Phytochemical constituents and anthelmintic potential of Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) at different fruit developmental stages

Although rich in bioactive compounds, the anthelmintic activity of Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) fruits
is not yet reported; therefore, the antioxidant and anthelmintic potential of fruit segments (pulp and seed)
was analyzed at the mature green and ripe red stages. UPLC�MS analysis revealed the presence of 16 phenolic
compounds in various extracts, whereas Mature green pulp ethanol (MPE) extract indicated the presence
of Luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, Cyanidin 3-glucosyl-rutinoside, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, Homovanillic acid and
3-Hydroxybenzoic acid through UPLC- ESI-TOF-MS analysis. Highest antioxidant potential was exhibited by
ripe seed ethanol extract in DPPH (IC50 of 0.12 mg/ml) and FRAP assay (32.51 mg trolox equivalent/ g dw).
MPE extract showed the highest anthelmintic potential in egg hatch (LC50 of 0.17 mg/ml), larval mortality
(LC50 of 1.44 mg/ml) and adult worm mortality (LC50 of 1.19 mg/ml) assays in Caenorhabditis elegans; and
resulted in 89% death of infective juveniles in Heterorhabditis indica at 10 mg/ml concentration. Principal
component analysis showed phenolic compounds in MPE extract such as tannic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic
acid and syringic acid were highly correlated for its anthelmintic activity. Due to its high anthelmintic potential,
Surinam cherry fruits, especially at the mature green stage, can be utilized as an ingredient in anthelmintic
product development.