Babassu Research Articles

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from zygotic embryos of babassu (Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng), a multi-purpose palm tree

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from zygotic embryos of babassu (Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng), a multi-purpose palm tree

Palms predict the distributions of birds in southwestern Amazonia and are potential surrogates for land-use planning by citizen scientists

In the absence of high-quality biodiversity data, land-use planners and conservationists often rely on biodiversity surrogates. Many studies have proposed surrogates based on assumptions about the environmental niches of species. However, the use of such assumptions is not always useful because biological processes and ecological interactions can operate at different scales due to the non-uniform geographical distribution of environmental conditions. In such cases, compositional heterogeneity across the same region can be expected but is often hidden by broad-scale environmental data. Furthermore, these assumptions may obscure important relationships between species and their environment. To elucidate this issue, we asked whether biotic interactions between two taxonomic groups are more important than other factors in reflecting the distribution of unsampled species. To do this, we compared the relationship between the distribution of bird species and the distribution of the five most-abundant palm species which are often considered indicators of bird communities. These species include Lepidocaryum tenue, Oenocarpus bataua, Oenocarpus bacaba, Mauritiella aculeata, and Attalea speciosa. Additionally, we considered environmental factors (precipitation, water-table levels, sand and clay contents) and the ecoregions along the Purus-Madeira interfluve as drivers of bird species composition. Our results show that bird-assemblage composition was strongly correlated with changes in palm-species abundance. The presence-absence data for bird-species showed that palm-species alone explained 25% and 19% of composition of all birds and only canopy birds, respectively. These palm species are abundant and can be easily identified and monitored by non-specialists, such as citizen scientists. Citizens are often involved in data acquisition but may not have the experience to sample large assemblages consisting of hundreds of species; thus, these five most-abundant palms species could serve as a cost-effective and efficient biodiversity surrogate for birds.

Novos substratos orgânicos para a produção de mudas na zona de transição entre os biomas Amazônia-Cerrado

ABSTRACT In the Amazon-Cerrado ecotone, increased costs from non-organic inputs and transportation render substrates more expensive, prompting the use of decomposed biomass from native palm stem for seedlig production. The study was carried out with the objective of evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of the decomposed biomass of babassu palms (BDB), carnauba (BDC), and buriti (BBU) compared to the commercial substrate (SC) via multivariate analysis. This study employed a database comprising 90 substrates, obtained from Maranhão, Brazil farms. These samples underwent physicochemical characterization following the Brazilian protocol for seedling substrates. The substrates based on BDB and BDC have pH and nutrient contents at acceptable values, in addition to lower potential acidity and high base saturation compared to BBU and SC substrates. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering revealed similarities between BDB, BDC and SC. Biomass decomposed from the stems of babassu and carnauba palms is recommended as an alternative substrate for seedling producers in the in the Amazon-Cerrado ecotone.

Review and prospects of geotextiles: role of babassu fibers

With the increase of global environmental changes and intensive anthropogenic activities, it is extremely important to maintain and improve soil function. Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process that affects all landforms. Different structures and forms of geotextiles are available to geotechnical engineers. Geotextiles in the form of woven and nonwoven structures are mostly used in various geo-engineering applications. This review focus on how the use of geotextiles have grown during the last decades and the importance of a particular material to be base of geotextiles, babassu (Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng, Arecaceae)) that is a palm with socioeconomic and ecologic importance found in humid tropical areas in Brazil.

Mechanical and Ballistic Properties of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Babassu Fibers (Attalea speciosa).

The mechanical and ballistic performance of epoxy matrix composites reinforced with 10, 20, and 30 vol.% of babassu fibers was investigated for the first time. The tests included tension, impact, and ballistic testing with 0.22 caliber ammunition. The results showed an improvement in tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation with the addition of babassu fiber, and the 30 vol.% composite stood out. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the fracture modes of the composites, highlighting brittle fractures in the epoxy matrix, as well as other mechanisms such as fiber breakage and delamination in the fiber composites. Izod impact tests also showed improvement with increasing babassu fiber content. In ballistic tests, there was an increase in absorbed energy. All composites surpassed plain epoxy by over 3.5 times in ballistic energy absorption, underscoring the potential of babassu fiber in engineering and defense applications.

