Carapa Guianensis Research Articles

Identification of mahogany sliced veneer using handheld near-infrared spectroscopy device and multivariate data analysis

Abstract The illegal logging of valuable tree species is mainly motivated by a global market that consumes logs, lumber, veneers, and furniture. The use of objective techniques to identify species and the effects of international initiatives such as CITES rules contributes to controlling trade, exploitation, and smuggling of these products. The anatomical identification of wood veneers is limited due to the loss of several anatomical characters in the production process of the veneers. For this reason, we propose the Near-Infrared Spectroscopy technique associated with chemometric tools for the discrimination of wood veneer of woods with similar general characters: Swietenia macrophylla King (mahogany), Carapa guianensis Aubl. (andiroba), Cedrela odorata L. (cedro), Micropholis venulosa Pierre (curupixá), and Hymenaea coubaril L. (jatobá) using a portable spectrometer.The development of the discrimination models was performed using the PLS-DA (Partial Least Squares for Discriminant Analysis) algorithm. The detection and subsequent exclusion of outliers were performed based on Hotelling T2, Q residuals, and errors in estimating class values. The PLS-DA models showed an efficiency between 96.5% and 100% in the samples’ discrimination among the five forest species. In conclusion, the portable NIRS technology and the PLS-DA models were suitable for the rapid identification and discrimination of the wood veneers.

Ultrasound-assisted lipid extractions, enriched with sterols and tetranortriterpenoids, from Carapa guianensis seeds and the application of lipidomics using GC/MS.

This study describes the optimized stages of lipid extraction assisted by ultrasound to increase the concentrations of limonoids and steroids from andiroba seeds, identified as Carapa guianensis Aublet, and the lipidome analyzed by TLC and GC/MS. After boiling and peeling, crushed seeds were subjected to extractions with n-hexane (G1), acetone (G2), and methanol (G3) in an ultrasonic bath for 30 minutes at 50 °C. These extracts were analyzed by analytical TLC; aliquots of each extract and a marketable oil, used as a reference, were transesterified followed by silylation with BSTFA + 1% TMCS, and analyzed by GC/MS. The reference oil and the biomass of the seeds did not present significant differences in the profiles of free fatty acids (FFA). However, differences were observed in the profiles of tetranortriterpenoids (TnTT) (limonoids) in the seeds. Afterward, the analysis of the extracts G1, G2, and G3 detected free steroids: campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol; and limonoids: 7-deacetyl-7-oxogedunin, 6α-acetoxy-gedunin, deacetylgedunin, and epoxyacetylgedunin. The use of lipidomic techniques associated with ultrasound-assisted extraction was applied for the first time to enhance the triterpenoids and steroids, mainly in G3, describing a faster and more economical process, and allowing a one-step lipidome analysis of the andiroba seeds.

Evaluation of pre-germination treatments in Carapa guianensis AUBL

Understanding seed germination of native forest species of the Tropical wet forest is essential for ecosystem regeneration and conservation, which have been affected by the exploitation of wood and non-wood forest products. Carapa guianensis Aulb. (Meliaceae) has been exploited due to the high quality of its wood and seeds. Particularly, the latter is a source of a medicinal oil of high value to the pharmaceutical industry. The indiscriminate use of this species has reduced its population size; therefore, scientific knowledge of its sexual propagation in nurseries is vital. This research aimed to evaluate seed germination of C. guianensis under different pre-germination treatments and substrates at the Centro de Investigación El Mira of AGROSAVIA. Pre-germination assays were conducted in a split-plot design with a random distribution of four repetitions. The cumulative germination percentage (CGP) and mean germination time (t50) were calculated and analyzed through an ANOVA, and Tukey’s multiple comparison test using InfoStat V.2016. Significant differences for CGP among treatments (p<0.0001) and interactions (p<0.0096) were found. The highest germination percentage (61%) was achieved in S1+T4; however, the T50 did not show significant differences (p=0.24). This research demonstrates that the highest germination percentage is achieved through a scarification treatment with imbibition in sand substrate under the agroclimatic conditions of Tumaco.

