Development of molecular diagnostic methods to distinguish acerola species for quality assurance of food, dietary supplements and natural health products.

ABSTRACT: Acerola (Barbados cherries) has become a highly traded superfruit because it contains many phytonutrients and is a good source of vitamin C. The fruits of Malpighia glabra, and M. emarginata are utilized in food products, dietary supplements and natural health products. However, there are differences among the fruit of Malpighia species with respect to phytochemicals, nutrient value and clinical research. Furthermore, there is evidence of adulteration with other fruit such as cherries (Prunus spp.). Unfortunately, conventional morphological examination does not distinguish acerola fruit species. Furthermore, no published methods are available to distinguish the fruits of these species including chemical and DNA based techniques. This risk to quality assurance (QA) is increased when conside

SUBMITTER: Ragupathy S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12322136 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature