Pereskia Aculeata Research Articles

Mineral nutrients and protein composition of non-conventional food plants (Pereskia aculeata Miller, Sonchus oleraceus L. and Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott)

Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller), taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) and serralha (Sonchus oleraceus L.) are non-conventional food plants found in Brazil that could be included in the human diet, but they are not produced on large-scale. However, they have risen in popularity, due to their association with high nutritional values. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the mineral and protein composition of raw and cooked plants from assorted locations. The cooking process did not affect the mineral and protein results on dry mass basis. Furthermore, high variations in mineral composition were observed for different locations. Comparing the results with conventional plants composition databases, the protein content of ora-pro-nobis and taioba were significantly higher than values of spinach. Taioba was the plant that presented more minerals with higher concentrations when compared to the conventional plants. The protein contribution per serving of these plants to the Dietary Reference Intake ranged from 1.1 % to 7 %. Regarding the minerals, cooked taioba can be a source of Ca, Mg, and Cu and high in Mn (11–33 % to DRI). Cooked ora-pro-nobis can be classified as a source of Ca, Mg and Mn (16–29 % to DRI). While the contributions from serralha were less than 11 % of the DRI. These results demonstrate that these non-conventional food plants are an alternative food source that could be better exploited, improving dietary diversity.

Parâmetros bioquímicos e morfológicos em ratos diabéticos tratados com extratos de Ora-Pro-Nóbis (Pereskia aculeata)

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious global public health problem. DM complications corroborate with high morbidity and mortality rates. Thus, several plant species have been studied regarding their medicinal properties with potential use in the treatment of DM and/or its complications. This study evaluated the effects of leaf (LE-OPN) and bark (BE-OPN) extracts from ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata) on biochemical parameters (glycemia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, creatine, urea, AST and ALT, and lipid peroxidation) and histology (heart, liver and kidneys) in animals with DM. Induction of type 1 DM (glycemia > 200 mg/dl) in male Wistar rats was performed with Alloxane (150 mg/kg/ml). The animals were divided into 4 groups: (1) without DM, (2) with DM, (3) with DM treated with LE-OPN and (4) with DM treated with BE-OPN. The treatment was done by gavage (300 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. After this period the parameters were evaluated. BE-OPN prevented the increase in triglycerides, AST, ALT, and urea, in addition to lipid peroxidation (p < 0.05). The results suggest a potential for BE-OPN to prevent typical complications of DM, improving the lipid profile, liver, and kidney, as well as attenuating oxidative stress.

Curvularia soli causes a new leaf spot disease on Pereskia aculeata

Pereskia aculeata (Barbados gooseberry) is a vegetable member of the Cactaceae family. Pereskia aculeata leaves are highly valued for culinary use in some Brazilian regions, mainly in Minas Gerais. In March 2023, severe leaf spot disease affecting P. aculeata plants was observed in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Notably, we found that Curvularia sp. was associated with disease symptoms. However, the fungus Curvularia has not been reported to cause any diseases in P. aculeata. Given the absence of any previous records documenting this fungus as a pathogen for this host, this study aimed to identify Curvularia species associated with leaf spots on P. aculeata and elucidate the etiology of the disease. The fungus was identified as Curvularia soli based on its morphological characteristics and molecular features using glyceraldeyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) for phylogenetic analyses. Healthy P. aculeata plants were inoculated with a representative isolate of C. soli and the same symptoms as observed in the field were reproduced. All steps were performed to fulfill Koch’s postulates and confirm the etiology of the disease.

AS ATIVIDADES ANTIOXIDANTES DA PERESKIA ACULEATA MILLER

Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller), a plant native to Brazil, is valued in traditional medicine for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Recently, scientific interest has grown, particularly due to its antioxidant activities. It is rich in vitamins, iron, and proteins and has shown therapeutic effects such as wound healing and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Identified bioactive compounds include phenolic acids, like caffeic acid, and flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol. Studies demonstrate high antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, with effectiveness in inhibiting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The plant's mucilage, known for its water retention capacity, is valuable in the food industry as a thickening and stabilizing agent and also has wound-healing properties, leading to its use in ointments. The biopolymers found, such as arabinogalactans, have potential applications in food and pharmaceutical additives. Ora-pro-nóbis is a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential for new nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products, promoting health and disease prevention.