Herbivory and leaf traits of Amazonian tree species as affected by irradiance.

Herbivory is one of the major biotic stress factors that affect the establishment of plants. However, the main factors that drive herbivory in seedlings of Amazonian tree species are still not well understood. Here we investigated whether contrasting levels of irradiance influence herbivory according to different herbivory indicators and which leaf traits are most related to interspecific variation in herbivory under contrasting irradiance conditions. We measured the leaf area lost as a result of insect herbivory in five tree species planted in a silvicultural system of secondary forest enrichment according to two indicators, herbivore damage (accumulated since plant germination) and herbivory rate (measured over time), and two irradiance conditions, understorey PPFD 2.6mol·m-2 ·day-1 ) and gap PPFD 33.1mol·m-2 ·day-1 . Furthermore, we related the interspecific variation in herbivory to a set of leaf traits: SLA, RWC, sclerophylly, phenolic compound content, tannins, condensed tannins and non-structural carbohydrates. Herbivore damage was significantly affected by light availability and species, with the highest percentage variation observed in the Meliaceae (Carapa guianensis and Swietenia macrophylla). For the herbivory rate, only the interspecific variation was significant, with Bertholletia excelsa having the lowest rates. Chemical characteristics (phenolic compounds and tannins) were most related to herbivory rates, as well as highly influenced by light conditions. Non-structural carbohydrates (starch and sucrose) were also related to the interspecific variation in herbivory. The phenolic compounds and starch, as affected by light quantity, are species dependent. Thus, the selective pressure on herbivores may be driven by species-dependent responses to light conditions.

Carapa guianensis Aubl. (Meliaceae) oil associated with silk fibroin, as alternative to traditional surfactants, and active against larvae of the vector Aedes aegypti

This paper report the use of Carapa guianensis Abul. (Meliaceae) oil and derivates [fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE’s) and free fatty acid (FFA’s)] associate with silk fibroin (SF), and its activity against the larvae of the vector Aedes aegypti. The emulsions FFA2-SF derived from AO2, that mostly contained unsaturated fatty acids, presented the best results against the larvae of Ae. aegypti after a 48 h period (LC50 = 16.79 mg.mL−1), causing structural alterations to the vector. It is suggested that the biopolymeric matrix of silk fibroin increases the biodistribution and bioavailability of active in medium aqueous. This is the first work of its type which has pointed larvicidal activity of the free fatty acid from C. guianensis, associate with silk fibroin against Aedes aegypti.

Therapeutic effects of andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl) oil, compared to low power laser, on oral mucositis in children underwent chemotherapy: A clinical study

Ethno-pharmacological relevanceThe Carapa guianensis Aubl, popularly known as andiroba, is a large tree of the Meliaceae family, commonly found in the Amazon region. The oil extracted from its seeds is recognized in traditional medicine and has high anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential, which are the basic prerequisites for a therapeutic agent that can be used in the treatment of oral mucositis (OM). Moreover, the aforementioned oil has antimicrobial, antiallergic, and parasiticidal actions and is effective in the management of cutaneous and muscular dysfunctions. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of andiroba gel (Carapa guianensis Aubl) on the symptomatology and evolution of OM in children with leukemia who underwent chemotherapy and to compare it to the effects of low power laser. Materials and methodsThis randomized, double-blind clinical trial involved 60 patients of both genders with leukemia, with age ranging from six to twelve years. The patients were divided into two study groups: the andiroba group (n = 30) and the laser group (n = 30). The level of pain experienced by the patients was assessed using the Wong-Baker visual analog scale and the degree of severity of OM was assessed using a table, recommended by the World Health Organization, that depicts the degrees of severity of OM. The data obtained were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test, with statistical significance indicated by a P value less than or equal to 0.05. ResultsA statistically significant reduction in the degree of OM was observed on the fourth, fifth, and sixth days and in the pain scores on the second, third, and fourth days in the andiroba group after the manifestation of OM, compared to the laser group. ConclusionsThe use of andiroba oil effectively reduced the severity of OM and relieved pain, which resulted in a decrease in the severity of signs and symptoms in the patients in the andiroba group, compared to the laser group.

