Copaiba Research Articles

Antimicrobial Effect of Medicinal Plants Against Streptococcus mutans: A Literature Review

The present study aims to evaluate, through a literature review, the antimicrobial potential of medicinal plants against Streptococcus mutans. Method: A bibliographic search was conducted in the PubMed database using the descriptors "phytotherapy," "medicinal plants," and "Streptococcus mutans," either combined or not, covering the period from 2011 to 2021. The search resulted in 99 articles. In the initial screening, 79 articles were excluded for not being related to the topic. Twenty articles were selected, but only 12 met the eligibility criteria, which included studies evaluating the antimicrobial effect of a single medicinal plant on S. mutans only. Among the results, several plant species with antimicrobial potential against S. mutans were identified, including Annona senegalensis, Melia azedarach, Copaifera langsdorffii, Copaifera officinalis, Zingiber zerumbet, Terminalia chebula, Trachyspermum ammi, Ocimum sanctum, Teucrium polium, Vitis vinifera L., and Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. In summary, all studies showed antimicrobial effects against S. mutans, with particular emphasis on the studies with copaiba oil, M. azedarach crude extract, and T. polium, which demonstrated superior and comparable results to the effects of chlorhexidine, respectively.

Synthesis and Physicochemical Stability of a Copaiba Balsam Oil (Copaifera sp.) Nanoemulsion and Prospecting of Toxicological Effects on the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

Nanoemulsions are dispersions of oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) immiscible liquids. Thus, our main goal was to formulate a nanoemulsion with low surfactant concentrations and outstanding stability using Copaiba balsam oil (Copaifera sp.). The high-energy cavitation homogenization with low Tween 80 levels was employed. Then, electrophoretic and physical mobility properties were assessed, in addition to a one- and two-year physicochemical characterization studies assessment. Copaiba balsam oil and nanoemulsions obtained caryophyllene as a major constituent. The nanoemulsions stored at 4 ± 2 °C exhibited better physical stability. Two years after formulation, the nanoemulsion showed a reduction in the particle size. The size underwent changes in gastric, intestinal, and blood pH, and the PdI was not changed. In FTIR, characteristic bands of sesquiterpenes and overlapping bands were detected. When subjected to freezing and heating cycles, nanoemulsions did not show macroscopic changes in higher concentrations. Nanoemulsions subjected to centrifuge force by 1000 rpm do not show macroscopic instability and phase inversion or destabilization characteristics when diluted. Therefore, the nanoemulsion showed stability for long-term storage. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used to assess the potential toxicity of nanoemulsions. The nanoemulsion did not cause toxicity in the animal model, except in the highest concentration tested, which decreased the defecation cycle interval and body length. The toxicity and stability outcomes reinforce the nanoemulsions' potential for future studies to explore pharmacological mechanisms in superior experimental designs.

P13-11 Hepatic metabolism of copaiba oil and resin oil-based formulation: analysis of the impact on cytotoxicity and cell cycle of human and murine hepatic cells with and without metabolic activation

P13-11 Hepatic metabolism of copaiba oil and resin oil-based formulation: analysis of the impact on cytotoxicity and cell cycle of human and murine hepatic cells with and without metabolic activation

Characterization of the Phytotoxic Potential of Seven Copaifera spp. Essential Oils: Analyzing Active Compounds through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Molecular Networking.

In recent years, there has been a need for environmentally friendly compounds for weed management in agriculture. This study is aimed to assess the phytotoxic constituents of oils obtained from oleoresins of seven Copaifera species (known as copaiba oils). Copaiba oils were separated from the resins by hydro-distillation, and the distillates were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterize their chemical compositions. Multivariate analyses and molecular networking of GC-MS data were conducted to discern patterns in the chemical composition and phytotoxic activity of the oils, with the aim of identifying key compounds associated with phytotoxic activity. Seed germination bioassay revealed strong or complete germination inhibition against the monocot, Agrostis stolonifera but not the dicot Lactuca sativa. GC-MS analysis showed variations in composition among Copaifera species with some common compounds identified across multiple species. Caryophyllene oxide and junenol were associated with the observed phytotoxic effects. Automated flash chromatography was used to isolate the major compounds of the oils. Isolated compounds exhibited differing levels of phytotoxicity compared to the oils, suggesting the importance of interactions or synergism among oil components. These findings highlight the potential of copaiba oils as natural herbicidal agents and underscore the importance of considering species-specific responses in weed management strategies.