Comparative study of Biodiesel Production from Ethanol and Babassu oil using Mechanical Agitation and Ultrasounds

Babassu oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the babassu palm (Attalea speciosa), which grows in most areas of South America. Brazil is the world's largest exporter of ethanol; the advantages of this alcohol are concerned to its renewable origin and low toxicity. In this work ethyl esters of babassu oil were synthesized by alkaline catalysis in homogeneous medium. The experimental design was used as a tool for optimization of the transesterification reaction and also in identifying key factors influencing the conversion into ethyl esters. The transesterification reactions were performed using two methods - the traditional mechanical agitation and agitation promoted by ultrasound waves. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to quantify the conversion of all reactions of transesterification. According to the model obtained for mechanical agitation, conversions above 99% are obtained when the stoichiometric ratio is set at 6:1, with 1.0% KOH, under stirring at 400 rpm, in 60 minutes. Alkaline transesterification assisted by ultrasound waves produced the best results with respect to time of reaction and phase separation of glycerin and ethyl esters. The experimental model showed that conversions above 99% can be obtained in 10 minutes after adjusting the other independent variables.

Mapping nut-cracking in a new population of wild capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) at Ubajara National Park, Brazil.

Populations of bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) vary in their tool use behaviors, with some of this divergence regarded as culturally determined. The use of stone tools, primarily to crack open encased foods, is widespread among bearded capuchins living in dry habitats (Caatinga and Cerrado). Significant diversity in targets, processed foods, material, and size of tools is observed across populations. However, so far, only a few sites have been systematically studied, and we are still distant from a representative picture of the range of variation in capuchins' culture. In this study, we did a systematic assessment of stone tool use sites in the Ubajara National Park (UNP), in the Caatinga region of Ceará, Brazil, recording and measuring stone tools, processed foods, and available lithic resources as part of an extensive comparative research, the CapCult project. We found indirect and direct evidence that capuchin monkeys at UNP customarily use hammerstones and anvils to process at least two species of palm nuts, macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) and the harder babaçu (Attalea speciosa). Most of the anvils were rock surfaces and had leftovers of only one palm nut species. The hammerstones used to process both palm nuts were not significantly different in weight, although the ones used for Ac. aculeata were longer. We found a higher frequency of nut-cracking sites in the drier lowland area of the park, reflecting differences in the density of the most common palm species, Ac. aculeata, and availability of raw stone material. The stone tool use observed in UNP is within the scope of previously reported in savannah capuchin populations. Our study widens the knowledge of stone tool-use diversity in wild capuchin monkeys, which could contribute to shaping conservation policy, including cultural traits.

Bioactive compounds and benefits of by-products of Amazon babassu oil production: potential for dietary supplement, biomedical and food applications.

Babassu coconut (Attalea speciosa syn. Orbignya phalerata) contains an oil-rich nut and is primarily found in South America's Amazon region. Future market researchers predict an increase in the babassu oil market from USD 227.7 million in 2022 to USD 347.0 million by 2032, and the yield of babassu oil from babassu-processed waste could reach 90%. Of these, mesocarp flour is an underrated by-product used only for animal feed purposes by local producers. This comprehensive review focuses on advances in knowledge and understanding of phytochemicals from babassu oil by-products considering the mechanisms of action - covering antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. Babassu coconut fruit contains free fatty acids, (poly)phenols, phytosterols, and triterpenes. Pytochemicals, antiparasitic and antibacterial activities of babassu mesocarp flour were shown, but fungi and viruses can get more attention. Beyond its antioxidant capacity, babassu mesocarp flour showed potential as a dietary food supplement. Aqueous suspensions of mesocarp flour with a higher preference for cancer cells than normal cells and an antithrombotic effect were also identified, probably related to the antioxidant capacity of its secondary metabolites. Mesocarp flour, a starch-rich fraction, is promising for application as biodegradable packaging to improve the oxidative stability of foods. Finally, low-added value fractions can be considered bio-waste/co-products, and their phytochemicals may attract interest for applications in medicine and nutrition. Toxicological concerns, trends, and gaps are discussed for the future of foods and related sciences.

Aumento da estabilidade de carambolas com uso de coberturas de amido e óleo de babaçu com plastificantes

Abstract The objective of this work was to determine the effect of edible coatings made with babassu (Orbignya phalerata) starch and oil, combined with different plasticizers, on the shelf life of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola). The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 5×6 factorial arrangement, with five treatments and six storage periods, with ten replicates per treatment in each storage period. The fruits were stored for 20 days at 10°C and a relative humidity of 65-70%. Five treatments were evaluated: four coated ones (with starch+glycerol, starch+mannitol, starch+oil+glycerol, and starch+oil+mannitol) and one uncoated (control). The studied variables were: mass loss, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and color. Mass loss, pH, soluble solids, redness, and yellowness increased linearly during storage, whereas titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, and luminosity decreased linearly. The starch+mannitol treatment stood out, presenting the highest luminosity and the best interaction with babassu oil, which reduced fruit yellowness. However, this interaction caused a lower adherence of the plasticizer to the peel of the fruit, not slowing its ripening down. The use of the starch+mannitol coating reduced mass loss and polysaccharide conversion into soluble sugars. Therefore, this treatment is a promising eco-friendly technique for an improved postharvest storage of star fruit.