Selective Extraction Process and Characterization of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds from Pereskia aculeata Leaves Using UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS.

This study innovates in comparing biological activities and chemical composition obtained from extracts and fractions from Pereskia aculeate leaves. Seven extracts and five fractions were produced by conventional successive solid-liquid extraction coupled with simultaneous bioguided purification using solvents of distinct polarities. A comparative analysis was conducted between these purified fractions and the original extracts to elucidate potential improvements in the bioactivity. The extract and fractions were evaluated using the ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and Folin-Ciocalteau methods and HPLC-DAD and UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS evaluated chemical composition. The fractions obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract showed better results, with the acetone fraction (Fr-Ace) exhibiting enhanced bioactivity, especially in the FRAP (1095 μmol of FeSO4/g) antioxidant capacity method. The results demonstrated that medium to high polarity solvents were the most effective in extracting bioactive phenolic compounds, with rutin being the predominant compound. The sequential hydroalcoholic fractionation (SHF) method extracted a greater variety of compounds, including vanillic acid and cinnamic acid, which were reported for the first time in P. aculeate leaves. The identified compounds by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS included flavonoids derived from quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol, phenolic acids, and their derivatives. Quercetin-3-O-xyloside, kaempferol-3-O-arabinoside, trehalose, feruloyltyramine, malyngic acid, pinellic acid, and 16-hydroxy-9-oxooctadeca-10,12,14-trienoic acid were identified for the first time in P. aculeata leaves.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Acute Toxicity Of Pereskia aculeata, In Zophobas morio Larvae.

Pereskia aculeata has been widely investigated due to its anti-inflammatory potential. Among the metabolites found in this species are the phytosterols beta-sitosterol (β-SIT) and stigmasterol (STIG). The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and toxicity activities of the hexane partition of P. aculeata (PHEX), as well as β-SIT and STIG. PHEX was prepared and the phytosterols were quantified. In terms of toxicity against L929 fibroblast cells, PHEX showed toxicity up to 200 μg/mL; STIG and β-SIT showed toxicity up to 25 μg/mL. PHEX inhibited 66 % of nitric oxide radicals, while STIG and β-SIT inhibited 33.73 % and 34.94 %, respectively. In an anti-inflammatory test against Zophobas morio larvae, all samples significantly reduced hemocyte levels. Additionally, the LD50 values were calculated: 229.6 mg/kg for PHEX, 101.5 mg/kg for STIG, and 103.8 mg/kg for β-SIT. In conclusion, the study indicates that the phytosterols present in PHEX may contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity.

Diet Based on Pereskia aculeata Miller Flour Increases Muscle Volume and Modulates the Expression of Myokines in Mice Subjected to Resistance Training.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pereskia aculeata Miller (ora-pro-nobis [OPN]) flour on body and biochemical parameters, thermogenic activity, and molecular expression of markers in the muscle tissue of mice subjected to resistance training (RT). Twelve mice were randomly assigned to two groups (n=6 animals/group): G1: control (Control) fed a standard diet + RT and G2: experimental (OPN) fed a diet based on OPN flour + RT. The RT consisted of a 6-week program using a vertical ladder combined with a fixed weight attached to the animal. Several parameters were measured, including assessment of body composition, biochemical markers, thermogenic activity, and molecular (mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6, fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). The OPN group exhibited a decrease in body weight and visceral adiposity, higher energy expenditure, and lipid oxidation rate. In addition, it was observed an increase in muscle volume and in mRNA expression levels of IL-6, FNDC5, PGC-1α, and TFAM. These findings suggest that OPN flour could be a nutritional option to enhance performance in RT.

Technology Prospection of Ora-pro-Nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.): A Non-conventional Food Plant.

The ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) is a plant from Brazilian biodiversity used for food and medicinal purposes. It has ample technological potential, however, it is still underutilized, being classified as a Non-Conventional Food Plant (PANC). Prospective studies in intellectual property banks make it possible to expand perspectives for scientific research, enhancing the generation of new products. Evaluate the patents of products containing Pereskia aculeata Mill. for the areas of food and health in intellectual property databases. The study was conducted through structured prospective investigation (collection, processing and analysis) in 4 patent databases: National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI) - Brazil, United States Patent and Trademark Office, World Trade Organization Intellectual Property (WIPO) and Espacenet. The evaluation showed a reduced number of registered patents. In general, 8 patent applications were examined, of which 7 are directly associated with the species (and its derivatives) and 1 is related to a device specially designed for harvesting leaves/fruits and removing thorns. The focus of the patents was the use of the species in the food, pharmaceutical and biotechnological areas, with emphasis on the use of the leaves in the extraction of mucilage and proteins. This study showed that Pereskia aculeata Mill. is a technologically promising plant, because of its nutritional and medicinal composition, and it is important to encourage innovation and the development of new products with the species.

Evaluation of the use of extract from the plant Pereskia culeata Miller in the inflammatory control of scalp psoriasis

Introduction: Pereskia aculeata Miller, popularly known as Ora pro Nobis, is a non-conventional food plant (PANC) which is known in folk medicine for its healing and anti-inflammatory powers. The difficulty in controlling scaling and itching and the lack of studies using natural products to provide a soothing action on the scalp of those suffering from psoriasis, affecting even serious emotional issues such as depression and anxiety, lead us to seek alternatives that can be used by them, causing less health damage and being practical for daily and continuous use. In order to improve the symptoms of psoriasis in people suffering from this scalp dysfunction, a natural alternative was sought with the use of a hair tonic using the extract of the Pereskia aculeata Miller plant as the active ingredient. Case Report: This case report involved a participant, female, 25 years old, with a diagnosis of psoriasis confirmed by a dermatologist, who presented with an acute episode of the dysfunction on her scalp. After 2 months of using a hair tonic with Pereskia aculeata Miller extract as a therapeutic strategy, the participant was re-evaluated, showing a reduction in erythema and scaling plaques.

Membranes composed of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) and Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller) extract for dressing applications

Wounds are considered one of the most critical medical conditions that must be managed appropriately due to the psychological and physical stress they cause for patients, as well as creating a substantial financial burden on patients and global healthcare systems. Nowadays, there is a growing interest in developing nanofiber mats loaded with varying plant extracts to meet the urgent need for advanced wound ressings. This study investigated the development and characterization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/ poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) nanofiber membranes incorporated with Ora-pro-nóbis (OPN; 12.5, 25, and 50 % w/w) by the solution-blow-spinning (SBS) technique. The PLA/PEG and PLA/PEG/OPN nanofiber membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal properties (TGA and DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurements and water vapor permeability (WVTR). In addition, the mats were analyzed for swelling properties in vitro cell viability, and fibroblast adhesion (L-929) tests. SEM images showed that smooth and continuous PLA/PEG and PLA/PEG/OPN nanofibers were obtained with a diameter distribution ranging from 171 to 1533 nm. The PLA/PEG and PLA/PEG/OPN nanofiber membranes showed moderate hydrophobicity (~109–120°), possibly preventing secondary injuries during dressing removal. Besides that, PLA/PEG/OPN nanofibers exhibited adequate WVTR, meeting wound healing requirements. Notably, the presence of OPN gave the PLA/PEG membranes better mechanical properties, increasing their tensile strength (TS) from 3.4 MPa (PLA/PEG) to 5.3 MPa (PLA/PEG/OPN), as well as excellent antioxidant properties (Antioxidant activity with approximately 45 % oxidation inhibition). Therefore, the nanofiber mats based on PLA/PEG, especially those incorporated with OPN, are promising options for use as antioxidant dressings to aid skin healing.

Ora-Pro-Nobis (Pereskia aculeata) and its technological applications in foods: a review

Ora-pro-nóbis is an unconventional food plant, with edible leaves rich in nutrients, with great potential for application in the food industry. In this context, this review aims to critically analyze studies about the technological properties, and innovative food products containing ora-pro-nóbis to meet new consumer trends. The data search was performed using the Prisma guidelines and was conducted in the following databases: Pubmed, Scielo, Embase and Web of Science. The Rayyan was use for the selection of the 14 studies included in this review. The plant can add nutritional and functional value to food products and act as a thickening, gelling agent, emulsifier, stabilizer, and as a supplement in the food industry. Greater dissemination of the benefits associated with the consumption of ora-pro-nóbis, in addition to having an impact on consumers' health and nutritional enrichment of the diet, contributes to the sustainable development of agrifood systems, the valorization of Brazilian biodiversity, and family farming.

