Caryocar Coriaceum Research Articles

Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Pequi) fixed oil presents hypolipemic and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro

Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Pequi) is found in southern Ceará, where the fruit is used as food and in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, and to promote healing. However, little is known about the effects of repeated administration of its oil on the biochemical parameters of the blood. This work aimed to evaluate the effects Caryocar coriaceum fixed oil (OFCC); on the lipid profiles of healthy mice, on dyslipidemia induced by tyloxapol, and to study its anti-inflammatory effect both in vivo and in vitro. The results revealed significant reduction in total serum cholesterol and triglycerides, and an increase in HDL-C. The paw edema (induced by carrageenan) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), in polymorphonuclear culture cells, was reduced at all dose levels. Results demonstrated that Caryocar coriaceum's fix oil present anti-inflammatory activity and, for the first time describe the hypolipidemic effects, supporting its traditional use and suggest that present a potential cardioprotective effect.

Thermophysical properties of the pequi pulp in different concentrations

The pequi fruit ( Caryocar coriaceum Wittm) has a great economic interest, regarding the use of its fruits in cooking as a source of vitamins and extraction of oils for the manufacture of cosmetics. However, are unknown studies on the thermophysical properties (specific heat, thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity), in which properties are very important to the pulp being favored in an industrial level. The work in question was aimed at studying the physical properties of the pequi pulp with levels of total soluble solids of 6, 8, 10 and 12 °Brix. The physical properties were studied: specific heat, thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity. The specific heat of the pulps was determined using the method of mixtures, the thermal diffusivity was determined using the method proposed by Dickerson and the thermal conductivity KD-2 equipment. Therefore, it was found that the specific heat tended to increase with the increase of temperature and total soluble solids content of the pulp. The thermal diffusivity of the pequi pulp decreased with the increase in total soluble solids; the thermal conductivity of the pulp did not show a definite increase in temperature trend in the pulps investigated.

Pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm., Caryocaraceae) Oil Production: A strong economically influenced tradition in the Araripe region, northeastern Brazil

The extraction of pequi ( Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.) oil is a traditional activity that occurs between December and March. This extraction is performed by communities from the Araripe region, northeastern Brazil, and is very important to the local economy and culture. However, this practice has never been described in the literature. Thus, this photographic essay presents a description of this activity. The fruit are collected inside Araripe-Apodi National Forest (FLONA); oil production occurs in temporary settlements near FLONA, and oil marketing occurs on the highway and public markets in cities nearby this location. The Pequi Collectors’ Ranch Festival ends the process when typical pequi meals are made and sold and a Catholic mass is performed to give thanks for the harvest. In addition to being a significant cultural and economic practice, pequi oil production is an important part of local people’s lives. Therefore, we must encourage its socioecological sustainability.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm fruit pulp fixed ethyl acetate extract on zymosan-induced arthritis in rats

The ethyl acetate extract from the fruit pulp of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm (Caryocaraceae), popularly known as pequi, has wide applications in popular medicine. Preclinical tests have demonstrated the therapeutic properties of the oil. We investigated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Pequi C. coriaceum Wittm ethyl acetate extract (PCCO) on zymosan-induced arthritis in rat knee joint. The animals were pretreated with PCCO for 7 consecutive days or with a single dose. Paw elevation time (PET), leukocyte infiltration, myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) and cytokine levels were assessed 4h after zymosan injection. Synovial tissue was harvested for immunohistochemical analysis, edema and vascular permeability. We observed a significant decrease in PET with PCCO pretreatment. PCCO showed a significant reduction of leukocyte migration and a decrease in MPO. Decreases were observed in cytokine release in the synovial fluid and TNF-α and cyclooxygenase-1 immunostaining in synovial tissue. Edema was inhibited by treatment with all doses of PCCO. The data suggest that PCCO exerts antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects on arthritis in rats.

Implications from the Use of Non-timber Forest Products on the Consumption of Wood as a Fuel Source in Human-Dominated Semiarid Landscapes.

Little is known about what possible effects on wood resources might be caused by non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Here, we assessed the patterns of fuelwood consumption related to an NTFP (Caryocar coriaceum) oil extraction and how this non-domestic activity can indirectly increase the use pressure on fuelwood species in a protected area, semiarid of Brazil. We conducted semi-structured interviews, in situ inventories, phytosociological surveys, and analyses of wood quality to identify the set of woody plants used in oil production. Householders use large volumes of dry wood and a set of woody species, which are highly exploited. Additionally, many preferred species have low fuel potential and suffer much use pressure. The best fuelwood species are underused, what requires management strategies to improve their potential as a source of energy. As a result, we suggest some conservation and management actions of fuelwood resources related to the use of NTFPs.

Extraction of pequi (Caryocar coriaceum) pulp oil using subcritical propane: Determination of process yield and fatty acid profile

Brazil is rich in oil plants that have natural antioxidants in their constitution, among which “pequi” (Caryocar coriaceum) stands out, a fruit represented by several species and the most common in the Northeastern Brazilian states such as Ceará and Pernambuco. This fruit has a lot of oil which can be used for nutritional and medicinal purposes. The aim of this research was to study the oil extraction process from pequi pulp, the quality of the extracts, kinetic modeling, and extraction with subcritical propane. Pequi fruits were extracted and their pulps were dried and ground. The oil extracted with subcritical propane was obtained at a pressure range of 5–15MPa and temperatures of 303.15–333.15K. The highest yield was 43.69% for the extraction condition of 15MPa and 333.15K. Ethanol and ethyl acetate were used in concentrations of 10–25% (volume) as solvent modifiers to obtain yields up to 44.99%. Soxhlet extractions were performed using ethanol and hexane as solvents and higher yield (52.78%) was obtained with the use of ethanol. The fatty acid analysis showed that different experimental conditions did not impact the fatty acid profile. The fatty acids found at greater proportion were palmitic acid (35.4%, in mass) and oleic acid (60.6%, in mass). The phenolic compound content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and showed no significant difference among the extraction methods used. Different mass transfer models (Crank, Sovová, and Martinez models) reported in the literature were used to model the extraction curves. The Sovová model had the best fit to the experimental data.

Plant extractivism in light of game theory: a case study in northeastern Brazil.

BackgroundGame theory enables the predictive study of the behavior of agents that recognize the mutual interdependence of their decisions and act rationally and strategically to maximize their own gains. In this paper, the extractivism of pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.) and fava d’anta (Dimorphandra gardneriana Tul.) in an area of common use of the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil is described as a model to illustrate a practical application of game theory in the interpretation of the phenomena analyzed in ethnobiological research.MethodsField research was conducted in the Araripe-Apodi National Forest. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 55 informants recognized as knowledgeable and experienced in the extractivism of pequi and fava d’anta in the region. In the interviews, information that could contribute to the identification and understanding of the focal points of extractivism in the region was surveyed. Data were analyzed under an analytical/descriptive approach using the “content analysis” technique.ResultsThere was a logic of competitive entrepreneurship around the commercial extractivism of pequi and fava d’anta in the region. Among the extractivists of pequi, one of the main collection rules refers to the prohibition of removing immature fruits by using sticks or shaking the branches. In the extractivism of fava d’anta, no specific rules have been established by collectors, but there is a predominant behavior of withdrawing all available fruits (pods) on a tree in a single visit. In an analysis guided by game theory, the collection decisions adopted by extractivists to maximize gain from the activity can be considered justifiable from the standpoint of economic rationality.ConclusionsThe “game of extractivism” of pequi and fava d’anta operates under conditions similar to the “tragedy of the commons.” In this game, the non-cooperative solution is converted to the Nash equilibrium. The approach used in this study contributed to the identification of strategies and solutions to problems arising from the extractivism of pequi and fava d’anta.

