Flavonoid and Phenolic Quantification from Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart and Euterpe precatoria Mart), Mirití (Mauritia flexuosa L.), and Cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum (Wild. Ex Spreng.) Schum) from Vaupés, Colombia, Using LC-QqQ-MS

Abstract

Amazonian fruits are valued for their rich phytochemical composition, yet limited data exist for species in Colombia. This study aimed to characterize the flavonoid and phenolic acid profiles of <i>Euterpe olereacea</i> and <i>Euterpe precatoria</i> (açaí), <i>Mauritia flexuosa</i> (mirití), and <i>Theobroma grandiflorum</i> (cupuassu) from Vaupes, Colombia. Liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ-MS) and LC-QTOF-MS were used to identify and quantify bioactive compounds in fruit pulp samples. A total of 14 flavonoids and 23 phenolic acid derivatives were detected. <i>M. flexuosa</i> exhibited the highest total flavonoid content, particularly for catechin (4.86 µg/g). <i>E. oleracea</i> and <i>E. precatoria</i> showed the highest phenolic acid concentrations, with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and ferulic acid as dominant compounds. The presence of cyanidin-<i>O</i>-glucoside was confirmed in <i>Euterpe</i> species but not in <i>M. flexuosa</i> or <i>T. grandiflorum</i>. Compared to international reports, the Colombian samples generally presented lower concentrations, likely due to genotypic, environmental, and methodological differences. These findings contribute to the phytochemical profiling of underrepresented Amazonian fruits and support their potential for functional food and nutraceutical applications. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the bioavailability and health-promoting effects of these compounds.