Chrysobalanus Icaco Research Articles

Espécies vegetais descritas em área de reserva da biosfera da Mata Atlântica como fonte para novos compostos bioativos

This work consists of a systematic review of the literature related to the plant species cataloged in Parque das Dunas, Salvador-BA, a region acclaimed by the title of Atlantic Forest biosphere reserve by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). We included studies containing data on pharmacological activity, phytochemical and toxic profile of the species, from PUBMED, SCIELO and SCIENCE DIRECT databases, in Portuguese and English, without a delimited period. The scientific names of the thirty cataloged species were used as descriptors. The physicochemical parameters and prediction in silico toxicity were evaluated for the isolated and active compounds. As a result, it was verified that of the thirty species, twelve were investigated for pharmacological activity and/or phytochemical and toxic profile, and 33% of the studies involving Chrysobalanus icaco L. (Chrysobalanaceae). Twenty-five bioactive compounds isolated predominantly of the terpene and flavonoid classes, and in eighteen studies the safety of seven species was evaluated. The in silico analysis showed ten compounds did not violate the Lipinski and Veber rules, and only three with high toxic potential. This review gathers data that point to the use of natural products from Brazilian territory in research that may culminate in development of innovative drugs.

An Ethnobotanical Survey, Pharmacognostic Profile and Phytochemical Investigation of Chrysobalanus icaco L.

The spice known as Chrysobalanus icaco L. (Chrysobalanaceae) was found near the coast of the Niger Delta in Nigeria. A survey on the ethnobotany of C. icaco seeds was conducted in Warri, Abraka, Delta State, Ezetu village, and Onitsha. Standard techniques were used to determine the pharmacognostic profile, phytochemical screening, physiochemical parameters, and elemental analysis. The findings showed that the Ezetu village people utilized the seeds traditionally for stomachache, anti-diarrhea, and post-child delivery. Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins and proteins in the seed. The seed powder's physicochemical parameters are as follows: pH (1 g/100 ml distilled water) (6.00±0.00) and pH (10 g/100 ml), water-soluble ash (1.5±0.00%), alcohol soluble ash (1.0±0.00%), acid insoluble acid (0.25±0.00%), acid soluble ash (1.0±0.00%), and sulfated ash (2.0±0.00%). The seed oil's physicochemical properties were: density (0.936±0.0%), refractive index (1.491±0.00%), iodine value (15.9±0.01%), peroxide value (25.31±0.01%), acid value (29.44±0.00%), and ester value (34.75±0.21%). The elements discovered in the seed included lead, copper, nickel, chromium, cadmium, potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Phytochemicals found in the extract include reducing sugars, proteins, amino acids, fats, oils, alkaloids, tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, cholesterol, steroids, terpenoids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, saponins, and cardiac glycosides. Quantitative phytochemical results include total phenolics (11.63±0.03), total flavonoids (2.35±0.06), total alkaloids (5.50±0.03), and total tannins (12.48±0.01). Consequently, it is possible to verify the authenticity of the seeds using these pharmacognostic features.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Acute Toxicity of Caco Seed (Chrysobalanus icaco L.) in Murine Models.

Chysobalanus icaco L. (C. icaco) is a plant that is native to tropical America and Africa. It is also found in the southeast region of Mexico, where it is used as food and to treat certain diseases. This study aimed to carry out a phytochemical analysis of an aqueous extract of C. icaco seed (AECS), including its total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannins (CT). It also aimed to examine the antioxidant and metal-ion-reducing potential of the AECS in vitro, as well as its toxicity and anti-inflammatory effect in mice. Antioxidant and metal-ion-reducing potential was examined by inhibiting DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. The acute toxicity test involved a single administration of different doses of the AECS (0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg body weight). Finally, a single administration at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of the AECS was used in the carrageenan-induced model of subplantar acute edema. The results showed that the AECS contained 124.14 ± 0.32 mg GAE, 1.65 ± 0.02 mg EQ, and 0.910 ± 0.01 mg of catechin equivalents/g dried extract (mg EC/g de extract) for TPC, TFC and CT, respectively. In the antioxidant potential assays, the values of the median inhibition concentration (IC50) of the AECS were determined with DPPH (0.050 mg/mL), ABTS (0.074 mg/mL), and FRAP (0.49 mg/mL). Acute toxicity testing of the AECS revealed no lethality, with a median lethal dose (LD50) value of >2 g/kg by the intragastric route. Finally, for inhibition of acute edema, the AECS decreased inflammation by 55%, similar to indomethacin (59%, p > 0.05). These results demonstrated that C. icaco seed could be considered a source of bioactive molecules for therapeutic purposes due to its antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory activity derived from TPC, with no lethal effect from a single intragastric administration in mice.

