile production and cultivation data, as well as the valorization of this agro-industrial residue, green extraction methods used for extracting the bioactive compounds, and their biological activity. Method: In this study, a literature search was conducted in five scientific databases: Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar to retrieve research published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese between 2009 and 2024, which mentions the composition and extraction methods of bioactive compounds from tamarillo wastes and by-products and the health benefits associated with these compounds. The data extracted was compiled and shown in this scoping review. Results: Tamarillo wastes and by products have a rich nutritional and bioactive composition, including high protein, vitamins A and C, minerals, dietary fiber, sugars, terpenes, flavonoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and other phytochemicals. Green methods have been effective, yielding high amounts of these compounds while preserving their integrity. Natural polyphenols have shown antioxidant, anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity properties. The antioxidant fibers, mucilage, and pectin of the pomace contribute to improved intestinal health. Conclusion: Therefore, these wastes and by-products have potential uses as natural colorant, antioxidants, supplements, functional foods, active biobased films, and in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical sectors due to their effective bioactive molecules. Future research should focus on the use of tamarillo by-products as a source of functional ingredients in several other formulations that are still little explored, as well as their use as a natural colorant and antioxidant. More studies are necessary on the composition-activity relationship, physiological mechanisms, and clinical response.