Determination of macro and micronutrients in diferentes species of ora-pro-nóbis and comparison with conventional vegetable

The aim of this work was to determine the proximate composition and contents of iron, copper, manganese, phenolic compounds, phytic acid, total titratable acidity and pH of three species of ora-pro-nóbis (OPN): Pereskia aculeata Miller (PA), Pereskia aculeata var. godseffiana (PAG) and Pereskia grandifolia Haworth (PG) from domestic cultivation. Furthermore, compare the results obtained with a conventional vegetable kale (CM) (Brassica oleracea L. acephala) and evaluate the interrelationships through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The ora-pro-nóbis species were statistically different from the CM in terms of total titratable acidity, pH, phenolic compounds, iron and copper at a significance level of 5%. The CM and PA showed statistical similarities in relation to protein, carbohydrate and manganese content at a significance level of 5%, while for PA and PG samples statistical similarities were observed for moisture and phytic acid at a significance level of 5%. For OPN species, the minerals concentrations varied from 15.26 ± 6.40 to 25.52 ± 4.72 mg Fe 100 g-1, 1.23 ± 0.81 to 5.31 ± 6.57 mg Cu 100 g-1, 12.00 ± 6.31 to 17.72 ± 13.13 mg Mn 100 g-1. ACP demonstrated that the PAG sample made the greatest contribution to the study, having in its composition the highest levels of iron, copper, phytic acid and moisture. Therefore, the species of ora-pro-nóbis evaluated in this work, even in residential cultivation conditions, proved to be potential sources of minerals, mainly iron, especially the species Pereskia aculeata var. godseffiana. In this way, the evaluation of the proximate and mineral composition of unconventional food plants is relevant for understanding the nutritional composition and increasing the consumption of these vegetables, in their use for food enrichment, as well as in helping to reduce the population's food insecurity.

Cereal bar enriched with ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller): physicochemical and sensory characterization.

Ora-pro-nobis (OPN) is an unconventional food plant with high nutritional value, and its nutritional composition can be altered according to cultivation. Cereal bars are a popular nutrient-poor foods, and OPN could be incorporated to improve the nutritional quality. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and sensory acceptability of cereal bars enriched with OPN flour (OpnF) from different forms of cultivation. OpnF was obtained by dehydrating and grinding OPN leaves collected in rural (ROpnF) and urban (UOpnF) municipalities. Two formulations of cereal bars, peanut flavor (Bpn) and mango flavor (Bmg), each with 10% OpnF, were prepared. The macronutrients and mineral composition, oxalate content, water activity, texture, color profile, and acceptability were evaluated. ROpnF had the highest protein, iron, and manganese content, whereas UOpnF had the highest ash and magnesium content. The oxalic acid/calcium ratio was 1.43 and did not imply calcium bioavailability. In addition to nutritional and protein values, Bpn and Bmg presented a good sensory acceptability index of > 77.5% with market potential. Bmg has the highest mineral content and is a source of iron, manganese, and magnesium. OpnF can be used in cereal bars and potentially improve nutritional attributes and used in other foods in a similar way.

Ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata) supplementation promotes increased longevity associated with improved antioxidant status in Drosophila melanogaster.

This study evaluated the effects of ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeate) flour supplementation on the in vivo basal antioxidant system of Drosophila melanogaster, and its action on the neural modulation observed by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The flies will receive a standard diet with flour incorporated at 5, 10 and 20% for 7 days. There was no change in food consumption, body weight, protein thiol levels and negative geotaxis behavior. The flies showed a reduction in the basal production of reactive species at concentrations of 10 and 20%, while there was a reduction in lipid peroxidation and catalase activity at all concentrations, accompanied by an increase in the levels of non-protein thiols. Superoxide dismutase activity was reduced in the 5 and 20% groups, while the reduction of superoxide anion in the 10% group may have contributed to the increase in longevity also in the 10% group. Longevity increased in groups 5 and 10%. The open field test may be related to the reduction in AChE activity in the 5, 10 and 20% groups. In general, the data show that supplementation with ora-pro-nobis flour at the concentrations tested did not cause toxicity and modulated the cholinergic system, demonstrating a therapeutic potential.