Identification of Bioactive Compounds in Chrysobalanus icaco Seed Kernel Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Chrysobalanus icaco seed kernel (i.e Cocoplum) is good source of oil and is utilized as spice in soups or stews in some African cuisines. The work aimed to identify compounds in methanol and dichloromethane/methanol (1:1, v/v) flour extract from its seed kernels using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Eleven compounds were identified from the methanol extract while thirteen compounds were identified from the dichloromethane/methanol extract. The most abundant compounds from the methanol extract were cis-13-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, cis vaccenic acid and n-Hexadecanoic acid. They had relative abundance of 28.83, 17.14 and 15.40% respectively. 2,6-octadienal-3,7-dimethyl (E) (ie α-citral), citral, cis-3-hexenyl cis-3-hexenoate and trans-2,7-dimethyl-4,6-octadiene-2-ol were the most abundant in the dichloromethane/methanol extract. These had relative abundance of 12.86, 18.92, 10.56 and 20.59% respectively. Compounds which were common to both methanol and dichloromethane/methanol extracts of C. icaco seed kernel were 2,6-octadienal-3,7-dimethyl (E), hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, n-Hexadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, 16 methyl, methyl ester, cis-vaccenic acid and oleic acid. Both solvents extracted varied concentrations of compounds which fall in different classes of either being an unsaturated long chain aldehyde, fatty acids, fatty acid methyl esters, indene derivatives, monoterpenoid alchohol. The compounds identified in both extracts of Chrysobalamus icaco seed kernels have various beneficial bioactivities and sensory attributessuch as being flavor compounds which confers C.icaco seed kernel a peculiar aroma. As such, Chrysobalamus icaco seed kernel is a functional food and can serve as a good raw material for edible oil from which bioactive compounds can be isolated and utilized in relevant food systems and in the preparation of neutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, its use in cuisines is greatly encouraged.

Enhancing Nutritional Composition of Fermented Parkia biglobosa Seeds with Spices

Introduction: Fermented Parkia biglobosa seed is an essential condiment in Nigeria for its unique flavor and nutritional value. Aims: The study investigated the influence of spices such as Aframomum melegueta (alligator pepper), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Allium sativum (garlic), Myristica fragrans (nutmeg), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Xylopia aethiopica (grains of Selim), Chrysobalanus icaco (cocoplum) and Parinari excelsa (skinplum) on the nutritional composition of the condiment. Methodology: Thirty grams (30g) of dried spice was added to 300g of previously pressure cooked and dehulled locust beans in separate containers. Each was inoculated with Bacillus subtilis and fermented at 37oC for 36 hours. Results: The phytic acid in alligator fermented ‘iru’, ginger fermented ‘iru’ and nutmeg fermented ‘iru’ were 4.53mg/g, 18.54mg/g and 20.19mg/g respectively, which were significantly lower than the phytic acid of the commercially produced ‘iru’ (21.40mg/g). Starter culture fermented ‘iru’, turmeric fermented ‘iru’ and cocoplum fermented ‘iru’ had significantly lower levels of trypsin inhibitors of 24.68mg/g, 26.13mg/g and 26.13mg/g, respectively when compared to commercially fermented ‘iru’. Skinplum fermented ‘iru’ and cocoplum fermented ‘iru’ had significantly higher flavonoids levels. Alligator fermented ‘iru’ had significantly higher Vit. A (4.65), Vit. B1 (2.94), Vit. B2 (0.31mg/g) and Vit. B5 (0.08 mg/g) compared to commercially produced ‘iru’. The protein digestibility of Nutmeg fermented ‘iru’ was significantly higher than commercially fermented ‘iru’. However, other fermented samples had significantly reduced protein digestibility compared to commercially produced ‘iru’. Conclusion: To fortify and enhance nutritional composition of fermented Parkia biglobosa seeds, alligator pepper, skinplum and nutmeg may be used.