EFEITOS DE DIFERENTES TAMANHOS DE FRAGMENTOS FLORESTAIS SOBRE A DENSIDADE, QUALIDADE DA COPA E FUSTE DA ANDIROBA, SUDESTE DO PARÁ

Em meio a uma heterogeneidade de ambiente, a fragmentação tem mostrado efeitos e interações distintas. O objetivo desse estudo é comparar a densidade, qualidade da copa e altura do fuste da espécie andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aublet) em diferentes tamanhos de fragmentos florestais, no Projeto de Assentamento Agroextrativista Praialta Piranheira, sudeste do Pará. A metodologia envolveu inventario florístico em três áreas de fragmentos grandes (> 50 hectares) e três fragmentos pequenos (< 50 hectares). A densidade ind/ha, qualidade da copa e altura do fuste (m) foram comparadas entre os fragmentos através da ANOVA – teste F. Os resultados mostram que não houve diferença estatística das variáveis estudadas nos diferentes tamanhos de fragmentos florestais, tal similaridade pode estar relacionada aos fatores ambientais, bem como ações antrópicas, este trabalho sugere que outras variáveis sejam investigadas entre elas a ação antrópica, bem como testar outros tamanhos de fragmentos florestais. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Agroextrativistas, Cobertura vegetal, Produto não madeireiro.

OS EXTRATIVISTAS DE ANDIROBA EM PROJETOS DE ASSENTAMENTOS AGROEXTRATIVISTAS (PAEX) DA VÁRZEA DE IGARAPÉ-MIRI, PARÁ, BRASIL

A Carapa guianensis Aubl. (andiroba) possui grande potencial de exploração extrativista nas várzeas do município de Igarapé-Miri. Apesar da riqueza florística nesse ecossistema, poucas são as informações sobre as características da espécie e o que ela representa aos extrativistas. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo traçar o perfil dos extrativistas que desenvolvem atividade com andiroba em Projetos de Assentamentos Agroextrativistas (PAEXX) das várzeas do Município de Igarapé-Miri, PA. Como ferramenta metodológica foram aplicados questionários com 14 extrativistas que trabalham com andiroba em quatro PAEX nas ilhas Mamangal, Mutirão, Jarembú e Buçu. Utilizou-se também a metodologia snowball ou “Bola de Neve”. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria dos extrativistas é de mulheres. Sobre o trabalho com a espécie, quatro são coletores, quatro são coletores e extratores e seis são extratores. A coleta de sementes é feita manualmente e acontece principalmente nos Sistemas Agroflorestais (SAFs) no o período que a Euterpe oleracea Mart (açaí) está na entre safra. A andiroba possui grande importância no contexto social, econômico e cultural dos extrativistas do PAEX de Igarapé-Miri além de renda, esta atividade tem proporcionado a conservação das andirobeiras. No entanto, é necessário sejam realizados estudos sobre a gestão dos recursos naturais na região, resguardando valores e saberes tradicionais na forma de propagação, manejo, coleta e conservação da andiroba. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Amazônia, Extrativismo, Produtos florestais não madeireiros.

Photochemical Efficiency and Oxidative Metabolism of Tree Species during Acclimation to High and Low Irradiance.