The anti-infective and immunologic effect of babassu (Attalea speciosa, Mart. ex Spreng) reduces mortality induced by MRSA-Staphylococcus aureus.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBabassu mesocarp, derived from the Attalea speciosa fruits, is used in folk medicine for infections, inflammatory diseases, and skin wounds.Aim of the study: To investigate the antimicrobial and immunological effect of babassu mesocarp aqueous extract (BAE) in Swiss mice lethally infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Materials and methodsThe animals (n = 14/group) received an overload of MRSA (3.0 × 108 CFU/mL, via intraperitoneal) and were treated 6 h later with the BAE (125 and 250 mg/kg, subcutaneously). Two experiments were performed with four groups each (Control, ATB, BAE125 and BAE 250). The first was to determine the survival (n = 7 animals/group). The second is to evaluate 24h after infection the number of Colony Forming Units (CFU) and cells in the blood, peritoneum and bronchoalveolar fluid. Cytometric Bead Assay - CBA quantified the cytokines and flow cytometry to determine the cellular distribution in the mesenteric lymph node. ResultsTreatment with BAE improved the survival (60%) in all groups, reduced the number of colony-forming units in the peritoneum and blood, the number of peritoneal and bronchoalveolar cells, and the levels of pro-inflammatory IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17 cytokines. Additionally, BAE increased: IL-10 and INF-γ levels, nitric oxide release, CD4+ T helper cells, CD14+/IaIe + activated macrophages and Ly6G + neutrophils in the mesenteric lymph node. ConclusionsBAE can be used as a complementary treatment during infections due to its antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effect and the ability to protect animals from death after MRSA lethal infection.

Belowground competition and niche partitioning between the Babassu palm and Urochloa grass in eastern Amazonian pastures

AbstractMuch of deforested Amazonia is dominated by pastures planted with exotic Urochloa (syn Brachiaria) grass, containing interspersed, ruderal Babassu palm (Attalea speciosa). This two‐species system offers the opportunity to investigate how two very competitive species interact. We investigated three monospecific Urochloa pastures containing dispersed Babassu palm clusters in the eastern periphery of Amazonia. We mapped 0‐ to 50‐cm Babassu and Urochloa root profiles at three distances representing contrasting relative dominance: “within clusters” (0.4–0.6 m from adult palm, Babassu‐dominated), “close” (2.5–4.0 m), and “far” (>8.0–10.0 m, Urochloa‐dominated). Total Babassu root share count was 76.0% within Babassu clusters, as opposed to Urochloa root share count (80.0%) far from clusters, confirming our experimental dominance gradient. Babassu and Urochloa root diameter composition differed strongly, whereas 44.6% of all Babassu roots were mid‐diameter or coarse; 83.0% of all Urochloa roots were fine graminoid. Vertical root profiles likewise differed: Babassu coarse and mid‐diameter roots concentrated within clusters at 20–50 cm depth, well protected against disturbance, though Babassu mid‐diameter roots did extend up to 10 m, indicating active foraging at long distances. By contrast, Urochloa mid‐diameter and coarse roots concentrated in the topsoil (70.4% in top 20 cm). Notably, 45.0% of all Urochloa fine roots but only 29.3% of deeper rooting Babassu concentrated in the top 0–10 cm. Both Urochloa mid‐diameter (R = 0.49) and fine roots (R = 0.40) correlated positively with Urochloa aboveground biomass. Fine‐root fine‐scale variability was high, with high‐density hotspots of both species in the topsoil. Babassu vertical root profiles were unaffected by the degree of interspecific competitive confrontation, whereas Urochloa fine roots were significantly shallower within than outside of Babassu clusters. Though differing Babassu and Urochloa vertical root profiles do support the notion of niche expansion caused by Babassu clusters within the vast Urochloa pastures throughout Amazonia, we also find a strong horizontal and vertical niche overlap with no indication of fine‐scale root segregation, indicating direct competition between both species, possibly in a dynamic state of “mutual invasability.” In practical terms, our findings call for the diversification of Amazonian pastures beyond this two‐species system in order to increase productivity and ecological efficiency.