Defensive Influence of Methanol Fraction and Crude Extract of Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco L.) on Nickel Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Defensive Influence of Methanol Fraction and Crude Extract of Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco L.) on Nickel Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Determination of Fatty Acid Composition, Functional Group, and Compounds Found in Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco L) Seed Oil Using GC-FID, FTIR, and GC-MS Instrument: Extractions, Physicochemical and Phytochemical Parameters

Seed oil has been used as an alternative cooking oil due to its bioactive components and nutritional properties, which benefit human health. The cocoplum, a genus of Chrysobalanus icaco L, is a seed rich in oil containing dietary fatty acids to prevent oxidative damage, blood lipid, and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to provide information on the physicochemical parameters, percentage (%) composition of fatty acids present, functional groups assignment, and phytochemistry of cocoplum seed oil. The physicochemical analysis was investigated, and the result of parameters such as the density (0.9583 g/cm3 ), moisture content (7.4%), refractive index (1.479 at 40 o C), acid value (5.34 mg KOH/g), saponification value (194.1 mg KOH/g), peroxide value (ranging from 3.02 to 6.50, 5.02 to8.95 and 6.02 to 10.05 when the oil was exposed to contact air, temperature, and combination of contact air/temperature during the storage period) and iodine value (5.219 g) were obtained. The Origin Pro 2019 statistical software was used for data analysis. The oil sample extracted from the cocoplum has a golden yellow color with a pleasant odor. The oil sample has a pH of 7.23, which is safe for human consumption. The phytochemistry screening revealed that cocoplum seed oil contains flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, quinones, cardiac glycosides, and betacyanin, which improve the human heart and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The FTIR of the cocoplum seed oil indicated the presence of aldehydes, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and esters. The GC-FID instrument determining the % composition of fatty acids revealed that seed oil has four primary abundant fatty acids. They include stearic (24.99%), oleic (20.5%), linoleic (13.1%), and palmitic (5.99%). These compounds are vital in preventing the human body from chronic diseases and other oxidative damage. Therefore, it can be concluded that cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco L) seed oil can be recommended as the best dietary oil due to its therapeutic properties, nutritional value, affordability, and safety.

Macro and trace element compositions and physicochemical parameters of guajiru fruits (Chrysobalanus icaco l.) from two Brazilian states

Chrysobalanus icaco L. is a tree found in America and Africa. In Brazil it can be found in the biome along the coast. It has great food potential and its fruits, named guajiru, are consumed by fishing communities in natura and processed as jams and jellies. However, the literature on this tree species is limited. This study aims to describe the element contents and physicochemical characteristics of the C. icaco fruits from two regions in Brazil and investigate if they influence its sensory characteristics. The fruits were collected in the Northeastern region of Brazil in Maracajaú, State of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) and in Salvador, Bahia (BA). The morphometric characteristics, color, texture, and sensory analyses were carried out on the fruits in natura, and the physicochemical analyses and mineral profile on the pulp homogenized with the peel. The mineral profile showed K > Na > Mn > Mg > Ca > Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn > Ni > Cr, varying from 206 mg/100g (K) to 0.87 μg/100 g (Cr). The fruits from RN presented higher levels of trace and macronutrients, which affected the sensory characteristics, mainly the flavor, and led to better acceptance of these samples as compared to those from BA. The results suggest that C. icaco fruits present a good nutritional profile and sensory acceptance and hence their commercialization could be stimulated as a table fruit or mixed with other fruits.