The balance between efficiency of absorption and use of light energy is fundamental for plant metabolism and to avoid photoinhibition. Here, we investigated the effects of light environments on the photosynthetic apparatus of tropical tree species of three successional groups (pioneer, mid-, and late successional) subjected to different light conditions: full sunlight (FS), moderate shade (MS), and deep shade (DS). Twenty-nine ecophysiological parameters were correlated with each other. The pioneer species exhibited better photochemical performance and a more efficient antioxidant enzymatic system in comparison with the other successional groups. Plants in FS showed higher intensity of lipid peroxidation, with superoxide dismutase having a prominent role in the antioxidant system. At lower irradiance the enzymatic activity was reduced, and the photochemical efficiency was the preferred way to reduce oxidative damages. P was highly related to photochemical yield, and the N modulation amplified the light harvesting complex in DS to the detriment of the antioxidant system. Despite evidence of cell damage, most species exhibited the ability to adjust to high irradiance. Contrary to expectations, Hymenea courbaril (late-successional) exhibited higher plasticity to fluorescence, nutritional, and antioxidant parameters. Only Carapa guianensis (late-successional) displayed photoinhibitory damage in FS, and Ochroma pyramidale (pioneer) did not survive in DS, suggesting that acclimation to shade is more challenging than to high irradiance.

Effect of essential oils on Leishmania amazonensis: a systematic review.

This systematic review investigated the evidence for the therapeutic potential of essential oils (EOs) against Leishmania amazonensis. We searched available scientific publications from 2005 to 2019 in the PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases, according to PRISMA statement. The search strategy utilized descriptors and free terms. The EOs effect of 35 species of plants identified in this systematic review study, 45.7% had half of the maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) 10 < IC50 ⩽ 50 μg mL-1 and 14.3% had a 10 < IC50μg mL-1 for promastigote forms of L. amazonensis. EOs from Cymbopogon citratus species had the lowest IC50 (1.7 μg mL-1). Among the plant species analyzed for activity against intracellular amastigote forms of L. amazonensis, 39.4% had an IC50 10 < IC50 ⩽ 50 μg mL-1, and 33.3% had an IC50 10 < IC50μg mL-1. Aloysia gratissima EO showed the lowest IC50 (0.16 μg mL-1) for intracellular amastigotes. EOs of Chenopodium ambrosioides, Copaifera martii and Carapa guianensis, administered by the oral route, were effective in reducing parasitic load and lesion volume in L. amazonensis-infected BALB/c mice. EOs of Bixa orellana and C. ambrosioides were effective when administered intraperitoneally. Most of the studies analyzed in vitro and in vivo for the risk of bias showed moderate methodological quality. These results indicate a stimulus for the development of new phytotherapy drugs for leishmaniasis treatment.

Hybrid Nanocomposite from γ-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Functionalized in the Amazon Oil Polymers matrix

