**1. Introduction**

The Cerrado is one of the most important and extensive Brazilian biomes, with a grea<sup>t</sup> richness of plant species that are used as food and therapeutic agents, highlighting their medicinal, sociocultural and nutritional importance, which make them attractive for research and commercialization [1].

The Brazilian population has grea<sup>t</sup> range of cultural knowledge about native plants, which are used in the treatment of diseases. These medicinal plants present molecules with pharmacological properties which expand the possibilities for the development of drugs and/or nutraceuticals. However, despite the grea<sup>t</sup> Brazilian biodiversity in species considered medicinal, research is still incipient, requiring active investigations on the phytochemical constituents present in these plants, as well as their pharmacological or nutritional properties [2].

Climatic factors directly a ffect the production of fruits and phytochemical constituents by plants, since water availability in the Cerrado is reduced over a period that can vary from two to five months. Some species adapt to reduced water availability in soil and increased temperature, being called sclerophyll plants. These plants make up the Cerrado vegetation, which is characterized by the presence of shrubs, grasses and trees with deep roots to facilitate water absorption; in the dry season, some species lose their leaves in an attempt to save water [3].

Given these environmental conditions to which Cerrado plants are exposed, another way to mitigate the damage caused by climate changes is the production of bioactive molecules that act in the defense of the plant against harmful agents. These compounds are alternative sources for the formulation of new products, not only in the pharmaceutical industry, but also in the food industry. In addition to climatic conditions associated with di fferent geographic regions, factors such as cultivation, harvest time and growth stage of the collected plant can also change the concentration of these compounds [4].

Some Cerrado fruit species are used as functional foods, with fruits and seeds being the most used parts. The therapeutic and nutritional properties associated with these foods are constantly investigated through scientific studies, which highlight the high concentration of phenolic compounds found in these species, normally produced in response to water scarcity, intense exposure to solar radiation, attack of herbivores and infections by fungi, which are conditions common to Cerrado plants. The sale of parts of these plants for fresh consumption or therapeutic purposes has grea<sup>t</sup> prominence in the economy as source of livelihood for workers in regions covered by this biome [5].

Studies that have assessed the biological activity, toxicity and phytochemical composition of plants native to the Cerrado can contribute to ensuring the e ffectiveness and safety in the use of such species, favoring the healthy consumption of fruits and by-products, also encouraging further studies on the therapeutic properties of substances isolated from these plants, which are of grea<sup>t</sup> importance for popular medicine, nutrition and income in various regions of the world. In this sense, the aim of this study was to review the current literature to gather detailed and accurate information about the phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological aspects of the following fruit plants: *Talisia esculenta, Brosimum gaudichaudii, Genipa americana, Bromelia antiacantha*.

#### **2. Fruit Plants from the Brazilian Cerrado**

Cerrado is considered the second largest Brazilian biome, only behind the Amazon, accounting for around 23% of the national territory and extending into 11 of the country's states. With abundant flora and fauna diversity, this biome has been annually targeted by deforestation caused by the expansion of agribusiness, livestock and urbanization, which already occupy 50% of the biome's extension [6].

The multiplicity of Cerrado plant species is superior to that found in other regions of the world, with shrub, liana and herbaceous plants, and the registered number reaches 12,669 species, of which, some stand out for their relevant pharmacological and nutritional properties, which play an important role in the commercial activities of regions where they are found. In addition, fruits of these plants also contribute to the promotion and development of family farming, generating income for communities through the preparation of sweets, ice cream, flavorings for alcoholic distillates and other by-products [7–9].

Fruits produced by Cerrado species are known not only for their flavor and aroma, which are generally striking, but also for their high concentrations of carotenoids, phenolic compounds, vitamins and minerals, whose antioxidant power is desired in the food and pharmaceutical industry. The identification and quantification of these components allow the assessment of their nutritional value and, consequently, the production and commercialization of by-products with guaranteed quality [10].

However, for the study of properties attributed to the phytochemical constituents found in fruits of these species, the correct identification of species must be performed by a botanist. Such species have their classification based on botanical nomenclatures, followed by norms created by an international commission of scientists, which are described in the International Botanical Nomenclature Code, which aims to guarantee the universality of names given to taxa. In this code, plants are categorized into Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus and species [11,12].