Bioactivity and antimicrobial evaluation of extracts from Chrysobalanus icaco L. found in the amazonian maranhense, Brazil

The Brazilian Amazon-cerrado transition regions harbor a rich native biodiversity used for food, conservation and medicinal purposes by traditional communities and with industrial interest. In this scenario, the present research aimed to analyze the presence of phenolic and chemical compounds and antimicrobial activity of the stem, leaf and fruit of Chrysobalanus icaco L. The methodology was based on the study of the leaves and fruits of the species through alcoholic and aqueous extracts for phytochemical screening, determination of the physicochemical composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity following specific methodologies. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of mainly phenolic compounds and flavonoids, with higher concentration in the leaves. In the chemical composition of the leaves the concentration of protein, mineral material, fiber and total carbohydrates stood out, while in the fruits fibers and mineral material. In the contents of bioactive compounds, the leaves also differ from the fruits by the superior amount for the same compounds, also when comparing with other species also prevails with higher concentration, as in the example of acerola. In the antioxidant activity, the leaves, due to their concentration of bioactive compounds, showed a greater capacity to sequester free radicals than the fruit, however, both have high antioxidant capacity when compared to other native Brazilian plants. In the antimicrobial activity, the tests showed promising for Salmonella 14026 (12.5 mg/mL), E. coli 042 (12.5 mg/mL) and S. aureus 6538 (6.25 mg/mL). Thus, the results presented in this research corroborate the food and medicinal use of both the leaves and fruits of C. icaco species, since they have antioxidant and biological activity to control bacteria.

Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Chrysobalanus icaco Leaves on Maternal Reproductive Outcomes and Fetal Development in Wistar Rats.

Toxicological studies on medicinal plants are essential to ensure their safety and effectiveness in treating various diseases. Despite the species Chrysobalanus icaco L. being popularly used in the treatment of several diseases due to the pharmacological properties of its bioactive compounds, there are few studies in the literature regarding its toxicity regarding reproduction. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the potential embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of the aqueous extract of C. icaco leaves (AECi) on Wistar rats. Animals were given AECi at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg during the pre-implantation and organogenesis periods. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey's test and Kruskal-Wallis. Pregnant rats treated during the pre-implantation period showed no signs of reproductive toxicity. Rats that received AECi at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg during organogenesis did not exhibit any signs of maternal systemic toxicity or significant differences in gestational and embryotoxic parameters. Some skeletal changes were observed in the treated groups. Therefore, it can be suggested that AECi at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg is safe for treated animals and does not induce reproductive toxicity under the experimental conditions applied, but it also caused low systemic toxicity.

South American Maize and Political Economy of the Middle and Late Formative Soconusco Region of Guatemala

AbstractWe present macrobotanical, starch, and phytolith data from artifacts and sediments from Middle Formative La Blanca (1000–600 cal BC) and Late Formative El Ujuxte (600 cal BC–cal AD 115 ) in the Soconusco region in Guatemala. Potential economic plants identified included palm (cf. Arecaceae), two varieties of maize (Zea mays), guava (Psidium guajava), bean (Phaseolus), chili peppers (Capsicum), squash (Cucurbitaceae), custard apple (Annonaceae), coco plum (Chrysobalanaceae), lerén (Calathea), arrowroot (Maranta), and bird-of-paradise (Heliconia). The results suggest that control of food production and consumption was critical for the transition from complex chiefdoms during the Middle Formative to the archaic state in the Late Formative. The arrival of a more productive South American variety of maize at El Ujuxte (about 2549 BP) allowed elites to exploit an already existing broad-based economic system and to use the maize-based religious system to increase control over maize agricultural practices and maintain power through ideology and disciplinary power. These data suggest that the arrival of fully domesticated South American maize likely influenced the overall development of Mesoamerican state-level societies.

Assessment of Antioxidant and Polyphenol Profile of Chrysobalanus icaco from Southern Nigeria

Due to the distinguished medicinal value of Chrysobalanus icaco, it was of great interest to conduct phytochemical and antioxidant investigations on it. In this study, the polyphenol profile and antioxidant activity of C. icaco methanol crude extract and fractions were investigated. The crude extract of C. icaco was subjected to fractionation using methanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol as solvents. 2, 2-diphenyl-1picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis-(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric ion reducing power (FRAP), ascorbate oxidase, total phenolic content, total flavonoids and polyphenol profile was determined using standard methods. A significant increase was observed in the DPPH radical scavenging activity, total flavonoids, total phenol, FRAP, ABTS, TAC and ascorbate oxidase of the crude extract when compared to methanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, n-butanol, and aqueous fractions. Polyphenols such as kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, catechin, quercetin, galic acid, pomolic acid, rutin, epicatechin, stigmasterol, sitosterol and caffeic acid were found in the different fractions. The total polyphenols content of different fractions of C icaco extract were as follows; methanol fraction > n-hexane fraction > ethyl acetate fraction > n-butanol fraction > aqueous fraction. The findings revealed that C icaco kernel could be used as a potent source of molecules with positive health attributes.

Precision Horticulture: Application of Optical Sensor Technology for Nitrogen Monitoring Status in Cocoplum, a Native Landscaping Plant.

Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco) is an ecologically significant native species to Southern Florida. Application of precision agriculture technologies such as optical sensors reduces the cost of over-fertilization and nutrient runoff. The aim of this work was to establish a base line sensor value for fertilizer treatment in cocoplum by monitoring chlorophyll content using the Soil Plant Analytical Development (SPAD), atLEAF, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) sensors. Initial slow-released fertilizer treatment 8N-3P-9K was used at 15 g (control), 15 g (supplemented with +15 g × 2; T1), 15 g (+15 g; T2), 30 g (+15 g × 2; T3), 30 g (+15 g; T4), and 45 g (+15 g × 2; T5). Evaluations were conducted at 0 (base reading), 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days after treatment. Growth parameters, optical non-destructive chlorophyll meters, leaf and soil total nitrogen and total carbon, and total nitrogen of leachate were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the treatment using 30 g slow-released fertilizer (8N-3P-9K) supplemented twice with 15 g in November and March after the first fertilization in October provided the least contamination through runoff while still providing adequate nutrients for plant growth compared to higher fertilizer concentrations. These results demonstrate that the highest treatment of nitrogen can cause considerable losses of N, causing extra costs to producers and environmental damage due to the flow of nutrients. Thus, techniques that help in N monitoring to avoid the excessive use of nitrogen fertilization are necessary. This study can serve as a basis for future research and for nurseries and farms, since it demonstrated from the monitoring of the chlorophyll content by optical sensors and by foliar and substrate analysis that lower treatments of nitrogen fertilization are sufficient to provide nutrients suitable for the growth of cocoplum plants.

Production of biodiesel from the novel non-edible seed of Chrysobalanus icaco using natural heterogeneous catalyst: Modeling and prediction using Artificial Neural Network

Biodiesel has been referred to as a perfect substitute for diesel fuel because of its numerous promising properties. They are renewable, clean, increase energy security, and improve the environment. The seed oil of Chrysobalanus icaco was characterised using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer (GCMS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The heterogeneous solid catalyst of periwinkle shell ash was prepared in 3 forms: raw, calcined and acid-activated. They were characterised using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and FTIR. The results of the SEM analysis revealed the calcined samples to be a better choice because of their larger surface area. The result showed that the oil yield of the used crop was promising for commercial biodiesel production, with Chrysobalanus icaco having a yield of 51.90%.The reusability of the catalyst for continuous reaction runs showed that biofuel yield was still high after five cycles: 92.25–80.60% for calcined periwinkle shell ash (PSA) catalyst and 89.26–78.50% for acid-activated PSA catalyst. The result of the fuel properties of the biodiesel and their blend indicated their suitability for biodiesel production. Methyl ester blends of 20:80 had viscosity that placed them in 2D grade diesel (2.0–4.3 mm2/s), helpful in powering stationary equipment. Other fuel properties, including acid value, pour point, flash point and density, were within the ASTM D6751 limits for biodiesels. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was used to compare the experimental value to the simulated value using MATLAB 2020. The seed oil of Chrysobalanus icaco trans-esterified with methanol using Periwinkle Shell Ash (PSA) catalyst was proven to be a good source of biodiesel.