In recent years, there was a crescent increase in studies involving hybrid magnetic nanocomposites from renewable resources, because of its importance in the synthesis of new organic biomaterials. Herein, we report a synthesis of Magnetic Nanocomposites (MNCs) from superparamagnetic nanoparticles based on iron oxide of maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) coated by a polymeric matrix. In this study, we used γ-Fe2O3 which are prepared using co-precipitation method, where salts with ions Fe+2 and Fe+3 are dissolved in distilled water and stirred until they reach about 60 ° C. Shortly after the mixture is add a solution of NH4OH. After this step, the magnetite solute (Fe3O4) is left in oxidizing solution, thus forming nanoparticles of γ-Fe2O3. For activation of the functional groups and extraction of the polymer we used polycondensation method, wherein the oil extracted from Carapa Guianensis Aubl. is diluted in ethylene glycol (C2H6O2). After that, the mixture undergoes processes: hydrothermal and isobaric-isothermal. Then, purification was performed polymer, thus obtaining a polymer of natural oil. The nanoparticles was coated for the polymeric matrix using dispersion method and freeze drying, thereby forming a hybrid MNCs ready for characterization. For the samples characterization was utilized X-ray diffraction (XRD) and spectroscopy: UV-Vis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), EDX and PAS. The results indicate that magnetic-polymeric nanocomposites structure formed was type core/shell, wherein the core was formed γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, coated by the polymer matrix, which presents some characteristics of the natural oil used in their synthesis. In recent years, there was a crescent increase in studies involving hybrid magnetic nanocomposites from renewable resources, because of its importance in the synthesis of new organic biomaterials. Herein, we report a synthesis of Magnetic Nanocomposites (MNCs) from superparamagnetic nanoparticles based on iron oxide of maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) coated by a polymeric matrix. In this study, we used γ-Fe2O3 which are prepared using co-precipitation method, where salts with ions Fe+2 and Fe+3 are dissolved in distilled water and stirred until they reach about 60 ° C. Shortly after the mixture is add a solution of NH4OH. After this step, the magnetite solute (Fe3O4) is left in oxidizing solution, thus forming nanoparticles of γ-Fe2O3. For activation of the functional groups and extraction of the polymer we used polycondensation method, wherein the oil extracted from Carapa Guianensis Aubl. is diluted in ethylene glycol (C2H6O2). After that, the mixture undergoes processes: hydrothermal and isobaric-isothermal. Then, purification was performed polymer, thus obtaining a polymer of natural oil. The nanoparticles was coated for the polymeric matrix using dispersion method and freeze drying, thereby forming a hybrid MNCs ready for characterization. For the samples characterization was utilized X-ray diffraction (XRD) and spectroscopy: UV-Vis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), EDX and PAS. The results indicate that magnetic-polymeric nanocomposites structure formed was type core/shell, wherein the core was formed γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, coated by the polymer matrix, which presents some characteristics of the natural oil used in their synthesis.

Resistência natural da madeira de seis espécies à Nasutitermes corniger Motsch. em condição de campo

A durabilidade natural da madeira trata-se de excelente característica para destinar as peças de madeira em condições adequadas e eficientes de uso. Portanto, o estudo objetivou-se avaliar a resistência natural de seis espécies florestais madeireiras a cupins xilófagos em condição de campo. As madeiras estudadas das espécies tropicais foram andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl.), aroeira (Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão), cedro (Cedrella sp.), jatobá (Hymenaea courbaril L.), louro canela (Nectandra sp.) e maçaranduba (Manilkara elata (Allemão ex Miq.) Monach.). De cada espécie foram produzidas amostras com dimensões de 7,2 cm × 1,3 cm × 0,9 cm (longitudinal × radial × tangencial). Essas permaneceram expostas por período de 40 dias sob a ação de cupins Nasutitermes corniger Motschulsky em ensaio de preferência alimentar, com determinação da densidade, percentual de perda de massa, índice de deterioração e o índice de susceptibilidade. A madeira de andiroba apresentou maior perda de massa e susceptibilidade ao ataque de N. corniger. Já as espécies cedro e o louro canela demonstraram valores intermediários entre as demais para os aspectos analisados. As madeiras de aroeira, jatobá e maçaranduba se destacaram nos valores de notas atribuídas ao desgaste, bem como, na baixa susceptibilidade ao ataque, tendo demonstrado maior durabilidade natural e resistência biológica ao ataque. Portanto, essas últimas madeiras são as mais indicadas para utilizações que visem promover o seu uso eficiente, a fim de minimizar os danos causados por exposição às térmitas (cupins) xilófagos e maximizar a vida útil e segurança do produto madeireiro.

