Flavonoids and carotenoids from Brazilian flora: food and pharmaceutical applications and their extraction features

Nutrition issues and the increase in food allergy diseases experienced in recent years have encouraged part of the worldwide population to seek foods that, in addition to nourishing, can benefit their health, such as foods abundant in bioactive compounds. In this context, our objective was to conduct a review to emphasize the richness of the biodiversity of the Brazilian flora concerning the presence of bioactive compounds, their pharmacological applications, and their extraction characteristics. This narrative review screened the databases and identified 120 research articles published on the topic. These articles were analyzed to examine associated parameters such as the availability and applications of these bioactive compounds. These compounds exhibit therapeutic properties, such as antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory effects, with multiple benefits to health and treating illnesses. In addition, the methods for extracting bioactive compounds must be constantly improved to increase their purity and yield because these metabolites are present in complex media. Addressing these issues is essential for improving the overall experience of health-conscious individuals.