Photoprotective Activity of Plants Used for Skin Disorders by the Native Population from the Brazilian Amazon Basin: A Preliminary Study

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,1,112-118.DOI:10.5530/097484900267Published:December 2022Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Thiago Portal, Margarete Tavares, Marcieni Ataide, Nadia Rezende Barbosa, Joseane R da Silva, Waldiney Pires Moraes, and Jose Luiz Vieira Author(s) affiliations:Thiago Portal, Margarete Tavares, Marcieni Ataide, Nadia Rezende Barbosa, Joseane R da Silva, Waldiney Pires Moraes, Jose Luiz Vieira* Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Universitario do Guama, Para Federal University, Belem-PA, Brazil. Abstract:Background: Sunscreens are essential in tropical countries with a high annual incidence of solar radiation. The incorporation of natural products in their formulations has great public acceptance and prevents several issues related to organic and inorganic filters, such as adverse reactions. The present study evaluates the antioxidant and photoprotective activities and the ability to inhibit tyrosinase of three plant species traditionally used by Amazonian inhabitants in the treatment of skin disorders. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant activity, the capacity to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, ratio UVA/UVB, critical wavelength, sun protection factor, and cellular viability was assessed in ethanolic extracts at 10% of Chrysobalanus icaco, Kalanchoe pinnata, and Ayapana triplinervis collected in the State of Para-Brazil. Results: Chrysobalanus icaco and Kalanchoe pinnata showed promising antioxidant activity. Ayapana triplinervis demonstrated considerable inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme. Plants extracts had low protection against UVB radiation, but adequate UVA protection. Ayapana triplinervis presented the lowest cellular viability of keratinocytes and murine fibroblasts. Conclusion: The addition of these extracts to other natural products with high sun protection factors can provide the consumer with a natural sunscreen. Keywords:Antioxidant, Ayapana triplinervis, Chrysobalanus icaco, Depigmenting agent, Kalanchoe pinnata, Photoprotection, Skin disordersView:PDF (246.16 KB)

Comparative Physicochemical, Spectroscopic and Elemental Analyses of the Seed Oils of Parinari excelsa Sabinus and Chrysobalanus icaco Linn., Chrysobalanacea

African cultures commonly rely on a variety of spices and herbs in the preparation of their usually tasty cuisines and delicacies. Parinari excelsa Sabinus and Chrysobalanus icaco L. are members of the Chrysobalanacea family, produce edible nuts that are widely used in Nigeria as spices. Their nuts contain potentially rich and nutritious oils. The oils of P. excelsa and C. icaco were extracted successively using n-hexane and dichloromethane and concentrated in vacuo. The physicochemical parameters of the oils were determined using standard methods. Chemical compositions were evaluated using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS), while elemental contents were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). P. excelsa oil had a higher acid value (29.2 – 42.1) than C. icaco (5.6 – 8.4), while the saponification value of C. icaco (460 – 471.2) was higher than that of P. excelsa (350.6 – 465.6). Elemental analysis revealed the presence of minerals such as Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, and Iron in both crude samples, while heavy metals such as Lead, Arsenic, and Mercury were undetectable. GC/MS analysis showed that oils from both plants contain common fatty acids such as arachidonic acid and oleic acid, vitamin E, and stigmasterol.

Computational study of the main flavonoids from Chrysobalanus icaco L. against NADPH-oxidase and in vitro Antioxidant Activity

The generation of free radicals is a physiological event resulting mainly from the cellular respiration process and the overactivation of the NOX leads to an excess production of ROS that is associated with oxidative stress. Chrysobalanus icaco, a medicinal plant that belongs to the Chrysobalanaceae family, possesses a high number of polyphenols, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Due to its phytochemical composition, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Chrysobalanus icaco (HECi) and the inhibitory potential of its main flavonoids against NOX. The in silico predictions of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), drug-likeness properties, and molecular docking with the enzyme NOX (PDB code 2CDU) were also performed to support the experimental results. The phytochemical screening of the HECi showed the presence of phenols and flavonoids. HECi performed an excellent antioxidant activity (IC50 = 8.1 μg/mL), probably due to its rich phenolic (220.11 ± 0.4 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (110.98 ± 0.37 mg QE/g) constitution. The ADMET prediction indicated that myricetin and quercetin had the best pharmacokinetic parameters. The molecular docking results showed that myricetin and especially quercetin had strong docking score on NOX (ΔG = –8.1 kcal/mol and ΔG = –8.3 kcal/mol, respectively). Frontier Orbital’s analyzes (HOMO and LUMO) suggested that quercetin has better antioxidant properties than myricetin. Our results demonstrate for the first time the in silico action of quercetin against NOX, as well as reiterate the antioxidant potential of C. icaco.

