Botanical, nutritional, phytochemical characteristics, and potential health benefits of murici (Byrsonima crassifolia) and taperebá (Spondias mombin): insights from animal and cell culture models.

This article reviews the botanical, nutritional, phytochemical, and health-related properties of two native Brazilian Amazonian fruits, murici (Byrsonima crassifolia) and taperebá (Spondias mombin). Both fruits, including their pulp, seeds, and leaves, are rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds and carotenoids, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, antiproliferative, and cardioprotective effects demonstrated primarily in in vitro and animal studies. These bioactivities suggest potential roles for murici and taperebá as functional foods and sources for therapeutic agents targeting chronic noncommunicable diseases related to oxidative stress. However, the review emphasizes the need for further research, particularly human clinical trials, to confirm safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action before broader nutritional or medicinal applications.