ABSTRACT
Averrhoa carambola L. presents in its composition diversity of nutrients and vitamins. The present study aimed to extract water and fat-soluble compounds from this fruit at different stages of maturation (green and mature), perform the physical-chemical characterization as well as evaluate its cytotoxicity against hepatoma cells of Rattus norvegicus (HTC). The physicochemical results showed that the pH and molar acidity is influenced by the fruit maturation state. The fruit presented high percentage of moisture, while the percentage of total minerals (ash) increased according to its maturation stage. The results of the phytochemical screening showed that star fruits present phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity showed greater potential for the ethanolic extracts of the green and mature star fruit. For HTC cells treated with ethanolic extract of green and mature star fruit the data show absence of cytotoxic effect. The tests with the aqueous extract showed cytotoxic/antiproliferative effect of green and mature star fruit extract, in 24, 48 and 72 hours. The presence of nutraceutical compounds and the cytotoxic/antiproliferative activity were more expressive in the aqueous extract, being an option of easily accessible solvent economic and not harmful to organisms.