Pequi Research Articles

Healing of dermal wounds property of Caryocar brasiliense oil loaded polymeric lipid-core nanocapsules: formulation and in vivo evaluation

Cutaneous lesions lead to complications in patients, since they may be recurrent and also represent risk of progression to infection and/or amputation. Therefore, effective, protective, and topical treatments of easy application and removal need to be developed to provide effective alternatives to patients. The Caryocar brasiliense Cambess (CBC) presents important pharmacological activities and proved in the healing process. This paper reports the improvement of the CBC nanostructured (LNCCBC and LNCCBC+) activity in dermal wounds in vivo. The oil was physico-chemically characterized and used in the development of lipid-core nanocapsules (LNCs), coated (LNCCBC+) or without chitosan (LNCCBC), in concentration of 1.0 mg mL-1. Hydrogel (HG) was tested in vivo on lesions in the back of male Wistar rats for 14 days. The oil presented appropriate physico-chemical characteristics for its use, such as moisture 0.76 %, acidity 0.85 % and oleic acid 25.90 %. The LNCs showed nanometric size (around 200 nm), monomodal distribution, slight acid pH and zeta potential of+22.1 mV in accordance with the composition. The nanostructured oil induced dermal healing in vivo showing significantly better improvement than free oil. LNCCBC+ showed best results showing the higher increase of the production of type 1 collagen, an important protein to the healing repair. These results suggest that development of formulations LNCCBC and LNCCBC+ are promising and important alternative for the treatment of dermal wounds, avoiding complications related to cutaneous lesions.

Pequi Fruit (Caryocar brasiliense) in Minas Gerais: Commercialization and Public Policy

Abstract Extractivism of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) fruit represents an economic opportunity for rural communities of Brazil despite the lack of research on its production chain. This study aims to characterize the commercialization of pequi fruit in municipalities of the state of Minas Gerais and identify public policies that strengthen its production chain in order to support its use for generating income within rural communities. Information was obtained through searches on official sites, published literature and other documents, and through semi-structured and open interviews held in 39 commercial establishments and in five restaurants. Between 2003 and 2011, the national production and the price of one tonne of pequi has risen from 42% to 209%. Sales of pequi by the Centrais de Abastecimento de Minas Gerais S.A. (CeasaMinas) of Greater Belo Horizonte, Brazil, has risen 113% between 2010 and 2014. The results indicate the feasibility of pequi extractivism for a quilombola community.

Nutritional composition and total phenolic compounds content of pequi pulp (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess.)

Pequi ( Caryocar brasiliense subsp. brasiliense , Cambess), has relevant levels of lipids, fibers, and carotenoids, and can thus have a relevant effect on lipid metabolism and as an antioxidant agent. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to describe the physical and chemical characteristics of the pulp of C. brasiliense Cambess collected in two cities of Minas Gerais, as well as its content of phenolic compounds. The fruits of C. brasiliense Cambess were collected in two cities in Minas Gerais: the Ponto Chique and the Jequitai on the ground after a natural fall, being submitted to hygiene and manually pulped. Then, the fruits underwent physical and chemical analyzes. To determine the nutritional composition of the fruits, moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, and total carbohydrates were analyzed. In order to prove the bioactive potential of the pequi pulp, an analysis of total phenolic compounds was carried out. The evaluation of the physical and chemical composition of the pulp of C. brasiliense Cambess from different cities in the north of Minas Gerais showed only physical differences and in the contents of phenolic compounds, possibly due to the great geographical proximity. However, further study is needed to determine the viability of pequi pulp as well as the fruits native to different regions of Minas Gerais. Both pulps stood out because of their considerable lipid and ash concentrations. Through the results, the potential of C. brasiliense Cambess was determined. There is evidence for significant antioxidant potential because of natural bioactive compounds present in the pulps.

Development of a Phytocosmetic Enriched with Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) Oil

Abstract The pulp oil of Caryocar brasiliense Camb., better known as pequi, is used in the typical cuisine of the Brazilian Cerrado region. It is also used in folk medicine to combat several types of disease of the respiratory system and skin. However, since its exploration is purely extractive, the exhaustion of this plant is already foreseen. Thus, in order to establish the sustainable use of pequi and contribute to its maintenance, this study aimed to develop a phytocosmetic with antioxidant and photoprotective properties using the oil of this fruit. Initially, the cytotoxicity of the oil was evaluated in order to establish the safety of its use and its fatty acid composition. Then, from the cream enriched with the oil, it was evaluated the antioxidant and photoprotector potentials, quantified the total phenolic content and examined the quality of the formulation. Pequi oil showed high percentages of palmitic (52.11%) and oleic (44.57%) fatty acids and absence of cytotoxicity. The analysis of the cream revealed 168.8 mg of total phenols in gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of oil. The evaluation of antioxidant activity showed an EC50 of 2.921 mg/mL and a capacity of inhibiting the lipoperoxidation process higher than 100%. The obtained sun protection factor was 11.40 at the concentration of 6.25 mg/mL. The quality tests revealed small disturbances in the cream stability that can be solved by further research and improvement of the formulation. The pequi oil can be converted into a phytocosmetic of great commercial value.

