Nutritional potential and bioactive compounds of xique-xique juice: An unconventional food plant from Semiarid Brazilian

Xique-xique (Pilosocereus gounellei) considered an unconventional species, is a cactus popularly consumed by local populations of Semiarid Brazilian and the cladodes are used in food preparations. The objective of this study was to elaborate juice with cladodes xique-xique and to characterize its nutritional composition, determine the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. The juice presented relevant soluble fibers (0.55 g/100 ml) and minerals contents. Nineteen phenolics compounds were identified in xique-xique juice. Flavanols were the major class of phenolic compounds with epigallocatechin gallate (14.52 mg/ml) and catechin (4.71 mg/ml). After the gastrointestinal digestion catechin (16.49%), epigallocatechin gallate (23%), procyanidin B1 (27.81%) and B2 (15.79%), gallic (50.74%), and caffeic (17%) acids were bioaccessible, demonstrating a strong correlation with high antioxidant activity by ORAC and FRAP assay. This research demonstrates xique-xique juice is a new source of intake of minerals, fibers and phenolic compounds, and that it also aggregates value to an underexploited specie. Practical applications Xique-xique (Pilosocereus gounellei) considered an unconventional species is a cactus popularly consumed by local populations of Semiarid Brazilian, and the cladodes are used in food preparations. Despite the widespread use of xique-xique by the communities of the Brazilian semi-arid region, still, there is no scientific data on the nutritional composition of xique-xique cladode juice. The juice represents an alternative source for the consumption of fiber, minerals, and bioaccessible phenolic compounds, since it presents a variety of phenolic compounds that contribute to the antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, it can be used for application in the food industry in the manufacture of different drinks. The elaboration of products using unconventional food plants, rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, could be a health benefit and add value to local resources.