Copaiba oil’s bactericidal activity and its effects on health and zootechnical performance for Nile tilapia after oral supplementation

Tilapia is one of the most important farmed fish in the world and the most cultivated in Brazil. The increase of this farming favors the appearance of diseases, including bacterial diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the bactericidal activity of copaiba oil, Copaifera duckei, against Streptococcus agalactiae and Flavobacterium columnare and the dietary effect of copaiba oil on zootechnical performance, hematological, biochemical, immunological, and histological analysis before and after an intraperitoneal infection (body cavity) with S. agalactiae in Nile tilapia. For this, fish were randomly distributed into 15 fiber tanks in five treatments (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0%) and fed with a commercial diet supplemented with copaiba oil for 30 days. After this period, the fish were randomly redistributed for the experimental challenge with S. agalactiae into six treatments (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5), the fish were anesthetized, and blood samples were collected to assess hematological, biochemical, immunological, and histological parameters. Copaiba oil showed bactericidal activity against Streptococcus spp. and Flavobacterium spp. in vitro. In addition, concentrations of 0.75 and 1.0% of copaiba oil have an anti-inflammatory effect and improve hematological and immunological parameters, increasing leukocyte numbers, albumin, and serum lytic activity. Furthermore, there is an increase in the intestinal villus length and tissue damage in groups at concentrations of 0.75 and 1.0% of copaiba oil. In conclusion, copaiba oil presented bactericidal activity against Streptococcus spp. and Flavobacterium spp. in vitro, and oral supplementation at concentrations of 0.75 and 1.0% compared to the control group enhanced non-specific immune parameters and digestibility in Nile Tilapia.

Copaiba oil on dentistry: a scoping review

Copaiba oil is a natural product commonly employed in traditional medicine due to qualities as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial mainly. On dentistry, studies have focused on the use of copaiba in cavity varnishes, endodontic cements, bacterial biofilm control and even in the composition of local anesthetics. The aim of this study was to investigate on the use of copaiba oil within dental specialties. The search was conducted on databases using the primary keywords ‘Copaifera’ and ‘Dentistry’ resulting in 687 studies. Was observed that Copaifera multijuga was the most prevalent species in the evaluated articles, endodontics was the most presente dental specialty in publications. Antimicrobial tests and biocompatibility tests was most prevalents. Based on the results of this study, despite the limited number of evaluated works, it can be concluded that over the years, copaiba has been increasingly used in dentistry, yielding promising results such as the development of new bioproducts that combine copaiba's pharmacological characteristics without compromising the necessary physical attributes for clinical use.

Functional oil in the feeding of heat-stressed Japanese quail

The objective of the present study was to evaluate a blend of functional oils (FO) composed of copaiba and garlic essential oils, pepper oleoresin and cashew nut liquid to mitigate the effects of heat stress on productivity, egg quality, organ morphology of the gastrointestinal tract, serum biochemical profile, nutrient metabolism and body temperature of Japanese quail. A completely randomized design was used in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme (without additive; 300 and 500 mg FO/kg of feed x birds raised in a thermal comfort (TC) and heat stress (HS) environment), with 6 replicates of 8 birds per plot. The birds under HS had lower feed intake (P = 0.0000), egg mass (P = 0.0000), laying rate (P = 0.0000) and higher percentage of infertile non-commercial eggs (P = 0.0004), lower head temperature amplitude (P = 0.0000) and higher average of body temperature (P = 0.0312). HS worsened the external and internal quality of the eggs. Birds kept in HS showed higher values of cholesterol (P = 0.0000) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (P = 0.0272). The use of 300 and 500 g FO/ton of feed improved the feed conversion (P = 0.0000) and egg mass (P = 0.0000) of the quail bred under HS, respectively, by 8.4 and 7.2% and increased the relative weight of liver (P = 0.0064) and pancreas (P = 0.0492). The use of such additives also provided a higher % of yolk (P = 0.0018) and reduced the percentage of albumen (P = 0.0029) of the eggs produced in TC, in addition to reducing the amplitude of head temperature (P = 0.0484) of birds bred under HS. The breeding of Japanese quail under HS results in negative impacts on the production, physiological and qualitative aspects of the eggs. The use of 300 g/ton of FO in the diet of Japanese quail leads to improvements in feed conversion, increased liver capacity in nutritional metabolism and results in eggs with a higher proportion of yolks, being, therefore, an alternative for feeding quail in a hot climate.