Gas Exchange in Caryocar Brasiliense Cambess Seedlings in Water Deficit Conditions

Abstract In this study, we assessed the gas exchange in Caryocar brasiliense seedlings in water deficit conditions and their capacity to recover after rehydration. We assessed plant photosynthetic rates, internal carbon concentrations, stomatal conductance, transpiration rates, water-use efficiency, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, chlorophyll index, and photosystem II quantum efficiency. All gas exchange parameters were reduced after the suspension of irrigation. Seedling photosynthetic rates approached zero after 12 days. The equilibrium was reestablished in all variables 11 days after re-initiating irrigation, with the exception of internal CO2 concentration and stomatal conductance. Exposure of seedlings to water stress resulted in drastically reduced photosynthetic processes. This reduction occurred due to the limitation of stomatal conductance and low rubisco carboxylation efficiency but not to irreversible damage photosystem II. All of these parameters demonstrated recuperation with rehydration, but only the photosynthetic rates reached initial control values.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Caryocaraceae) and comparative analysis brings new insights into the plastome evolution of Malpighiales.

Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) is a Neotropical tree species widely distributed in Brazilian Savannas. This species is very popular in central Brazil mainly by the use of its fruits in the local cuisine, and indeed it is one of the candidates, among Brazilian native plants, for fast track incorporation into cropping systems. Here we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of C. brasiliense and used the data to access its genomic resources using high-throughput sequencing. The chloroplast exhibits a genome length of 165,793 bp and the typical angiosperm quadripartite structure with two copies of an inverted repeat sequence (IRa and IRb) of 34,902 bp each, separating a small single copy (SSC) region of 11,852 bp and a large single copy (LSC) region of 84,137 bp. The annotation analysis identified 136 genes being 87 protein-coding, eight rRNA and 37 tRNA genes. We identified 49 repetitive DNA elements and 85 microsatellites. A bayesian phylogenetic analysis helped to understand previously unresolved relationships in Malpighiales, placing Caryocaraceae as a separated group in the order, with high supported nodes. This study synthetizes valuable information for further studies allowing a better understanding of evolutionary patterns in the group and providing resources for future breeding programs.

Characterization of pequi shell (caryocar brasiliense camb.) For its use as a biomass

Pequi is one of the most important fruits of Cerrado biome, and it is very consumed mainly by the population of west central of Brazil. The pequi is composed of bark, pulp and seeds, the bark of the ripe fruit correspond to approximately 84% of its weight, being the great majority discarded as garbage, causing environmental impact. On this, this research had as objective to characterize the barks of the pequi, aiming its use as biomass. For this purpose, moisture content analyzes were performed, and ashes, volatile materials, fixed carbon, specific mass, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), grain size, and higher calorific value analysis as well, according to Brazilian standards ABNT NBR 8112 and 8633. The analyses showed that the bark of the in natura pequi has a high moisture content, around 73%, and 2.2% of ash content. The higher calorific value obtained to the pequi bark was around 15 MJ kg-1 being similar to other agricultural leavings used to generate electrical power. The thermogravimetric analysis showed that the pequi bark has a high percentage of lignin being about 50% compared to 30% in the eucalyptus bark, the higher the amount of lignin the higher the calorific value. The results obtained showed that the pequi bark presents high using potential as a biomass to generate electrical power.

Hydroalcoholic extract of Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. leaves affect the development of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

INTRODUCTION: Curtailing the development of the aquatic immature stages of Aedes aegypti is one of the main measures to limit their spread and the diseases transmitted by them. The use of plant extracts is a promising approach in the development of natural insecticides. Thus, this research aimed to characterize the inhibitory effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Caryocar brasiliense leaves on the emergence of adult A. aegypti and the main substances that constitute this extract. METHODS: C. brasiliense leaf extract was prepared by ethanol (70%) extraction. Bioassays using L3 larvae were performed at concentrations of 200, 300, 400, and 500 ppm. We identified the major secondary metabolites present in this extract, and performed toxicity tests on an off-target organism, Danio rerio.RESULTS: We observed a significant delay in the development of A. aegypti larvae mainly at a concentration of 500 ppm, and estimated an emergence inhibition for 50% of the population of 150 ppm. Moreover, the C. brasiliense leaf extracts exhibited low toxicity in D. rerio. The main compounds found in the extract were quercetin, violaxanthin, myricetin3-O-hexoside, methyl-elagic-3-arabinose acid, and isoquercitrin. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, we demonstrate the inhibition of mosquito development by the hydroalcoholic extract of C. brasiliense and suggest substances that may act as active principles.