Promising medicinal plants for bioprospection in a Cerrado area of Chapada do Araripe, Northeastern Brazil

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraditional medical systems represent an important source of knowledge about the use of biodiversity. Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological studies can encourage bioprospecting in the pursuit and selection of promising medicinal plants. This study investigated the diversity of medicinal plants in a disjunct area of cerrado in Chapada do Araripe, Ceará, Brazil, and assessed the species of interest for bioprospecting. Materials and methodsStructured and semi-structured interviews were conducted through free listing, and the informants were recruited using the “snowball” technique. The relative importance and informant consensus factor were analyzed for the selection of plant species with therapeutic potential. ResultsA total of 68 species were recorded and cited for 91 therapeutic purposes. Of these, 10 species showed great versatility of use, including Copaifera langsdorffii Desf., Caryocar coriaceum Wittn., Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel, Stryphnodendron rotundifolium Mart., and Dimorphandra garderiana Tull. The therapeutic citations were grouped into 16 categories of body systems, of which Injuries, Poisonings and Other Consequences of External Causes, and Neoplasias showed the highest agreement of use. ConclusionsRegarding the diversity of the species, some including Tocoyena Formosa (Cham. & Schlecht.) Schum., Himatanthus drasticus, Caryocar coriaceum, Roupala montana Aubl. and Stryphnodendron rotundifolium showed both high relative importance and strong consensus among informants, and although many have already been investigated scientifically, others are almost unknown with respect to their medicinal properties and can be targets for bioprospecting.

English

Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (pequi) has been popularly used in Northeastern Brazil in the treatment of inflammation, pain and respiratory affections. This study evaluated the topical anti-inflammatory activity of C. coriaceum hydroethanolic extract (CCHE) and methanolic fraction (CCMF) from pequi tree leaves against different skin sensitizer agents (arachidonic acid, croton oil, phenol and histamine), as well their antioxidant activity and phenolic compound profile. High performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis pointed the presence of chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin and lower concentrations of caffeic and gallic acids. Both CCHE and CCMF 1 mg/ear demonstrated significant topical anti-inflammatory effect against arachidonic acid, phenol and histamine single application (antiedematous effect ranging from 48 to 69% for CCHE and 36 to 64% for CCMF; P < 0.05 vs. negative control). In contrast, both extracts did not antagonize the croton oil single application-induced ear edema when compared with the control group (P > 0.05). Additionally, both extracts exhibited strong DPPH• free radical scavenging activity in vitro (EC50 = 5.02 ± 4.37 μg/ml for CCMF and 6.06 ± 4.03 μg/ml for CCHE). Together, the results give important support that CCHE and CCMF (and their phenolic compounds, according to previous data from literature) could exert topical anti-inflammatory activity by possibly modulate the local production of inflammatory mediators including histamine, arachidonic acid metabolites and reactive oxygen species.   Key words: Topical anti-inflammatory activity, mouse ear edema, dermatitis, Caryocar coriaceum, polyphenols, skin disorders.

Traditional Knowledge and Management of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Pequi) in the Brazilian Savanna, Northeastern Brazil1

Traditional Knowledge and Management ofCaryocar coriaceumWittm. (Pequi) in the Brazilian Savanna, Northeastern BrazilCaryocar coriaceum Wittm. (pequi) is a tree native to northeastern Brazil that produces fruits of importance to human populations of the region. This species serves as a resource for the livelihoods of many people and represents a source of income in many rural communities in northeastern Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, use, collection practices, and forms of local management related to C. coriaceum in a rural community in the state of Ceara, Chapada do Araripe, northeast Brazil. Pequi collectors were identified and constituted the sample of respondents (N = 56). The knowledge of C. coriaceum is uniformly distributed in the community. The categories food and derivatives (oil) were the most relevant. Considering all use categories, there was a significant difference between the knowledge of men and women (p <0.05, 95% confidence interval) based on the Shannon-Wiener and Hurlbert’s PIE diversity indices. The main form of management applied to pequi trees was collection of its fruits, followed by the practice locally referred to as zelar (similar to the management practice “protection”) and sowing seeds. All of the informants stated that they commercialize pequi fruits. The mean income from fruit sales is less than the mean income obtained via selling pequi oil, as the latter product is of greater commercial value. Among the nine most relevant collection sites, Barreiro Novo (savanna) was highlighted, which is part of both a protected area and the anthropogenic landscape of the region, and has great economic and cultural importance for pequi collectors.

Phenolic composition and in vitro activity of the Brazilian fruit tree Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.

IntroductionCaryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae) is a plant found in the region of Araripe (Ceará State, Brazil) and is widely used in folk medicine. The present work aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and synergistic–antibiotic activity of a hydroethanol leaf extract (LECC) and a methanol fraction (LECC-MF) of C. coriaceum. MethodologyQualitative phytochemical analysis of both extracts was performed and the quantification of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was performed by HPLC-DAD. The antimicrobial activity of a hydroethanol leaf extract of C. coriaceum (LECC) and a methanol fraction (LECC-MF) were analyzed by the microdilution test using standard and clinical multiresistant bacterial and fungal strains (Staphylococus aureus ATCC25923, Escherichia coli ATCC10536, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC15442, Klebsiella pneumonae ATCC4362, E. coli 27, S. aureus 358, Candida albicans ICB12 and Candida krusei ATCC6258). The synergism assay was performed with aminoglycosides (as amikacin, Kanamycin, gentamicin and neomycin) and antifungal drugs (as metronidazole, amphotericin B, nystatin, and benzoylmetronidazole). ResultsThe phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of pyrogallic and hydrolisable tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and other phytocompounds. HPLC analysis showed a variety of compounds in both of the extracts, including gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutine and quercetine. Both the hydroethanol extract and methanol fraction showed no clinically relevant antimicrobial effect against the tested microorganisms. However, a synergistic activity was demonstrated by both natural products against E. coli 27 and S. aureus 358. ConclusionThese findings suggest that LECC and LECC-MF could be used as an important source of compounds with the potential to reduce the bacterial resistance to aminoglycosides.

Composição e estrutura de comunidades arbóreas de cerrado stricto sensu no norte do Tocantins e sul do Maranhão

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a composição e a estrutura da comunidade arbórea de cerrado stricto sensu (s.s.) no município de Filadélfia (norte do Tocantins) e compará-la com a mesma fitofisionomia em uma área adjacente na bacia do rio Tocantins, no município de Carolina (MA), na província norte-nordeste do Cerrado. Em Filadélfia foram alocadas aleatoriamente 10 parcelas de 20 × 50m, totalizando um ha. Todos os indivíduos lenhosos com diâmetro de caule &gt; 5 cm, medidos a 30 cm do solo, foram incluídos. Os dados de composição e estrutura da vegetação em Carolina foram obtidos em literatura. Dois métodos de análise foram empregados: UPGMA, adotando-se o índice de Sørensen, e TWINSPAN, agrupando parcelas e espécies. Em Filadélfia foram encontrados 789 indivíduos, 53 espécies e 44 gêneros; H' foi igual a 3,32 nats. ind-1 e J'=0,83. Nove espécies (Qualea parviflora, Pouteria ramiflora, Curatella americana, Hirtella ciliata, Qualea grandiflora, Parkia platycephala, Diospyros sericea, Stryphnodendron sp. e Stryphnodendron rotundifolium) representaram 49,9% do VI total. Das 69 espécies encontradas nas duas áreas, 36 foram comuns. O índice de Sørensen mostrou baixa similaridade florística entre Carolina e Filadélfia. A análise por TWINSPAN também mostrou similaridade qualitativa e quantitativa reduzidas entre as áreas. Os resultados revelaram que as comunidades de cerrado s.s. são diferenciadas entre e dentre as áreas, com provável influência das diferenças de solo. Não obstante, a fitossociologia foi similar a de outros estudos na região e a composição é característica da província fitogeográfica norte/nordeste do bioma Cerrado, contendo elementos típicos como Hirtella ciliata, Platonia insignis e Caryocar coriaceum.

Angiosperms from the Araripe National Forest, Ceará, Brazil

This study provides a species list of the angiosperms from the Araripe National Forest (ANF) in the south part of Ceará state, northeastern Brazil. The floristic survey recorded 188 species from 55 Angiosperm families. The most species-rich families were Fabaceae (31), Rubiaceae (17), Asteraceae (14), Bignoniaceae (10), Myrtaceae (9), Euphorbiaceae (7), Apocynaceae and Malpighiaceae (7) and Annonaceae and Solanaceae (5). The flora of the ANF is composed of typical species from the vegetation physiognomies of Cerrado sensu lato such as cerradão and cerrado sensu stricto and it is influenced by the northeastern phytogeographic Cerrado province. Furthermore, there are influences of ecotones between these physiognomies, seasonal forests and carrascos within the Caatinga biome. In addition to four threatened species that were recorded, the ANF also harbors species that represent important incomes for local communities because of the non-timber forest products, such as Dimorphandra gardneriana Tul. and Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.

