Antioxidant compounds of organically and conventionally fertilized jambu (Acmella oleracea)

Acmella oleracea (jambu), native to the Amazonas region (Brazil), has cosmetic and pharmacological properties, many of which are due to chemical components with antioxidant activity. Since organic cultivation has been reported to induce an increase in metabolic antioxidant components, this study aimed to determine the content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, vitamin C, and polyamines, and the activity of peroxidase in two cultivars of jambu, Jambuarana, and Nazareth. Furthermore, leaves and inflorescences were studied to estimate the relative contribution of these tissues to the antioxidant potential of jambu. Organic farming induced higher levels of total phenolics and carotenoids in Jambuarana leaves and of spermidine and spermine in leaves and flowers of both the cultivars than conventional cultivation. Conventional fertilization led to nitrate accumulation in inflorescences and vitamin C in leaves, and to a higher total organic nitrogen content in jambu leaves and flowers than in organic cultivated plants. The fertilization procedures did not affect the activity of the enzyme peroxidase, but differences were observed between cultivars.