Murici (Byrsonima crassifolia (L.)Kunth): Antioxidant effects and application to aging

Murici [Byrsonima crassifolia (L.)Kunth], a fruit grown in the regions of the America, including Brazil, is a source of antioxidant compounds. In this chapter, we discuss the mechanisms of free radical production and the antioxidant systems to avoid cellular damages. Moreover, it demonstrated the composition of murici's fruit extract focusing its antioxidants, such as polyphenols and carotenoids. Then, it is also presented the effects of murici's fruit extract concerning prevention of aging by analysis of the oxidative status of brain cortex and electrophysiology through cortical spreading depression (CSD). We also review the application of murici to counteract pathologies, such as cancer and inflammation. Our explanations conclude that antioxidant activities of murici extract supplementation protect cells and it seems to prevent oxidative effects in aged brains and could be considered as a strategy in the treatment of pathologies related to aging and cortical spreading depression.