Synergistic action between Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. fixed oil with aminoglycosides in vitro

AbstractThe oil obtained from the Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (pequi) fruit pulp (C. coriaceum fixed oil – CCFO), rich in fatty acids, has been secularly employed by traditional medicine in the treatment of respiratory affections, skin inflammation, and wounds. These observations encouraged us to investigate the antimicrobial activity of CCFO and to investigate its effect in combination with aminoglycosides. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CCFO alone and associated with aminoglycosides against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains were determined using microdilution assay. CCFO alone had a MIC of 512 µg/mL against E. coli and S. aureus resistant strains. Combining the CCFO with aminoglycosides reduced the MIC of aminoglycosides against the resistant strains of E. coli and S. aureus. The results obtained indicate that CCFO displays a significant synergistic antibiotic effect when combined with aminoglycosides, demonstrating that the oil constituents (fatty acids) may act as potentiators of the antibiotic activity of aminoglycosides. These properties make CCFO oil an interesting alternative as a remedy or nutraceutical against multiresistant bacteria, preventing the development of resistance by these microorganisms.Practical applications: This article demonstrates the capacity of the C. coriaceum oil to enhance the antibiotic activity of aminoglycosides. This activity could represent a new way to combat the growing bacterial resistance to antibiotics, an important problem of public health.

Antibacterial Properties of Pequi Pulp Oil (Caryocar coriaceum – WITTM.)

Pequi fruits have a high nutritional value, and they are rich in protein and vitamins. This work reports the results of the chemical characterization and antibacterial activity of “pequi” fruit pulp oil of Caryocar coriaceum (Wittm). Chemical composition was assessed by GLC and the antibacterial activity was assayed by the disk diffusion method. GLC indicated the following fatty acid content: oleic (55.79 g/100 g oil), palmitic (34.18 g/100 g oil), heptadecenoic (5.86 g/100 g oil), linoleic (1.80 g/100 g oil), stearic (1.73 g/100 g oil), eicosenoic (0.37 g/100 g oil), and palmitoleic (0.27 g/100 g oil). The oil showed antibacterial activity, inhibiting the growth of Salmonella cholerasuis (MIC < 1.25%), Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 1.25%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC 1.25%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC 5%). There is great interest in extending the use of this natural product so that derivatives with combined social, economic and therapeutic value can be produced.

Topical anti-inflammatory effect of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae) fruit pulp fixed oil on mice ear edema induced by different irritant agents

Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. fruit pulp fixed oil (CCFO) has been widely employed by communities from Brazil Northeastern in the treatment of skin inflammation, respiratory affections, wound healing and muscle pain. In this study, we evaluated the topical effect of CCFO against different irritant agents in vivo, in order to verify its antiedematous effect as well to unravel its tentative mechanisms of action. CCFO was obtained from Caryocar coriaceum fruits using ethyl acetate as solvent. Ear edema provoked by the application of Croton oil (single and multiple applications), arachidonic acid (AA), capsaicin, phenol and histamine to Swiss mice was used to evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory effect of CCFO. Histological analysis from mice ears sensitized with Croton oil and AA single application was also performed. Crude CCFO (20μL/ear) demonstrated significant topical antiedematous effect against Croton oil single (inhibition of 32.0%; P<0.05) and multiple (41.4% after 9 days, P<0.001) applications, AA (inhibition of 49.7%; P<0.01) and phenol (inhibition of 38.8%; P<0.001). In contrast, CCFO did not antagonize the edema caused by topical treatment with capsaicin and histamine when compared to control group (P>0.05). Histological analysis also revealed that CCFO was able to reduce the edema and the influx of inflammatory cells in mice ears sensitized with Croton oil and AA. CCFO exhibited a similar profile of topical anti-inflammatory activity to that of drugs that classically modulate the production of arachidonic acid metabolites. The study also indicates the potential application of CCFO as an important herbal medicine to be used against skin inflammatory diseases.

