Bioactive Amines in Conventional and Non-Conventional Edible Plants from Brazil: Health Benefits and Concerns

Bioactive amines in foods are associated with beneficial health effects, but some can also cause food poisoning and intolerance. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and levels of nine bioactive amines in ten conventional and non-conventional fruits and vegetables (seriguela, marolo, custard apple, acerola, jabuticaba, starfruit, kale, ora-pro-nobis, almeirão-roxo, and serralha) using HPLC-FL. Putrescine was the prevalent amine in custard apple, acerola, and ora-pro-nobis; whereas spermidine was predominant in jabuticaba, starfruit, and kale; and tyramine in seriguela and marolo. Tryptamine was not detected in any sample. Histamine was only detected in ora-pro-nobis, and serotonin only in starfruit. Total amine contents ranged from 3.24 to 58.83 mg/kg, with the lowest levels in serralha and the highest in seriguela. The median contents of spermidine varied from 1.32 to 13.42 mg/kg, with the lowest levels in serralha and the highest in seriguela. The highest agmatine levels were found in acerola, starfruit and serralha. Based on the levels of amines, seriguela, marolo, custard apple, acerola, jabuticaba, and kale could be dietary sources of the polyamine spermidine; and starfruit a source of serotonin. However, individuals using monoamine-oxidase inhibitor drugs should limit the consumption of seriguela and marolo, due to the high tyramine levels, to avoid adverse effects. In a similar way, individuals with histamine intolerance should avoid the consumption of ora-pro-nobis.

Graphical Abstract