Determination of the Effect of the Addition of Second-Generation Biodiesel BBuE to Diesel Fuel on Selected Parameters of “B” Fuels

Progressive and increasingly noticeable climate change is forcing the search for new energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide. One way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is by gradually replacing fossil fuels with biofuels. The authors of this work addressed the production of second-generation biofuel. The purpose of this study was to produce second-generation biodiesel from babassu palm oil (BBuE) and first-generation biodiesel from rapeseed oil (RME), to study their properties, and to determine the effect of the addition of these biodiesels to diesel fuel on selected properties of “B” fuels that affect the fuel–air mixture formation process and the combustion process. Biodiesel from babassu oil was produced because it is non-edible and has a different composition than canola oil. Then, fuels were prepared that were mixtures of diesel oil and biodiesel containing from 10 to 40% (v/v) BBuE or RME (B10, B20, B30, and B40).Tests were conducted on selected physicochemical properties of the obtained fuels. “B” fuels prepared with BBuE and DF were shown to have more favorable fuel properties than those obtained from RME and DF. Fuels that are blends of BBuE and DF have slightly higher heating values, higher cetane number values, a more favorable distillation curve, lower dynamic viscosity values as a function of temperature, and marginally lower flash point values compared to the corresponding blends of RME and DF. Esters with shorter molecules have been shown to have more favorable fuel properties.

Babassu Coconut Fibers: Investigation of Chemical and Surface Properties (Attalea speciosa.).

To complement previous results, an analysis of the chemical and morphological properties of babassu fibers (Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng.) was conducted in order to evaluate their potential as reinforcements in the production of composites with epoxy matrix. The diameter distribution was analyzed in a sample of one hundred fibers, allowing the verification of its variation. The determination of the chemical properties involved experimental analyses of the constituent index and X-ray diffraction. The diffractogram was used to calculate the crystallinity index and the microfibril angle, which are crucial parameters that indicate the consistency of the mechanical properties of babassu fibers and the feasibility of their use in composites. The results revealed that babassu fiber has a chemical composition, with contents of 28.53% lignin, 32.34% hemicellulose, and 37.97% cellulose. In addition, it showed a high crystallinity index of 81.06% and a microfibril angle of 7.67°. These characteristics, together with previous results, indicate that babassu fibers have favorable chemical and morphological properties to be used as reinforcements in composites, highlighting its potential as an important material for applications in technology areas.

Green ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds of babassu (Attalea speciosa) mesocarp: Effects of solid-liquid ratio extraction, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity

Babassu mesocarp (Attalea speciosa, Family: Arecaceae) is a by-product of kernel oil manufacture, reported as a rich source of phenolic compounds of biotechnology potential due to its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. In this work, were investigated a greener protocol to maximize the recovery of bioactive compounds by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) using ethanol as a food-grade solvent, purposing future applications in foods. Moreover, the effect of solid/liquid ratio (1:4, 1:10, and 1:25 w/v) on extraction was also evaluated. Results showed extracts with 1.2 g of mesocarp with 30 mL ethanol 94% (1:25 ratio w/v), for 20 min, at 20°C, yields high values of Total Phenolic Contents (TPC: 5124.86 ± 350.13 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (TFC: 477.45 ± 23.07 mg QE/100 g), antioxidant capacity (FRAP: 4037.56 ± 187.26 µmol TEAC/100 g, DPPH• remaining from 10 to 38% after stabilization). Moreover, the DPPH• assay also suggests that each solid-liquid ratio recovers antioxidant compounds able to react with DPPH by differential Kinect, which can conveniently favor usability and enhance oxidative stability in food applications. For example, the extract obtained by the 1:4 ratio reacted very fast with DPPH• (less than 1 min), while on the 1:25 ratio, the stabilization of DPPH• is slower, taking more than 120 min. For the first time, raw babassu mesocarp ethanolic extract inhibited Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and S. Enteritidis activity, as shown by Disk-diffusion assay. This study indicated that Ultrasound-assisted technology could be used as a greener protocol to recover high amounts of polyphenols from babassu mesocarp using food-grade solvents with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential.