Children and adolescents with sickle cell disease: characteristics and use of medicinal plants.

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and evaluate the use of medicinal plants in these patients concomitantly with their drug treatment. This is a review of the medical records of pediatric patients at a public institution with tertiary care. The selection criterion was to be a child or adolescent with SCD undergoing pediatric follow-up at this outpatient clinic. In the medical records of the patients selected, records of the use of plants for medicinal purposes were sought. In total, 154 records (100% of total active patients followed in this clinic) were reviewed: 99 children and 55 adolescents. The predominant genotype was SS (58.4%), followed by SC (29.2%). The use of at least one medication for SCD was reported in 95.5% of the medical records. The use of medicinal plants was reported by 70.1% of patients, with 276 citations in the medical records referring to 64 different types of plants. Six plants were used for the treatment of SCD, the main one being Lemonvine/Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata). The use of medicinal plants was reported for flu-like symptoms and/or COVID-19 (both for prevention and treatment) by 60.5% of the citations, with 35 different plants reported for this use, exclusively or not. This use was followed by pain symptoms (14.2% of citations). The majority of patients in this study use both conventional and traditional/complementary/alternative medicine, highlighting the need for more studies in the area, with a special focus on patient safety.

Instant noodles enriched with flours moringa (Moringa Oleifera Lam.) and ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.)

Non-Conventional Food Plants (PANCs) have been gradually studied and can be included in food in their in natura form and in food production, enriching their nutritional value. Due to its easy cultivation, Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) can already be observed in Brazilian states from the Northeast to the South, and the use of these leaves is widespread in folk medicine. Given the above, this study aims to review in the literature the main benefits of Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) and Moringa (Moringa Oleifera Lam.). The Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) given the nutritional advantages of its leaves, there are studies that evaluate the consumption of leaves in the form of flour or in natura in some specific groups, but there is a need for further studies to analyze the intake of Ora-pro-nóbis leaves in risk groups that need the micronutrients present in large quantities in this part of the species. Moringa (Moringa Oleifera Lam.) is a perennial species of the Moringaceae family, native to northeast India, widely distributed in India, Egypt, Philippines, Ceylon, Thailand, Malaysia, Burma, Pakistan, Singapore, Jamaica and Nigeria (Pio Côrrea, 1984; Duke, 1987). It grows in regions from the dry and humid subtropics, to the dry tropical and humid forests. It is drought tolerant, flowering and producing fruit (Duke, 1978). It adapts to a wide range of soils, but grows best in well-drained terra preta or clayey terra preta, preferring neutral to slightly acidic soil (Dalla Rosa, 1993). It is a multipurpose plant. Almost all parts of moringa are said to be of food value (leaves, unripe fruits, flowers and seeds) and medicinal (all parts of the plant) (Palada, 1996; Makkar & Becker, 1997). In Brazil, Moringa oleífera has been known in the State of Maranhão since 1950 (Amaya et al., 1992). Currently, the culture of moringa has been spread throughout the northeastern semi-arid region.

Evaluation of the morphology and development of preantral ovarian follicles in mice submitted to a chronic diet of dietary supplementation with Pereskia aculeata Miller leaves.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of including mouse feed with different concentrations (5, 10, or 20%) of Pereskia aculeata Miller (PAM) leaves on the morphology and development of preantral ovarian follicles and ovarian stromal cell density. The oral toxicity was performed using repeated dose toxicity assays subdivided into experiments of 30 days and 90 days of treatment. After the experiments, the ovaries of each animal were collected and submitted to classical histology. At 30 and 90 days, there was an equivalent percentage of normal, primordial, and developing follicles (P > 0.05) between PAM treatments compared to the control. Regarding the different stages of follicular development, after 90 days, there was a higher percentage (P < 0.05) of developing follicles only in the control group compared to day 30. The PAM 5% treatment was the only one that affected the cell density in the stroma after 90 days of treatment. Thus, we observed that supplementing the diet with P. aculeata did not pose any risk concerning animal consumption; specifically, there were no toxic reproductive effects observed from adding Pereskia aculeata Miller to the mouse diet.