Influence of Rains in the Andiroba and Copaiba Oils Supply and the Impact on The Socioeconomic and Environmental Benefit in the West Of Pará

Objective: The purpose of this study was to calculate the socio-economic and environmental cost-benefit of the extraction and commercialization of copaiba and andiroba oils, in light of climate changes in the western region of Pará state, from 1999 to 2017. Theoretical Framework: The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) was applied to estimate the market model structured by the demand and supply equations for andiroba and copaiba oils. Results and Discussion: The cross elasticity of supply indicated that oil production does not compete with the use of labor, land, and capital in the local market, as they are considered joint products. After the climate changes, consumers were the main affected party, with a loss of 21,74%, represented by the average decrease in Consumer Surplus of – R$ 1.264,95 thousand/year. Research Implications: Since 1999, with the climate changes, there has been a decrease in the socio-economic and environmental benefit for the population of western Pará to the level of R$ 4.664,37 thousand, which represented a decrease of 20,60% (-R$1.210,31 thousand) compared to the benefit obtained before the climate change (R$5.874,68 thousand). Originality and Value: Sociobiodiversity products such as copaiba and andiroba oils are sensitive to climate changes. Excess and scarcity of rainfall cause a decrease in production and loss of income for extractivists. Therefore, these products should be part of the insurance policy to guarantee the income of producers.

Phytoterapic products marketed in free fairs of São Luís-MA: a therapeutic analysis

Historically, medicinal herbs have been playing an essential role in the development of novel medications as well as the manufacturing of traditional herbal remedies. Brazil is among the nations in which commercialization of medicinal herbs is becoming more prevalent. This growth is attributed to the wealthy diversity of plants as well as the low cost of the therapy, as demonstrated by the fact that 82% of Brazilians use medicinal herbs on a regular basis to safeguard their good health. Utilizing qualitative as well as quantitative approaches, the primary objective of the investigation was to examine the way the aforementioned goods were being traded in São Luís marketplaces on the streets. According to information from stallholders, 86 products have been identified, the most of which were in oil form. These products have a variety of uses, including antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant qualities. The five most popular products in terms of sales and demand have been identified according to the samples that had been collected. These consist of andiroba oil, copaiba oil, pequi oil, castor oil, and the annatto syrup. Without knowing the products' origins, the individuals being interviewed reported that they were merely selling them. The vast majority of the products (≈ 80%) did not have labels specifying indications, how to use, contraindications, origin, or validity and, for the few that did, the information was incomplete. The study demonstrated that although the utilization of medicinal plants is an essential component of conventional medicine, merchants continue to have a deficiency of technical knowledge that put human health at risk through carelessness or even inappropriate usage of these products.

Evaluation of the vascular and cardiac effects of treatment with copaiba oil and white pitch: a perspective for reducing oxidative stress and improving cardiac microstructure

Autism is a neuropsychiatric disorder that develops in childhood and may have associated comorbidities, such as heart disease. As a treatment, alternative therapy means are being sought to conventional methods. For study purposes, autism has been induced through gestational exposure to valproic acid. With the aim of evaluating the vascular and cardiac effects of treatment with copaiba essential oil and white pitch caused by gestational exposure to valproic acid, on the 13th day of pregnancy, the rats in the negative control group received water and those in the experimental groups received valproic acid (600 mg/kg), intraperitoneally, once. The male puppies were divided into six groups: negative and positive controls; vehicle; treated with copaiba oil; with white pitch oil and copaiba oil associated with white pitch. TERRA® oils were administered via gavage for 30 consecutive days. As a result, a reduction in superoxide dismutase, catalase and creatine kinase and an increase in total antioxidant activity and malondialdehyde were verified. Presence of myocarditis, vacuolation and necrosis of cardiomyocytes. There was no significant change in area and diameter, but there was an increase in the volume density and length of cardiomyocytes and a decrease in the volume density of blood vessels and interstices and the length density of blood vessels. Thus, exposure to valproic acid during the intrauterine period caused changes in the cardiac microstructure. However, the use of copaíba and white pitch essential oils led to oxidative and nitrosative stress, and the combination of the two oils has promising results in reversing this condition.

Allergic Dermatitis in Pêga Breed Donkeys (Equus asinus) Caused by Culicoides Bites in the Amazon Biome, Pará, Brazil.

