Abstract
Andiroba (Carapa guianensis) seeds are the source of an oil with a wide range of biological activities and ethnopharmacological uses. However, few studies have devoted attention to innovative formulations, including nanoemulsions. The present study aimed to obtain a colloidal system with the andiroba oil using a low-energy and organic-solvent-free method. Moreover, the preliminary residual larvicidal activity of the nanoemulsion against Aedes aegypti was evaluated. Oleic and palmitic acids were the major fatty acids, in addition to the phytosterol β-sitosterol and limonoids (tetranortriterpenoids). The required hydrophile-lipophile was around 11.0 and the optimal nanoemulsion was obtained using polysorbate 85. The particle size distribution suggested the presence of small droplets (mean diameter around 150 nm) and low polydispersity index (around 0.150). The effect of temperature on particle size distribution revealed that no major droplet size increase occurred. The preliminary residual larvicidal assay suggested that the mortality increased as a function of time. The present study allowed achievement of a potential bioactive oil in water nanoemulsion that may be a promising controlled release system. Moreover, the ecofriendly approach involved in the preparation associated with the great bioactive potential of C. guianensis makes this nanoemulsion very promising for valorization of this Amazon raw material.
Highlights
Various nontimber products are subject of sustainable use in the Amazon region, including Carapa guianensis Aublet (Meliaceae) [1]
We evaluated the preliminary residual larvicidal activity of the nanoemulsion against Aedes aegypti, considering (i) the fact that andiroba oil is active against this vector larvae and (ii) the simplicity of the bioassay to suggest that the nanoemulsion is active and has potential applications for previous biological activities related to the oil
Substances with retention times of 10.01 min and 11.73 min presented molecular ion peaks (M+) at m/z 256 and 282, in accordance with palmitic acid (1) and oleic acid (2), respectively. These compounds have been previously reported as major constituents of C. guianensis seed oil [18, 19]
Summary
Various nontimber products are subject of sustainable use in the Amazon region, including Carapa guianensis Aublet (Meliaceae) [1]. Antiallergic and antihyperalgesic effects of andiroba oil have been found to be associated with limonoids (tetranorterpenoids), which are considered characteristic phytochemicals of this species [4]. These substances are related to anti-inflammatory effects of C. guianensis [5]. Its acute and subacute administration did not exhibit toxic effects in male Wistar rats and hematological parameters were not altered, changes in some biochemical parameters might be associated with hepatic injury [7] This oil did not induce toxic effects in female pregnant Wistar rats, suggesting a possible safety during pregnancy [8]. The wide range of biological activities and ethnopharmacological properties makes andiroba oil a valuable raw material for different industrial sectors, predominantly pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and pesticide industries
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