Fatty Acid Amides Synthesized from Andiroba Oil (Carapa guianensis Aublet.) Exhibit Anticonvulsant Action with Modulation on GABA-A Receptor in Mice: A Putative Therapeutic Option.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterized by excessive neuronal activity leading to seizure; about 30% of affected patients suffer from the refractory and pharmacoresistant form of the disease. The anticonvulsant drugs currently used for seizure control are associated with adverse reactions, making it important to search for more effective drugs with fewer adverse reactions. There is increasing evidence that endocannabinoids can pharmacologically modulate action against seizure and antiepileptic disorders. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the anticonvulsant effects of fatty acid amides (FAAs) in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure model in mice. FAAs (FAA1 and FAA2) are obtained from Carapa guianensis oil by biocatalysis and are characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis (FT-IR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Only FAA1 is effective in controlling the increased latency time of the first myoclonic jerk and in significantly decreasing the total duration of tonic-clonic seizures relative to the pentylenetetrazol model. Also, electrocortical alterations produced by pentylenetetrazol are reduced when treated by FAA1 that subsequently decreased wave amplitude and energy in Beta rhythm. The anticonvulsant effects of FAA1 are reversed by flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist on Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid-A (GABA-A) receptors, indicating a mode of action via the benzodiazepine site of these receptors. To conclude, the FAA obtained from C. guianensis oil is promising against PTZ-induced seizures.

Andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis Aubl) shows cytotoxicity but no mutagenicity in the ACPP02 gastric cancer cell line.

Andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl) is an Amazonian plant whose oil has been widely used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including anti-inflammation. Research reports indicate that the oil can confer antitumor activity due to the presence of fatty acids, which can directly influence cell death mechanisms. Thus, andiroba oil (AO) has gained interest for its potential to be used in antineoplastic therapies. Here, we report an in vitro analysis of the cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of AO in the gastric cancer cell line, ACP02. Cell survival was assessed by the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, differential staining with ethidium bromide and acridine orange assessed apoptosis-necrosis, and mutagenesis was assessed by the micronucleus test. The apolar oil was first diluted in 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and then further diluted to six concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μg/mL and 1 mg/mL) in RPMI medium. Controls included RPMI alone (negative control) and 0.1% DMSO diluted in medium (vehicle control). The MTT test showed that AO significantly reduced cell viability (P < .05) only when the highest tested concentration was applied for 48 hours. The apoptosis/necrosis test showed that the highest concentration of AO induced cell death by apoptosis at 24 and 48 hours. There was no statistically significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei. The ability of the AO to decrease the viability of ACP02 cells via apoptosis, without exerting mutagenic effects, suggests that the oil could be useful as an alternative therapeutic agent for primary tumors of stomach cancer.

Initial establishment of commercial tree species under enrichment planting in a Central Amazon secondary forest: Effects of silvicultural treatments

Enrichment planting has the potential to conserve wide areas of secondary forest in the Amazon. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the effects of silvicultural treatments applied to secondary forest management on the initial establishment of planted species. Enrichment planting was performed in a Central Amazon secondary forest to test whether the growth, mortality and presence of shoot borer attacks of six commercial trees species – in the first two years after planting – depend on canopy trees refinement and understory slashing. Six commercial tree species were planted under a gradient of light transmittance that was created by canopy trees refinement applied in six levels of basal area reduction (0; 20; 40; 60; 80 and 100%) and combined with two understory slashing levels (control and understory slashed). The effects of silvicultural treatments on root collar diameter and height growth (realized and relative), mortality and shoot borer attack were evaluated during the first and second year after planting. The relationships between realized growth and light transmittance were different among the species, but maximum growth was observed at high light transmittance for all species. Understory slashing slightly increased the response of realized growth to light transmittance. Species relative growth was strongly affected by light transmittance, but there was a reduced response in the second year after planting, particularly in the light-demanding pioneer species (Cedrela fissilis, Tabebuia rosea and Swietenia macrophylla). Pioneer species mortality was higher in deep shade (lowest transmittance) and was related to fast growth at full sun (highest transmittance) during the first, but not the second, year after planting. Shade-tolerant species (Hymenaea courbaril, Carapa guianensis and Bertholletia excelsa) have slower growth in full sun than pioneers, but only during the first year. Shoot borer attacks in Meliaceae species (C. fissilis, S. macrophylla and C. guianensis) occurred more frequently in high light transmittance and understory slashed environments but were absent in intermediary to low light transmittance and untreated understory. Thus, silvicultural treatments improve the initial establishment of commercial tree species in secondary forest enrichment planting sites. However, such findings should be analyzed considering the effects on growth, mortality and pest attacks during the seedling to juvenile tree development stages after planting.