A Critical Appraisal of the Most Recent Investigations on Ora-Pro-Nobis (Pereskia sp.): Economical, Botanical, Phytochemical, Nutritional, and Ethnopharmacological Aspects.

Pereskia aculeata Miller and Pereskia grandfolia Haw, known as 'ora-pro-nobis', are unconventional vegetables belonging to the Cactaceae family, native to the Americas and common in the northeast and southeast regions of Brazil. This review attempts to present a balanced account of both the methods used for obtaining extracts from the diverse parts of the plants and the results that were obtained in terms of their applicability to foods and other products with biological activities. Attention will also be devoted to the properties of their bioactives and their applications to real food products. Methods for obtaining extracts from the diverse parts of the plants will be analyzed, as well as the chemical nature of the bioactives that were hitherto identified. Next, the applicability of ora-pro-nobis in either its integral form or in the form of extracts or other products (mucilages) to the production of food and dietary supplements will be analyzed. The species have been extensively investigated during the last few decades. But, the determination of chemical structures is frequently incomplete and there is a need for new studies on texture determination and color evaluation. Further studies exploring the fruit and flowers of P. aculeata are also required.

Use of Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller) mucilage as a wall material in microencapsulation by complex coacervation

Innovative materials for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds are a permanent challenge. In this sense, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the use of Ora-pro-nobis mucilage (MOPN) as a wall material to replace Arabic gum (AG), in microencapsulation by complex coacervation of bocaiuva (Acrocomia aculeata) pulp oil. The MOPN was obtained from green leaves, and the pH, color, water activity, humidity, fixed mineral residue, proteins, lipids, and extraction effectiveness were determined. MOPN was employed as a partial or total replacement of AG in the microencapsulation of bocaiuva pulp oil. Dehydrated and wet mucilages were used to emulsion formation. The interaction between biopolymers, the effectiveness, efficiency of microencapsulation, and the morphological characteristics of microcapsules were confirmed. In addition, the bioactive compounds (chlorophyll and β-carotene) and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The microcapsules were produced using moist mucilage. Microcapsules obtained with AG/gelatin/ bocaiuva oil were considered as control samples. MOPN showed brown color and chlorophyll content of 72.44±5.74 mg 100 g-1. The interaction between AG and MOPN in microcapsule formation was proven for the formulations with 25 and 50% MOPN substitution. The effectiveness was 74.83 and 75.22%, and encapsulation efficiency was 79.18 and 74.59%, respectively, verified through optical micrograph. In addition, the microcapsules with 25 and 50% MOPN as wall material showed three times more antioxidant activity against ABTS, and two times more β-carotene compared to the control microcapsule.

Weeds as an essential component of sustainable meliponiculture practices in organic agroecosystem

Knowledge of bee flora is key information for sustainable meliponiculture practices. Aiming to stablish the plant species used by the stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula used as food sources during the year in an organic agroecosystem, this study identified the pollen grains in the pollen loads of worker bees. The pollen load of bees returning to hives was collected bi-monthly for one year, summing 240 pollen loads analyzed by optical microscopy. We found 76 pollen types in the pollen loads, of which 60% were of weeds. The plants most frequently identified in the pollen loads were: Alchornea, Arracacia xanthorrhiza, Baccharis, Bidens pilosa, Brassica juncea, Brassica oleracea, Byrsonima sp., Cecropia, Chamaecrista, Citrus sp., Crotalaria sp., Croton, Datura, Eucalyptus, Hyptis, Lippia alba, Mangifera indica, Melastomataceae sp., Momordica charantia, Myrsine, Pereskia aculeata, Persea americana, Piptadenia, Pisum sativum, Plinia peruviana, Pluchea, Poaceae, Prunus persica, Psidium guajava, Raphanus sativus, Rubus urticifolius, Schefflera, and Schinus. Bees foraged mostly on weeds, especially during winter and autumn, and so the presence of weeds can be very beneficial to meliponiculture practices. The by-products of meliponiculture in agroecosystems are derived from diversified botanical sources, that is, wild honey of good quality because it is from an organic system.