## 4 Discussion
Analyzing Table 3, the \(\upalpha\)-linoleic acid (52.08%), oleic acid (17.51%), and palmitic acid (12.41%) were the major compounds observed, which is consistent with the results obtained for _C. edulis_ leaves collected in southern Portugal [43]. Also, our findings are similar to those provided by [PERSON] et al. [8] with minor differences. For instance, these authors identified undecanoic acid (C11:0) in the flowers and fruits of _C. edulis_ (0.19 and 0.18%, respectively). Also, slightly lower contents of \(\upalpha\)-linoleic acid (51.33%)and oleic acid (16.15%) were described in _C. edulis_ fruits studied by [PERSON] et al. [8]. Linoleic acid has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, although its possible impact on inflammation is still a concern [44]. Thus, fruits of _C. edulis_ can be presented as rich in linoleic acid. The presence of essential fatty acids adds relevance to _C. edulis_ fruit consumption. For instance, \(\alpha\)-linolenic acid (ALA) is a precursor for the metabolism of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoicenoic acid (DHA), which are essential components of brain cells and support optimal nervous system function. Our sample exhibited higher levels of \(\alpha\)-linolenic acid than fruits analyzed by [PERSON] et al. [8], specifically 2.10% and 1.74%, respectively. Lower amounts of ALA have been recorded in other commonly consumed fruits, including apples (0.2%), cranberries (0.3%), bananas (0.5%), and strawberries (1.1%) [45]. In addition to its cardio- and neuroprotective effects, ALA is characterized by antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-osteoporotic properties, protecting against the development of chronic diseases. As such, it is a good candidate as a nutraceuticalital, and is used in functional foods in some countries [46,47]. Regarding the therapeutical effects of oleic and palmitic acids [48], there are studies with contradictory results, so the benefits of their supplementation are not unanimous. Oleic acid is cardiovascular-protective, oxidative-stress-preventative [49], and an inhibitor of fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis [50], and it also has neuroprotective and neuronal growth-stimulating activity; however, at high levels it can inhibit neurogenesis [51,52]. Although palmitic acid performs essential functions in the body, if there is no strict homeostatic control of its concentration, it can have negative effects on health, such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and increased inflammation [53]. However, palmitic acid has demonstrated bioactivity by showing oxidative stress prevention and antibacterial, anti-HIV-1, and anti-HSV activities [49,54,55]. It is important to note that alterations in lipid metabolism and brain lipid levels may favor Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. As such, lipid supplementation, associated with essential coenzymes for fatty acid synthesis and oxidation reactions, may have ameliorative effects [52]. The centesimal analysis of fruits is unquestionably significant in assessing their nutritional value and minimizing food insecurity. However, fruits also include bioactive compounds like vitamins and polyphenols [22], recognized for improving general health. Several pharmacological activities of _C. edulis_ are described, including antiproliferative, neurological [43], antimicrobial [56], and antioxidant [57] activities, among others. Thus, the factors affecting the effective extraction of polyphenols from raw materials are critical for assessing their biological attributes. Taking these issues into consideration, our study employed three non-toxic solvents to evaluate total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (Table 4). Many researchers have highlighted the importance of extract optimization conditions for increasing yields. Recently, [PERSON] et al. [57] examined how solvent, pH, extraction time, and temperature affect the extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity from _C. edulis_ leaves.