Scenario-modelling for the sustainable management of non-timber forest products in tropical ecosystems

Abstract Ecosystems degradation, and consequently biodiversity loss, has severe impacts on people around the world. The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is one of the international initiatives that have emerged to inform policy makers and aid decisions to prevent further global biodiversity loss, focusing on the interdependence between natural systems and human culture. IPBES promotes the use of scenarios and modelling approaches as a fundamental tool to advance the understanding of the relationships between drivers of change, Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP), and social systems. Local-scale case studies with a system approach demonstrating how current knowledge can be used to inform decision-making are still scarce. Here, we present a comprehensive conceptual model and a series of four scenarios under different policies for shea tree species management, as a case-study of applying systems thinking and the NCP concept to a local-scale socio-ecological system. We first characterized the central processes, NCP, drivers and pressures affecting the shea tree system, to investigate the impacts of the multiple uses of the shea tree species on the system as a whole. We then described potential policy options, developed four scenarios, and evaluated them by a Bayesian Belief Network (BBN). We predicted qualitative outcomes of the proposed scenarios: Business-as-usual (BAU), “Conservation and fair trade”, “Agroforestry and fair trade” and “Industrial development”. We found that the scenarios focussing on conservation, fair trade and agroforestry, can improve the conservation status of shea trees, and enhance wellbeing in the local communities. In this case study, we demonstrate that the development of a comprehensive conceptual model at a local scale can be a useful exercise to identify opportunities for effective policy strategies and social innovation. The shea tree case study can provide an example for modelling non-timber forest products in other regions around the world that face similar drivers and pressures. Species for which this model could be adapted include Central and South American species such as the Brazilian nut (Bertholletia excelsa), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), andiroba (Carapa guianensis), açai (Euterpe oleracea) and the wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense). The model and workflow applied here may thus be used to understand similar socio-ecological systems with local and international economic value across the Neotropical region.

A Study of Degradation in Vegetable Oils by Exposure to Sunlight Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

There are a diversity and variability of oil producing plants and different extraction methods. These vegetable and essential oils are substances stored and released by plants from their fruits, leaves, flowers, bark and stem, being complete of plant origin that provides some benefits. In the plant these oils are also known as antioxidant substances, which have the function of natural protection. It is known that the extraction method has a strong influence on its quality and composition due to its variability and environmental conditions, besides possible adulteration. Oils that are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids are the most relevant to the cosmetic industry but are most sensitive to oxidation. The oxidation of these oils generates what is known as rancidity, with the presence of smaller and undesirable molecules, thus reducing the quality of the oil beyond its nutritional value, making them harmful to human health. Stocking conditions, such as exposure to sunlight and heat, are major phenomena that accelerate the degradation of these oils. Infrared spectrometry with Fourier transform (FTIR) is a tool with potential to evaluate the degradation effect of vegetable oils. Infrared spectra of Almond (Prunus dulcis), Andiroba (Carapa guianensis aubl.), Copaíba (Copaifera langsdorffi) and Rosehip (Rosa aff. Rubiginosa) oils before and after exposure to sun light for 90 days were analyzed, with objective of evaluating the effect of the degradation on the composition of the oil, which were acquired in local commerce of the city Porto Velho. The spectra trends show the occurrence of oxidation, with the reduction of unsaturation, in addition to the fractionation of carbon chains and appearance of functional groups such as aldehyde and alcohol.

