Unlocking Bactris guineensis: From Functional Properties to Advanced Biotechnological and Cosmetic Applications of an Underutilized Caribbean Palm Fruit

Abstract

This narrative review synthesizes and evaluates the current scientific evidence on Bactris guineensis (L.) H.E. Moore, an underutilized tropical palm native to the Caribbean region and Central America. This review integrates current evidence on the nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, biological activities, and technological properties of B. guineensis to identify current knowledge, technological advances, and remaining research gaps. The available literature indicates that B. guineensis contains a bioactive matrix rich in thermally stable cyanidin-3-rutinoside, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, carotenoids, α-tocopherol, and phenolic acids. Optimized extracts exhibit notable antioxidant capacity (e.g., ORAC: 6690–14,688 µmol Trolox equivalents/100 g fresh weight (FW)), alongside preliminary in vitro evidence of selective cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines and antiviral activity. Technologically, the reported thermal and storage stability of its anthocyanins supports further investigation of their use in functional beverages, fermented dairy matrices, and cosmetic formulations. Furthermore, the review outlines theoretical, hypothesis-generating perspectives for advanced delivery systems and circular bioeconomy strategies, explicitly distinguishing these conceptual frameworks from experimentally validated data. Despite these significant findings, current evidence remains largely restricted to in vitro and pilot-scale studies. Major gaps persist regarding gastrointestinal bioaccessibility, pharmacokinetics, systematic toxicology, and agronomic standardization. Addressing these limitations through rigorous in vivo validation will be essential to substantiate health claims and enable the sustainable industrial exploitation of this tropical bioresource.