Bacupari: Properties and benefits of the Brazilian fruit

by Abbas Jahangir · November 19, 2024

Bacupari is a fruit native to Brazil, most commonly found in the Amazon region and the Cerrado. In recent years, its potential against cancer has been studied in several scientific studies. It is also naturally anti-inflammatory (rich in antioxidants) and a source of vitamin C and other vitamins.

Bacupari: what is it?

Bacupari ( Garcinia brasiliensis ) is a tree native to Brazil, but not endemic, that is, it is found in other regions, especially in Bolivia and Peru. The tree bears fruit between the months of December and April.

The term bacupari comes from the Tupi language and means “fruit of the fence”. The name comes from the growth pattern of the ascending branches, which occurs horizontally. Some believe that this name may also originate from the ancient custom of the Indians surrounding their fields with bacupari crops.

Bacupari is also known by other names in Brazil:

Bacopari.
Bacuri-mirim.
Bacoparé.
Bacopari-small.
Bacuri-small.
Scropari.
Little lemon.
Yellow mangosteen.
rheumy.
Manguça.

In Brazil, bacupari can be found from the Amazon region to Rio Grande do Sul, and the fruit is highly appreciated by riverside populations. However, it is not so easy to find a bacupari tree, especially in urban areas.

The bacupari fruit is edible, as is its bark. Its flavor is refreshing, astringent and sweet. In a 100 gram serving, there are about 46 calories.

In recent years, the bacupari fruit has attracted the interest of researchers and the general public looking for natural foods with medicinal properties. This is because it was recently discovered that the fruit has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

Comparatively , bacupari has an antioxidant potential three times greater than blueberry. American fruit recognized for its high antioxidant power.

Bacupari properties

Bacupari is rich in bioactive compounds, mainly benzophenones, flavonoids and xanthones, which perform activities:

Antifungal.
Anti-inflammatory.
Antitumor.
Antioxidants.
Antiobesogenic.

These properties determine the benefits observed in laboratory animal models and which can, to some extent, be extrapolated to humans. More studies are needed to determine the effects of bacupari on our bodies.

Benefits of Bacupari

Facilitates the loss of body fat

A study conducted by the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) demonstrated that bacupari has properties that can facilitate the loss of body fat (adipose tissue). Therefore, the research concluded that the fruit can help mainly in cases of obesity.

Prevents cavities

Furthermore, bacupari can prevent cavities, as its properties combat Streptococcus mutans , the type of bacteria that causes plaque formation. These plaques are what cause the accumulation of sucrose in the teeth and the subsequent production of an acid that corrodes dental minerals.

Healthy intestine

The fruit can also prevent the formation of bacteria that harm the intestine. These could cause intestinal disorders, the most common symptoms of which are abdominal pain, constipation, intestinal cramps, rectal bleeding and fatigue.

Treats skin problems

Not only does it prevent blemishes from damaging the skin, it also has a healing effect, which means it facilitates and accelerates skin healing. Therefore, it can be used to help heal wounds in general, cuts, burns and insect bites.

Prevents serious diseases

Diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy are caused by so-called “pathogenic bacteria”. However, bacupari can prevent them, because, according to a study carried out by scientists at the São Paulo State University (UNESP), the fruit has an effect on these bacteria.