An allergy to bites from Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) occurs because of a hypersensitivity reaction caused by the inoculation of insect salivary antigens during the bite, resulting in immune-mediated dermatitis. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have focused on allergic dermatitis in donkeys in Brazil. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinicopathological, and therapeutic aspects of allergic dermatitis in donkeys and to identify the insects involved in its epidemiology. This study reported the occurrence of dermatitis in 17 animals. The clinical signs were restlessness and severe itching. Skin lesions were found on the head, depigmented areas of the muzzle and cheeks, flanks, pelvic and thoracic limbs, and the scrotal sac. The lesions were characterized by areas of alopecia with crusts accompanied by serosanguineous exudates. Histologically, the lesions were characterized as moderate superficial dermatitis with irregular epidermal acanthosis and pronounced diffuse orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis. In total, 378 Culicoides specimens were collected, with Culicoides ocumarensis Ortiz being the most abundant species. The combined application of copaiba oil and a multivitamin emulsion exhibited potential for topical treatment of allergic dermatitis caused by insect bites in donkeys. Our study revealed an association between allergic dermatitis in donkeys and Culicoides.

Copaiba oil minimizes inflammation and promotes parenchyma re-epithelization in acute allergic asthma model induced by ovalbumin in BALB/c mice.

Introduction: Asthma is a condition of airflow limitation, common throughout the world, with high mortality rates, especially as it still faces some obstacles in its management. As it constitutes a public health challenge, this study aimed to investigate the effect of copaiba oil (e.g., Copaifera langsdorffii), as a treatment resource, at doses of 50 and 100mg/kg on certain mediators of acute lung inflammation (IL-33, GATA3, FOXP3, STAT3, and TBET) and early mechanisms of lung remodeling (degradation of elastic fiber tissues, collagen deposition, and goblet cell hyperplasia). Methods: Using an ovalbumin-induced acute allergic asthma model in BALB/c mice, we analyzed the inflammatory mediators through immunohistochemistry and the mechanisms of lung remodeling through histopathology, employing orcein, Masson's trichrome, and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Results: Copaiba oil treatment (CO) reduced IL-33 and increased FOXP3 by stimulating the FOXP3/GATA3 and FOXP3/STAT3 pathways. Additionally, it upregulated TBET, suggesting an additional role in controlling GATA3 activity. In the respiratory epithelium, CO decreased the fragmentation of elastic fibers while increasing the deposition of collagen fibers, favoring epithelial restructuring. Simultaneously, CO reduced goblet cell hyperplasia. Discussion: Although additional research is warranted, the demonstrated anti-inflammatory and re-epithelializing action makes CO a viable option in exploring new treatments for acute allergic asthma.

Aromatherapy in the Care of an Atypical Child with ADHD and Atopic Dermatitis

Introduction: This study was a practical intervention aimed at analyzing and demonstrating the effects of aromatherapy in a case of Atopic Dermatitis. One male child, aged 5, participated in this study with the following inclusion criteria: having a diagnosis and undergoing medical follow-up, engaging in necessary behavioral therapies, availability to participate in the study, undergoing therapeutic practice in a clinic weekly and at home daily. The skin is our boundary with the world, our body limit, the organ that allows us to feel, making exchanges and contact with the environment and people around us; it signals our emotions and affective needs. Materials and Methods: The treatment was carried out by a single professional. The sessions were held once a week, totaling 10 sessions of 45 minutes each. The following oils were used: Grape Seed Vegetable Oil: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial action, promotes wound healing, inhibits histamine production (assists in dermatitis treatment), and increases skin flexibility. Rosehip Vegetable Oil: Revitalizing action aiding in healing. Regenerating, recommended for wound care, eczema, skin lesions. Sweet Orange Essential Oil: Balance, comfort, and safety, anxiolytic, soothing, sedative, for colds and flu. Lemongrass Essential Oil: Strengthens family bonds, reduces stress and anxiety, and calms. Copaiba Essential Oil: Stress reducer, emotional soother, anti-inflammatory, healing, expectorant, anti-allergic, immune system booster. Lavender Essential Oil: Bactericidal, sedative action, recommended for stress and nervousness, dermatitis, healing, respiratory system, decongestant, bronchitis, colds. Protocol Description: An initial assessment was conducted, followed by the selection of oils to be used and the protocol definition. According to information provided by the mother, the child exhibited concentration and focus difficulties, sensory changes, respiratory issues like bronchitis and rhinitis, low immunity, and pruriginous, eczematous, scaly, and fissured cutaneous changes in the cubital fold, knee, and perioral regions, intensified after the birth of a sibling. Protocol Steps: Maternal-infant-family integration (essential oils of lemongrass and sweet orange were used olfactorily for 2 weeks); Cutaneous lesions (blend of copaiba and lavender essential oils diluted in grape seed and rosehip vegetable oils at 1.5%, for home and clinic use); Agitation and immunity (copaiba and lavender essential oils in an environmental diffuser once a day, for home and clinic use). Results: The results showed a decrease in motor and mental agitation, improved maternal/paternal-infant-family bonding, and significant improvement in dermatological conditions, with reduced eczema, itching, scaling, and dryness. Discussion and Conclusion: The application of aromatherapy requires technical and scientific knowledge, as well as the choice of oils. Aromatherapy is a complementary technique that adds to the existing behavioral and conservative treatments, enhancing their results and broadening the treatment possibilities in these cases. It works in conjunction with the medical and paramedical team, providing interdisciplinary quality care and can be considered an efficient health prevention strategy.

