The caatinga ecoregion in northeast Brazil presents a wide variety in plant species. However, the potential
of these species as a source of energy, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and bioactive properties
beneficial to health is still unknown. Among these species we can find the wild plum (Ximenia americana).
Due to its various phytotherapeutic properties and absence of studies on the chemical composition of the
fruit this article aimed to evaluate the bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential of the X. americana
in different stages of maturation. The fruits of X. americana showed considerable amounts of bioactive
compounds, as well as antioxidant activity and antioxidant enzymes. The fruits at green maturity stage
showed higher content of yellow flavonoids (22.07 mg/100 g), anthocyanins (1.92 mg/100 g), polyphenols
(3051.62 mg/100 g), starch (4.22%), antioxidant activity (489.40 g fruit/g DPPH and 198.77 lmol
Trolox/g) and activity of antioxidant enzymes; the antioxidant activity allocated to the fruit was
shown to be related to the contents of extractable polyphenols, yellow flavonoids, total anthocyanins
and antioxidant enzymes.