Moisturizing emulsion with Attalea speciosa (babassu) oil as an alternative treatment for cutaneous xerosis in leprosy

This study investigated the moisturizing action of a topical emulsion containing babassu coconut almond oil in xerotic skin volunteers treated or undergoing leprosy treatment. A total of 20 volunteers (16 men and 4 women, with a mean age of 52.2 ± 15.3) with cutaneous xerosis performed the tests after signing the informed consent form. The research subjects were instructed to use the product under investigation (Attalea speciosa almond oil gel-cream formulation) 1 (one) once a day, in two 15-day cycles: first with the gel-cream formulation with babassu oil (treatment A) and the second with the gel-cream formulation without babassu oil (treatment B). The moisturizing emulsion did not significantly alter (p> 0.05) the xerotic skin pH of the volunteers, treatment A (11.6 ± 0.1), treatment B (8.8 ± 0.2) and control (11.4 ± 0.2) at week W7, when compared to week W15, treatment A (11.0 ± 0.4), treatment B (11.6 ± 0.1) and control (11.4 ± 0.2). Clinical evaluations showed the efficacy and good tolerability of topical emulsion in the hydration of xerotic skin. The biophysical evaluation of the moisturizing emulsion proved the significant improvement of skin moisture.

Evaluation of the density, mechanical, thermal and chemical properties of babassu fibers (Attalea speciosa.) for potential composite reinforcement

The properties of babassu (Attalea speciosa.) fiber was for the first time investigated for potential engineering application such as reinforcement for matrix composites. The diameter distribution of babassu fibers was analyzed and found to be associated with significant variation in fiber density and mechanical properties. Additionally, thermogravimetric and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) analyses were performed. The studied Weibull statistical method was used to analyze the acquired data. The surface morphology of the fibers was studied by scanning electron microscopy. From the diameter ranges, it was possible to confirm that the thinner fibers have higher values of density and mechanical properties, which was attributed to their lower presence of defects. The diameter range was found between of 0.18 and 0.47 mm, and the corresponding densities were 0.79 and 0.27 g/cm³ respectively. Furthermore, the maximum tensile strength found was 100.76 MPa with an elastic modulus of 6.33 GPa and an elongation of 2.98%. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed a three-step mass loss, the main one being the second where the fiber loses 69% of the mass at a temperature of 382 °C. The FTIR analysis showed a similarity with the bands generally found in the literature for natural lignocellulosic fibers.

Photoprotective and antioxidant effect of babassu mesocarp flour extracts

ABSTRACT In the search for new natural photoprotective agents, the mesocarp of babassu (Attalea speciosa) stands out as a promising candidate due to its unique chemical composition and regional significance. In this study, we investigated the in vitro photoprotective and antioxidant properties of babassu mesocarp flour extracts and their fractions. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS assays. The sun protection factor (SPF) was determined through the Mansur assay, and cytotoxicity was determined in RAW cells. The samples exhibited high antioxidant activity, especially in the more polar fractions. The hydroethanolic extract had an SPF of 16.69, while the aqueous extract had an SPF of 14.83. Notably, the hydroethanolic extract exhibited no cytotoxic effects at the tested concentrations. Our findings suggest that babassu mesocarp flour is a potential source for developing photoprotective agents to shield skin from UV radiation and combat free radicals.

Development and characterization of photoprotective nanoemulsions containing Babassu (Orbignya phalerata Mart.) lipophilic extract

Development and characterization of photoprotective nanoemulsions containing Babassu (Orbignya phalerata Mart.) lipophilic extract

Thermo-physical Properties and Oxidative Stability of the Oil of Babassu Palm (Attalea vitrivir Zona, Arecaceae)

Population growth and the concern about its environmental impact have increased the demand for vegetable oils in recent years. Vegetable oils are used in several industry sectors and have been investigated as an alternative energy source to replace traditional fossil fuels. Knowledge of physical and chemical properties is essential to assess the potential use of vegetable oil in the production of biofuels. The present study aimed to determine the oxidative stability of the seed oil of the babassu palm tree, Attalea vitrivir, native to the Brazilian cerrado and originated from two different regions, before and after storage for 12 months. The relative density of the oil did not differ between regions and did not change over time. Kinematic viscosity was lower for area 1 and increased with storage in oils from both areas. The induction period in the Rancimat test was lower in area 2 and decreased in the stored oil, regardless of the area, though it remained higher than the minimum required for its use as biofuel. The evaluation of oxidation by the oven method also showed satisfactory results, confirming the high thermo-oxidative stability of the babassu oil rich in lauric acid.

First record of <i>Micrurus lemniscatus</i> (Elapidae) in the state of Piauí, northeastern Brazil

Micrurus lemniscatus is widely distributed in South America, and in Brazil is known from the Amazonian Forest, Cerrado, and Babassu Palm Forest biomes. Herein, we provide the first record of this species for the state of Piauí in northeastern Brazil and the first record from a Cerrado/Caatinga transition zone. We also present an updated distribution map for M. lemniscatus.