Woody biomass accumulation in a Cerrado of Central Brazil monitored for 27 years after the implementation of silvicultural systems

The Brazilian Cerrado is the second largest biome in Brazil, and its natural landscapes have undergone transformations, due in large part to anthropic activities. However, little is known about the effects of these activities on the natural regeneration of Cerrado vegetation. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of woody biomass in an area of a Cerrado sensu stricto that was monitored for 27 years after the implementation of six silvicultural systems.A period of 17 years was sufficient for the woody community of the Cerrado sensu stricto to naturally recover its original stock of aerial biomass after the application of silvicultural systems. A Few woody species contribute to the total aerial biomass accumulated over time, and such contribution is variable with time and with the type of silvicultural system.At 27 years after cutting, the largest fraction of biomass accumulated in the area were represented by the species Miconia leucocarpa, Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Schefflera macrocarpa, Qualea grandiflora, Dalbergia miscolobium, Eriotheca pubescens, Qualea parviflora and Caryocar Brasiliense, which also demonstrated higher fire resistance.A period of 17 years after the implementation of silvicultural systems is considered sufficient for an area to recover naturally to the original stock of woody biomass at the community level. This result causes a greater reduction in the biomass of fire-sensitive species and transforms a Cerrado from a carbon sink into a source of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere.

Moisture stimulates galler emergence from dry season dormancy in the leaf litter

In tropical regions, a great proportion of trees and shrubs shed their leaves over the dry season. Since gall-inducing insects are generally host species-specific, where do they go when their hosts have no leaves? There is practically no research into dormancy strategies of tropical galling insects. We hypothesised that the galling insect Eurytoma sp. (Chalcidoidea, Eurytomidae) undergo dormancy inside their galls on shed leaves of the host plant Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Caryocaraceae). The insects would emerge from the galls in synchrony with the sprouting of new leaves, at the beginning of the wet season, stimulated by increased moisture after the first rain of the wet season. In order to test that, we collected leaves from the leaf litter in the last month of the dry season and gently showered half of them in a sink to simulate rain. In the two weeks before the first rainfall, the watered leaves presented an over trifold higher gall eclosion rate than the ones in the control group. There is no previous account of a tropical galling insect undergoing dormancy inside galls in the leaf litter. We contrast this evidence with the possibility that, at least in the tropics, galls may also have had an adaptive value as dormancy structures during their evolutionary history, and evolved in response to the deciduousness of plants growing in harsh environments.

Fruit Development and ABA Biosynthesis During Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) Seed Maturation

Little is currently known about the interactions between structural and physiological factors in Neotropical fruit development. We sought to characterize fruit development and the dynamics of ABA biosynthesis during seed maturation in Caryocar brasiliense, a tree species endemic to the Cerrado biome of Brazil. Biometric evaluations were made of both the pericarp and seed during fruit development. ABA1, NCED4, and NCED9 expression were evaluated in embryonic tissues during seed maturation, as well as anatomical, histochemical, and ultrastructural evaluations, in vitro and ex vitro embryo cultures, and ABA quantifications. Fruit development demonstrated three stages: histodifferentiation (0–40 days after anthesis—DAA); endocarp maturation (40–60 DAA); and the conclusion of mesocarp and seed maturation (60–90 DAA). The embryos showed early degrees of differentiation: hypocotyl expansion, development of the leaf primordia, and vascularization. Seed maturation occurred (from 40 DAA) concomitantly with the development of endocarp aculei in four phases influenced by ABA dynamics. The beginning of reserve deposition and the acquisition of dehydration tolerance were related to increases in extra-embryonic ABA. ABA biosynthesis at the radicular pole was related to increased reserve deposition and dehydration tolerance (which was not associated with the occurrence of a desiccation phase). The maturation of C. brasiliense seeds is influenced by embryonic and extra-embryonic ABA, and the dormancy of the pyrenes results from the interaction of the effects of that hormone and pericarp tissue.

