Phytochemical Compounds in Functional Properties of Mangoes

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), which belongs to the family Anacardiaceae, is a rich source of various bioactive phytochemical compounds. This chapter provides a brief description of various functional properties and health benefits of bioactive compounds found in mango. Mango polyphenols, like other polyphenolic compounds, work mainly as antioxidants, a property that enables them to protect human cells against damage due to oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and many degenerative diseases. Mangiferin, gallic acids, gallotannins, quercetin, isoquercetin, ellagic acid, and β-glucogallin are among the polyphenolic compounds identified in the mango pulp. Early studies showed that the main phenolics found in mango are leucocyanidin, catechin, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, quercitrin, and quercetin. Quercetin and catechin are the main flavonoids present…