A preliminary study of the cytotoxicity of the protein extract of abajerú commercialized in markets

The use of plants and their products for medical treatment is a quite common procedure in Brazil, especially for treatment of diabetes. In fact, several plants can demonstrate hypoglycemic effects in vitro assays. However, the use for human treatment requires the knowledge of their toxicological properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of protein extracts of Chrysobalanus icaco collected from natural habitats and of Eugenia astringens acquired from the market in Rio de Janeiro on the viability and migration of fibroblasts. E. astringens has a similar morphology as C. icaco and it is sold as Chrysobalanus in a popular market. Being a different plant, E. astringens expresses different proteins, and its protein extract has proved to possess higher toxic properties than C. icaco does. Cytotoxicity assays indicated that, as the protein extract concentration increases, fibroblast viability decreases. Only the E. astringens extract displayed cytotoxicity at all concentrations, in addition to reduced fibroblast migration. The results obtained in this study demonstrates that it is necessary integrative policies for rational use of medicinal plants and their commercialization, since the current use of medicinal plants may be inadequate, and it is of great importance for Public Health.

A sea in the Amazon

Did the Caribbean sweep into the western Amazon millions of years ago, shaping the region’s rich biodiversity? A tropical shrub called Chrysobalanus icaco pushes up through Brazil’s white sandy beaches. The plant’s leathery oval leaves and tough silver bark give it the distinct appearance of a mangrove species, adapted to a life buffeted by saltwater. Strangely, though, C. icaco also turns up more than a thousand miles inland, in the forests of the western Amazon. “We find fossil mangroves and associated coastal plants in the middle of the Amazon,” says paleoecologist Carina Hoorn, at the University of Amsterdam in The Netherlands. New evidence, including geophysical modeling, supports the contentious notion that the Caribbean flooded into the western Amazon during the Miocene. Image credit: Tacio Cordeiro Bicudo (University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil), Victor Sacek (University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil), and Lucy Reading-Ikkanda (artist). The shrub’s appearance inland with an assemblage of mangrove plants, noted in a 2019 article, is among the latest lines of evidence hinting that the Caribbean Sea flooded into the western Amazon during the Miocene, sometime in the last 10 to 20 million years (1). If it did, the region could have been awash in shallow saltwater for hundreds of thousands of years after the flooding. C. icaco and other plants may have spread into Brazil’s interior by dispersing along this sea’s beaches, before the water retreated and forest reclaimed the land (2). The prevailing view of the western Amazon during the Miocene is one of a massive wetland, twice the size of Texas, furred with rainforest and streaked with lakes and tributaries. Whether this wetland was ever inundated by seawater remains a matter of some debate amongst geologists, paleontologists, ecologists, biogeographers, and researchers of pollen known as palynologists. All of them are …

Honey pollen spectra of two species of stingless bee (Apidae: Meliponini) in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

This study aimed to identify the pollen types present in the honey of Melipona fasciculata and Melipona subnitida in a Restinga area (plant communities under a marine influence) and identify pollen grains that belonged to plants with nectar resouces. In total, 56 pollen types were found in the honey samples of the two bee species studied, with a large number of representatives from the Fabaceae and Myrtaceae families. Melipona subnitida honey had higher pollen richness, diversity and evenness than M. fasciculata honey. Many of the pollen types identified in the samples were considered nectarless, but 28 types belonged to plants that produce nectar. The main nectar-producing specie found was Humiria balsamifera, particularly in M. fasciculata honey. Other important sources of nectar were Chrysobalanus icaco, Protium heptaphyllum and Coccoloba. Our results are vital for conservation and management programmes because the maintenance of social bee populations depends upon constant resource collection.