In vitro release and antioxidative potential of Pequi oil-based biopolymers (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess)

Biopolymers based on the pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) were synthesized in order to be implemented as drug vehicles. The polymers were characterized by various techniques. Associated with these techniques were the release tests (diclofenac sodium - DS) at pH 1.2 and pH 7.4. According to the results, the technique of FTIR and 1H NMR prove the effectiveness of the synthesis; the XRD technique confirms the amorphous nature of the polymers; the hydrophobic nature of the polymers was revealed by the test of the contact angle (with the P2 polymer having the lowest degree of hydrophilicity and the highest thermal stability according to the results of the thermal analysis (TG / DTG). The % of drug released was higher at pH 7.4 than at pH 1.2, for both P1 and P2, indicating that the polymers under study showed good pH sensitivity. None of the polymers has an oxidative potential. However, they present a significant potential to reduce the growth inhibition and to increase the survival of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae tested strains. The lowest concentration (100 μg mL−1) is considered to be the most effective, suggesting that the polymers under study can also be used for the development of biomaterials capable of reinforcing cellular antioxidative defenses.

Hypolipidemic effect of ethanol extract from Mesona chinensis Benth. in high fat diet-induced obesity mice

Hypolipidemic effect of ethanol extract from Mesona chinensis Benth. in high fat diet-induced obesity mice

Effects of subchronic exposure to Caryocar brasiliense peel ethanolic extract on male reproductive functions in Swiss mice

This study evaluated the effects of subchronic exposure to Caryocar brasiliense peel ethanolic extract (CBPE) on reproductive function in male Swiss mice. CBPE was administered orally for 28 days at doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg.kg−1 bw; control group received saline. Fertility test was performed after 14 days of treatment and animals were euthanized after the end of the 28-day period for evaluation of the reproductive parameters. The tested doses produced no significant changes in plasma testosterone levels, daily sperm production, sperm concentration, sperm morphology or fertility rate. However, sperm transit time was reduced in the caput/corpus epididymis, the post-implantation loss rate increased and there were significant changes in spermatogenic dynamics at the highest dose. These results indicated that subchronic exposure to CBPE has low reproductive toxicity, but additional studies are recommended to provide evidence of long-term safety at high concentrations.

Additive effect of pulp pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) on the biocompatibility of collagen and gelatin membranes in subcutaneous implants

ABSTRACT Trauma or disease inflicted by tissue injuries may cause tissue degeneration. The use of biomaterials for direct or indirect repair has emerged as a promising alternative, and has become an important research topic. The pequi fruit (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) has shown antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, healing, antitumor, and antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to develop a new biomaterial using a combination of collagen, gelatin, and pulp pequi oil, and to evaluate its biocompatibility in comparison with that of biomaterials produced without pulp pequi oil. Membranes were prepared from a mixture of bovine tendon collagen, commercial gelatin, and pulp pequi oil. The inflammatory and cicatricial processes were assessed via histopathology of the tissue interface/implants in the subcutaneous tissues and quantitative evaluation of leukocyte and collagen production in Wistar rats. It was observed that the presence of pequi oil reduced the amount of foreign-body giant cells and favored the recruitment of fibroblasts (P< 0.01), thereby promoting greater production of collagen membrane than that in the membranes of control samples. Therefore, it can be concluded that the addition of pequi oil improved the biocompatibility of collagen and accelerated the healing process.

Effect of the Reaction Volume on the Microencapsulation of Pequi (caryocar Coriaceum Wittm.) Oil by Complex Coacervation

The oil from Pequi pulp, also known as pequi oil (PO) is a promising bioactive for the food industry, and complex coacervation is a simple encapsulation method to improve its stability and use as a food ingredient. The high reaction volume used is considered a challenge to microcapsule production by coacervation process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the reaction volume on the formation, morphology, size, yield, and efficiency of pequi microcapsules. The complex coacervation was performed with wall material composed by polymers (gelatin and gum arabic) and pequi oil as the core material. The oil was mixed with gelatin, added the polysaccharide and pH was adjusted to 3.5, to allow the microparticle formation. The reaction volume treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4, related to wall material concentration, were 0.39, 0.77, 0.58, and 1.16 g 100 mL-1, respectively. The results of zeta potential were close to zero, without differences related to the reaction volume. Optical microscopy showed that, regardless of volume, microparticles of pequi oil presented defined walls, mononuclear core and particle size from 2.71 up to 7.27 µm, adequate for food application. In a smaller reaction volume (T1 and T3), the coacervates were aggregated due to the increase of the chemical interactions; in higher volumes (T3 and T4) the microcapsules showed an inverse behavior. The yield ranged from 58.40 up to 63.42 %. The encapsulation efficiency exhibited high values ??ranging from 90.05% ± 8.15 to 99.40% ± 0.21. The variation of reaction volume did not influence the formation of pequi oil microcapsules in the analyzed treatments, but the dispersion of the microcapsules changed. This study provided a new perspective on how the reaction volume influences the encapsulation by complex coacervation.