Use of vegetable oils in wound treatment

This study addresses the use of vegetable oils in wound treatment. These oils contain bioactive compounds that confer analgesic, antiseptic, soothing, healing, and emollient properties. Notably, candeia oil is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while grape seed oil is rich in proanthocyanidins with potent antioxidant activity. Lavender oil, in addition to stimulating cell proliferation and neovascularization, possesses antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Pumpkin seed oil, on the other hand, is rich in fatty acids and lipids, which help combat oxidative stress in wounds. Coconut oil, with its antibacterial and antifungal properties, and copaiba oil, with anti-inflammatory and healing actions, are also highlighted. Cucumber seed oil, besides its antioxidant properties, exhibits antimicrobial activity due to the presence of oleic acid. Lastly, tea tree oil, known for its antimicrobial action, also promotes wound healing. These oils represent a promising and natural alternative in wound treatment, although further studies are needed to determine their dosages and ensure their clinical safety.

Antibacterial and antibiotic-modifying activity of the commercialized essential oil of Copaifera spp. Associated with LED lights against a Staphylococcus aureus strain

Copaiba oil is widely used in medicine due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, healing, antiviral, antiseptic and analgesic properties. Thus, the main objective of the study is to evaluate the antibacterial activity and modifier of the antibiotic action of the commercialized essential oil of four species of Copaifera spp. in combination with Ampicillin and LED lights against the multidrug-resistant strain of S. aureus (SA 10). The essential oil was obtained commercially through the dōTERRA® company. The evaluation of the antibacterial and modulating activity was performed using the microdilution methodology in a 96-well plate, using blue 415 nm, red 620 nm and yellow 590 nm LEDs and Ampicillin at an initial concentration of 1.024 µg/mL. The experiments were carried out in triplicate and submitted to ANOVA statistical analysis, considering a significant value of p < 0,05. The essential oil of Copaifera spp. did not show antibacterial activity alone, but showed significant modifying activity when combined with Ampicillin in the absence of LED and with red LED. However, the yellow LED and the blue LED had no significant modulating effect. The results suggest the presence of an enzymatic mechanism of resistance, indicating relevance for the development of future scientific research, aiming to help in the treatment of lesions caused by multiresistant pathogens.

Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for the behavioral control of Sitophilus zeamais.

Insects' ethology is an important factor when it is desired to carry out pest management. This knowledge makes it possible to manipulate behavioral activities, repel, or attract insects according to needs and interests. The maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), one of the main stored grain pests, has been the target of studies of behavioral changes studies through natural substances due to its resistance to different insecticidal classes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of sublethal concentrations of neem extract and copaiba oil on the locomotor behavior of S. zeamais. The behavioral characteristic considered were walking activity, the frequency of contact of insects with the treated grain mass, and the time spent for this behavior. The walking activity of the S. zeamais increased with exposure to Neem extract and Copaiba oil. In general, the Neem extract and Copaiba oil-induced more contact with grain mass than the control, suggesting an attractive effect on the insect, however more significant for the Neem oil. The insect's behavior was altered, presenting a specific path due to Copaiba oil and Neem extract stimuli. These results indicate that Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for controlling S. zeamais on stored products since changes in this pests' behavior can reduce qualitative and quantitative grain damage. Thus, the development of products based on Copaiba oil and Neem extract may be helpful for storage pest management.

In Vitro Leishmanicidal Activity of Copaiba Oil and Kojic Acid Combination on the Protozoan Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and Host Cell.