In vivo topical anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of the fixed oil of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. seeds

Ethnopharmacological relevance Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae), popularly known as pequi, is important source of food and used in the folk medicine as wound healing, anti-inflammatory and for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract, rheumatic and muscular pains and gastric ulcer. Aim of the study To evaluate the effects of fixed oil of Caryocar coriaceum (FOCC) on the topical inflammation and cutaneous wound healing. Materials and methods FOCC was purchased commercially and used at 6%, 12%, 25%, 50% and 100% on model of ear edema induced by xylene and ointments formulations at 6% and 12% on wound excision model in mice. Skin lesions were evaluated by planimetry and histological analysis. Results FOCC was capable of reducing inflammation in a dose-dependent fashion. FOCC in nature (100%) inhibited the ear edema in 38.01% and 39.20% at time 15 min and 1 h, respectively, after induction of inflammation, when compared to the positive control. The topical administration of FOCC ointment 12% showed a significantly reduction of unhealed wound area, with increased percentage of wound contraction (96.54%) on day 7 when compared to the other groups. The results of histological evaluation supported the outcome of excision wound model. Conclusion Caryocar coriaceum inhibits the topical inflammation and accelerate cutaneous wound repair.

Physicochemical and spectroscopical investigation of Pequi (&lt;i&gt;Caryocar coriaceum&lt;/i&gt; Wittm.) pulp oil

This work describes the physicochemical characterization of the fruit pulp oil of Caryocar coriaceum (Wittm), “pequi.” The chemical composition was assessed by GLC, which demonstrated the following fatty acid contents: oleic (55.79%), palmitic (34.18%), heptadecenoic (5.86%), linoleic (1.80%), stearic (1.73%), eicosenoic (0.37%) and palmitoleic (0.27%). The vibrational spectroscopy results were typical of an edible oil, and are in accordance with the high unsaturated fatty acid content. Physical properties such as water content, acidity, peroxide index, saponification index, relative density, viscosity and refraction index are reported for the first time for this species. Pequi fruits have a high nutritional value, and are rich in protein and vitamins. In addition, their composition includes essential fatty acids, which accounts for the popular use of the fruit oil for antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity. There is great interest in extending the use of this natural product by exploiting the combined social, economic and therapeutic values of its derivatives.

Caracterização física de frutos do pequizeiro nativos da chapada do Araripe-CE

O trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização física de frutos de pequizeiros (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.) nativos da Chapada do Araripe, sul do Estado do Ceará, a fim de quantificar a variabilidade entre as plantas e identificar materiais de interesse agroindustrial e para melhoramento genético. Frutos de 35 plantas foram caracterizados através de 24 parâmetros físicos no fruto inteiro, casca, amêndoa, polpa e semente. Os resultados (média de 25 frutos) foram avaliados via estatísticas descritivas (medidas de tendência central e variabilidade dos dados) e métodos de análise multivariada (análise de agrupamento e análise de componentes principais). os frutos provenientes das plantas 01; 02; 03; 05; 07; 14; 22 e 26 apresentaram as melhores características para processamento. A análise de agrupamento resultou na identificação de cinco grupos de plantas com características fenotípicas similares. os resultados mostraram a existência de considerável variabilidade na espécie.

Healing potential of Pequi ( Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.) fruit pulp oil

Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae), popularly known as Pequi, is a common tree frequently used in folk medicine to treat many types of afflictions, such as wound lesions, gastric and inflammatory diseases. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the healing potential of the pulp oil from C. coriaceum (OCC) in rats and mice. OCC was tested by monitoring wound contraction in incised wounds and topical application of OCC accelerated wound contraction in open wounds. The mean values of wound contraction in pulp oil treated rats on day 16 were 6.25 ± 0.51% as against 4.17 ± 0.28% seen in control and the difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.01). Gastric lesions induced by ethanol and aspirin were significantly reduced by OCC (200 and 400 mg/kg, p < 0.05). Pretreatment of mice with yohimbine, indomethacin, l-NAME or glibenclamide greatly suppressed the gastroprotective effect of OCC. Thus we provide the first evidence that OCC reduces gastric damage induced by ethanol, at least in part, by mechanisms that involve α 2-receptors, endogenous prostaglandins, nitric oxide and K +ATP channels. These results indicate the beneficial effect of C. coriaceum on wound and gastric healing and justify its traditional use for the treatment of wounds and gastric ulcers.