Evaluation of Different Levels of Addition of Souari Nut Peel (Caryocar brasiliense) on the Quality of the Mombasa Grass Silage

Evaluation of Different Levels of Addition of Souari Nut Peel (Caryocar brasiliense) on the Quality of the Mombasa Grass Silage

Potential of Whole Pequi (Caryocar spp.) Fruit-Pulp, Almond, Oil, and Shell-as a Medicinal Food.

Pequi (Caryocar) pulp, the most consumed component of pequi fruit, is one of the richest Brazilian carotenoid sources, and the most important carotenoid food source native to the Cerrado. However, there are considerable differences among pequi species regarding total carotenoids content and carotenoids profile. Caryocar brasiliense Camb. pulp presents higher content of total carotenoids than Caryocar villosum (Aubl.) Pers. Regarding the carotenoids profile, few studies are available in the literature, mainly with C. brasiliense. Pequi pulp also has high contents of lipids, dietary fiber, zinc, and magnesium, and is source of calcium and polyphenols. Pequi almond presents high energy, lipid, protein, dietary fiber, and ash contents. Pequi oil (pulp and almond) has high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, and relatively high contents of saturated fatty acids, mainly palmitic. Pequi shell (exocarp and external mesocarp) is the largest component of the fruit and a solid residue of the pequi processing, which is rich in dietary fibers, including soluble fibers, and phenolic compounds, mostly gallic acid, ellagic acid, and quercetin. Pulp oil is the pequi byproduct most investigated in in vivo studies. Research with pequi pulp oil in animal models has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antigenotoxic, and anticarcinogenic effects. In humans, there are evidences supporting anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and antigenotoxic effects. Studies on carotenoids profile of pequi pulp in different fruit species are recommended, and in vivo studies are necessary to better explore the potential health benefits of pequi fruit components, mainly the pequi pulp and shell.

Recovery of phenolic compounds from pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) fruit extract by membrane filtrations: Comparison of direct and sequential processes

Pequi is a local important Brazilian fruit, which presents substantial phenolic compounds that justify the processing of this fruit. Here we investigated the clarification and concentration of pequi fruit extract by membrane processes. Microfiltration through a membrane of 0.22 μm was applied to clarify the pequi extract and total solids and lipids were reduced in 50 and 65%, respectively. However, the microfiltered extract still presented a cloudy appearance (turbidity of 649 NTU) and sequential processes (ultra and nanofiltration) were applied for a further clarification and concentration. Sequential ultra and nanofiltrations presented retention factor lower than 45% for total polyphenol compounds. Ultrafiltration was especially efficient in retaining larger molecules (ellagic acid), while the smallest molecule (p-coumaric acid) was retained by the sequential nanofiltration process. Direct ultra and nanofiltration processes presented greater retention factors and yields than the sequential processes. However, the permeate flux in the direct process were lower than in the sequential membrane filtration processes. Thus, sequential membrane filtration processes are recommended to clarify and fractionate pequi fruit extract, while direct ultra and nanofiltrations presented the greatest retention factors and yields for bioactive compounds from pequi extract.

Antioxidant effect of the pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense) on the hepatic tissue of rats trained by exhaustive swimming exercises.

Increased oxygen consumption and activation of specific metabolic pathways during or after physical exercise lead to the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. An investigation was made into the effects of pequi oil supplementation in protecting liver cells against injury resulting from oxidative stress. The experiments involved 20 male adult Wistar rats ( Rattus norvegicus). The animals were divided into four experimental groups: Group 1: sedentary control group; Group 2: exercise control group; Group 3: supplemented sedentary group; and Group 4: supplemented exercise group. Supplementation consisted of pequi oil administered by oral gavage (400 mg). The animals of the exercised groups were subjected to 20 swimming sessions for 5 weeks (with progressive increase of 10 minutes until exhaustion). Samples were collected from the right hepatic lobe for histopathological analysis and determination of malondialdehyde levels. The histopathological analyses revealed that the animals of the exercised control group had moderate liver damage, while the animals of the supplemented exercised group had slight tissue damage, and the sedentary control and sedentary supplemented groups showed no tissue damage. The malondialdehyde levels showed higher and statistically significant in exercise control group when compared to the other evaluated groups (p<0.05). In conclusion the supplementation with pequi oil had a protective effect on liver cells against damage caused by oxygen free radicals during strenuous exercise, as demonstrated by the indicator of lipid peroxidation.