(1) Background: Leishmaniasis refers to a group of anthropozoonotic diseases caused by Leishmania. The major chemotherapeutic agent used for its treatment is Glucantime®®, but the search continues for new compounds that are economically viable and act on the protozoan without causing damage to the host cell. As an alternative approach, this study used a combination of copaiba oil (CO) and kojic acid (KA) to determine their in vitro action on host cells, on the Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis protozoan and its interaction with macrophages. (2) Methods: In vitro culture, analysis of cytokine release and microscopy assays were performed. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA (GraphPad Prism). (3) Results: The combination did not induce cytotoxic effects on macrophages after treatment but promoted morphological changes in the protozoan, such as nuclear alterations (apoptotic characteristics), alterations in the cellular body and an increase in the number of electrodense structures and acidocalcisomes, observed mainly at the concentrations of CO20KA50 and CO30KA50 μg/mL. We observed reductions in the intracellular amastigote number and in the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, after treatment with CO30KA at 50 µg/mL. (4) Conclusions: We report here, for the first time, that the combination of CO and KA may be a promising approach against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis.

Characterization and bioactivity of copaiba essential oil carried in a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system

Copaiba essential oil (CEO) is the volatile part of copaiba balsam, which has been topically used for various inflammatory conditions. However, there are some concerns about the CEO safety for oral use. The lipophilic character of CEO also limits its application in the pharmaceutical field. This study prepared a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) containing CEO and evaluated its toxic effects against a primary culture from pig liver (PLP2) and Green monkey kidney cell line (Vero). The inhibition of oxide nitric production was also evaluated on RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line to access the anti-inflammatory effect. The CEO was extracted by hydrodistillation and β-caryophyllene accounted for 51.8% of the oil. The formulation (FSNEDDS) consisting of CEO, Cremophor and ethyl linoleate was characterized in relation to morphology, stability, rheology, simulated digestion and bioaccessibility in vitro. FSNEDDS displayed Newtonian flow behavior with viscosity depending only on temperature and, in an aqueous medium, it formed small spherical particles (<100 nm size diameter). The FSNEDDS showed higher oxidative stability than the non-formulated CEO. In the simulated digestion, FSNEDDS formed nanoemulsifying droplets in gastric phase and tiny micelles in intestinal phase, and a bioaccessibility of 63%. The FSNEDDS showed a superior anti-inflammatory activity (+11%) than non-formulated CEO and this beneficial concentration was achieved with a non-toxic concentration for none of the cell lines tested. In conclusion, FSNEDDS improves the physicochemical stability, bioaccessibility and bioactivity of CEO, and it could be a phytotherapic option for per oral administration to treat inflammatory diseases.

PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF POLYMER NANOCAPSULES CONTAINING COPAÍBA (Copaifera spp.) AND ANDIROBA (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) VEGETABLE OILS

Vegetable oils are natural products that are in liquid form, volatile, and aromatic, extracted from different parts of plants. In the Amazon region, vegetable oils are traded and sold by the community to increase their family income. Polymeric nanocapsules are nanoparticles composed of an encapsulating agent (biodegradable polymers) such as polycaprolactone, poly(methyl methacrylate), and creatine, which enclose lipophilic substances (active core). The main technological characteristics of these nanostructured systems are the controlled release of active ingredients, biodisponibility, and chemical and physical stability. In this study, nanocapsules containing copaiba and andiroba vegetable oils, as well as their mixtures, were synthesized. The nanocapsules showed particle sizes, Zeta potentials, and polydispersity indices (PDI) ranging from 117 to 218 nm, 28.5 to 35 mV, and 0.130 to 0.251, respectively. The 30/70 ratio (Copaiba/Andiroba) exhibited the most stable mixture among them.

Drosophila melanogaster as a model for studies related to the toxicity of lavender, ginger and copaiba essential oils.

This study addresses the current trend of essential oils in alternative medicine using the non-chordate model Drosophila melanogaster. Following the three R's principles, it proposes non-chordate models to fill knowledge gaps on essential oil toxicity. Copaiba, lavender, and ginger essential oils are evaluated for effects on D. melanogaster lifespan, climbing ability, and brain structure, while their anti-inflammatory properties are also analyzed. Results show dose-related differences: higher concentrations (0.25% v/v) cause brain deterioration and impaired climbing, while lower concentrations (0.0625% v/v for copaiba and ginger; 0.125% for lavender) have no effect on climbing or brain structure. Lavender oil significantly extends lifespan and maintains anti-inflammatory activity when ingested, underscoring its therapeutic potential. These findings highlight the importance of D. melanogaster as a model for studying essential oil properties, potentially replacing chordate models. In addition, this research advances alternative remedies for currently incurable diseases, with lavender oil emerging as a promising candidate for drug discovery.