Valorization of andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) residues through optimization of alkaline pretreatment to obtain fermentable sugars

The residual peels of andiroba seeds were submitted to alkaline pretreatment that aimed to maximize the recovery of fermented sugar. Evaluation of the best operation performance via the reaction time variables (20, 60, and 100 min), NaOH concentration (2, 3, and 4% (m/v)), and temperature (60, 90, and 120 °C) at a fixed solids concentration of 5% (m/v) was performed. A Box-Behnken experimental design was used. Lignocellulosic material was characterized by cellulose (30.57 ± 1.00%), hemicellulose (15.08 ± 0.65%), lignin (36.02 ± 1.05%), extractives (7.49 ± 0.03%), and ash (1.53 ± 0.28%). The optimization was performed using the response surface methodology approach. The model provided a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.95. The predicted optimal conditions for the process were a reaction time of 100 min, NaOH concentration of 4% (m/v), and temperature of 120 °C, which allowed the authors to obtain a saccharification of approximately 47.9%.

Altitude and species identity drive leaf litter decomposition rates of ten species on a 2950 m altitudinal gradient in Neotropical rain forests

AbstractIdentifying the environmental factors controlling litter decomposition is key to understanding the magnitude and rates of nutrient cycling in tropical forests, and how they may be influenced by climate variability and environmental change. We carried out a leaf litter translocation experiment in mature rain forest over a 2,520 m altitudinal gradient in Costa Rica. Leaf litter decomposition rates (k) of ten tree species, two dominant species from each ecosystem, plus two standard species, were calculated over 540 days in four life zones. k was lowest in montane with 0.83 per year and lower montane forests with 2.21 per year. k did not differ between lowland and premontane forests at 3.12 per year, in spite of the 3℃ difference of mean annual temperature between these life zones. k varied fourfold among species. Species decomposition rates ranked as follows, and were predictably related to leaf economic spectrum traits of the species: Acalypha communis (standard, fast decomposer)» Hyeronima oblonga &gt; Alchornea latifolia, Quercus bumelioides, Jarava ichu (standard, slow decomposer)&gt; Minquartia guianensis &gt; Magnolia sororum &gt; Vochysia allenii &gt; Pourouma bicolor, Carapa guianensis. These two slowest‐decomposing species were native premontane and lowland forest dominants, respectively, with tough, low‐nutrient leaves. The ranking of species by k varied very little among life zones suggesting that decomposer organisms in very different ecosystems and environments react in similar ways to the litter quality in general. We conclude that while k decreases with temperature in rain forests on tropical mountains, bioclimatic zones defined as premontane may be “functionally lowland.” The effects of species identity on decomposition rates on tropical mountains are consistent and independent of environment for both standard and native species. Under climate change on these mountains, if moisture regimes do not change, decomposition rates will increase due to rising temperatures. Soil carbon storage may therefore decrease. Changes in the altitudinal distributions of currently dominant species will also affect this critically important biogeochemical process.

Antibacterial Activity of Phytochemical Extracts and Endophytic Fungi of Carapa Guianensis Against Enterococcus Faecalis in Endodontic Infections An In Vitro Study

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of phytochemical extracts and endophytic fungi of Carapa guianensis against Enterococcus faecalis. Carapa guianensis leaves and stems were collected to obtain phytochemical extracts and fungal metabolites and evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against E. faecalis using the disc diffusion method and dentin blocks with bacterial biofilm. Methods: Thirty dentin blocks were prepared and contaminated for 60 days with E. faecalis. The specimens were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups according to the test solution used: G1 – hexane stem extract of Carapa guianensis; G2 – methanol stem extract of Carapa guianensis; G3 – methanol leaf extract of Carapa guianensis; G4 – ethyl acetate extract of the endophytic fungus Penicillium isolated from Carapa guianensis; G5 – negative control, with no addition of bacterial inoculum; G6 – positive control. Results: Bacterial growth was analyzed by spectrophotometry after 14 days of direct contact between the extracts and dentin blocks. The hexane-stem, methanol-stem, methanol-leaf, and ethyl-acetate endophytic fungus Penicillium extracts inhibited bacterial growth in 100% of the samples. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the antibacterial potential of phytochemical extracts and endophytic fungi of Carapa guianensis against E. faecalis.