AS ATIVIDADES ANTIOXIDANTES DA PERESKIA ACULEATA MILLER

Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller), a plant native to Brazil, is valued in traditional medicine for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Recently, scientific interest has grown, particularly due to its antioxidant activities. It is rich in vitamins, iron, and proteins and has shown therapeutic effects such as wound healing and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Identified bioactive compounds include phenolic acids, like caffeic acid, and flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol. Studies demonstrate high antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, with effectiveness in inhibiting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The plant's mucilage, known for its water retention capacity, is valuable in the food industry as a thickening and stabilizing agent and also has wound-healing properties, leading to its use in ointments. The biopolymers found, such as arabinogalactans, have potential applications in food and pharmaceutical additives. Ora-pro-nóbis is a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential for new nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products, promoting health and disease prevention.