Euterpe Edulis Martius Research Articles

Preconceptional treatment with açaí juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) in advanced-age female rats did not interfere with metabolic parameters and redox balance during pregnancy

The consumption of açaí has been shown to be beneficial to health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of juçara açai (JU, Euterpe edulis Martius) administration before gestation on the biometric, metabolic, and oxidative status in pregnant rats of advanced maternal age. Healthy female Wistar rats were treated with JU pulp via gavage from postnatal day 168 to 210. After treatment, the rats were mated, and during the 20 days of pregnancy, they were evaluated for body weight (BW), glucose tolerance, adipose tissue and liver weight, the lipid profile, and hepatic oxidative status. At birth, the offspring were weighed and counted. It was observed that JU reduced just maternal glycaemia. The maternal preconceptional treatment did not affect offspring BW. These results suggest that JU could be a safe nutritional intervention during the preconception period in advanced maternal age.

Microencapsulation by Spray Drying of Bioactive Compounds: A Comparison Between Pulp or Acidified Extract of Jussara Fruit (Euterpe edulis Martius).

The present study aims to evaluate the best way to use the fruit of the Jussara Palm (Euterpe edulis Martius), whether as pulp or acidified extract, in microencapsulation by spray drying, to develop a natural dye with attractive, stable color characteristics, and high anthocyanin content. The anthocyanins were extracted using a hydroalcoholic solution (70%) acidified with citric acid, and the microcapsules were produced in a proportion of in a 1:3 ratio (pulp/extract: agent), using maltodextrin and gum arabic as encapsulating agents. The microcapsule samples showed high values of encapsulation efficiency and retention of total anthocyanins, with the pulp showing higher levels of bioactive compounds compared to the extract. Regarding characterization, the microcapsules obtained from pulp showed better results for total anthocyanins (77.5 mg cyanidin-3-O-glucoside/100 g), phenolic compounds (492.48 mg EAG/100 g) and antioxidant activity (85.82%). The best color stability, with storage at room temperature, was also observed in microcapsules obtained from Jussara pulp (ΔE 6.25). Thus, the pulp presents better technological characteristics for microcapsule preparation by spray drying, with potential application as a natural dye in food matrices.

Suitable areas for Juçara palm (Euterpe edulis Martius) cultivation in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil: proposal to encourage agro-ecological practices and non-timber products

The Juçara palm (Euterpe edulis Mart.) is a native species of the Atlantic Forest biome, with high commercial value due to, among other uses, the extraction of the palm heart and pulp. This species has essential ecological interaction with fauna, providing food for many frugivorous species. However, it is on the list of endangered species, mainly due to the disorderly exploration of the palm tree for the extraction of the palm heart, but also due to climate change, habitat fragmentation, and defaunation. In this context, understanding which areas are suitable to grow this species is important for planning and supporting decision-making, as well as delimiting areas environmentally suitable according to the optimal requirements of species and land-use occupation. Our aim was to identify the suitable areas to cultivate Juçara palm in the State of Rio de Janeiro and provide a set of supporting maps and information for this productive sector, to increase agroforestry systems, or even for forest conservation and restoration purposes. Environmental parameters for the species (soil, elevation, air temperature and rainfall), and land use and land cover were assessed in order to perform the mapping of the optimal areas. The results indicate a potential for cultivation of Juçara palm in the State of Rio de Janeiro. All regions of the State have suitable areas, especially the Médio Vale do Paraíba, Centro–Sul, and Baixadas Litorâneas. The most restrictive variables to grow Juçara Palm in Rio de Janeiro State were rainfall and inadequate land use/cover for planting. Keywords: environmentally suitable areas, geoprocessing, Juçara palm, planning.

Effect of Fermentation by Probiotic Bacteria on the Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds from the Fruit of the Juçara Palm (Euterpe edulis Martius)

The underexplored fruit from the juçara palm tree (Euterpe edulis Martius) has bioactive compounds with antioxidant activities, such as phenolic acids and anthocyanins. This fruit’s pulp presents itself as an appropriate fermentation medium for probiotic bacteria growth. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fermentation by Limosilactobacillus reuteri LR92 (JLR) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 (JBB) on the bioactive compound contents of the juçara pulp, before and after a gastrointestinal simulation. The pulp of the juçara fruit showed probiotic counts of 8.70 ± 0.07 log UFC/mL for JLR and 8.44 ± 0.09 log UFC/mL for JBB, after 24 h of fermentation. Fermentation with the strains used modified the proportions of fatty acids (fatty acids esters were quantified using a gas chromatography equipment) and fibers when compared to the non-fermented pulp. The antioxidant capacity determined by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS showed significant reduction after the gastrointestinal simulation for samples. Phenolic compound analysis by UPLC-MS/MS showed, after fermentation, a greater amount of ferulic, protocatechuic and catechin acids in the samples. These results show changes in the bioactive compounds due to the fermentation of the juçara pulp by probiotics. However, these compounds showed bioactive potential and were bioaccessible after the gastrointestinal simulation, with the pulp being a potential means for bacteria growth, which may bring health benefits.

In Vitro evaluation of probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from juçara fruit native to the Atlantic Forest

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the microorganisms most commonly used as probiotics. Since probiotic benefits are strain-dependent, there is a continuous need for research into new cultures with probiotic properties. Fruits such as juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius), a palm species from the Atlantic Forest threatened with extinction, are rich niches for microorganisms, including LAB. This study investigated the probiotic properties of Lactococcus lactis J7 and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides JF17 strains isolated from juçara fruits native to the Atlantic Forest. Probiotic characteristics, such as tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal fluids or juices, hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, coaggregation properties, inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, and technological properties were evaluated. The survival rate of L. lactis J7 and L. pseudomesenteroides JF17 decreased after exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions; however, L. lactis J7 was more resistant, maintaining viability at the end of the enteric phase of 6.07 ± 0.16 log CFU mL-1. The J7 strain also exhibited the highest values in hydrophobicity (12.55 ± 0.52%), autoaggregation (25.63 ± 0.75%), and coaggregation capacity with E. coli ATCC 25922 (21.52 ± 0.98%) and S. Enteritidis ATCC 13076 (22.68 ± 1.01%). Both J7 and JF17 strains demonstrated antimicrobial activity, confirmed by the multilayer agar plate system. Additionally, the growth of the strains was temperature-dependent, and they were able to thrive in high concentrations of sodium chloride (6%). Thus, L. lactis J7 is a promising probiotic candidate for the development of functional products. Nevertheless, further studies using animal models are necessary to explore the properties of these probiotic bacteria. Novel strains isolated from fruits should be studied to broaden the application of probiotic microorganisms in the development of foods and medicines.

The Protective Effect of Juçara Fruit (Euterpe edulis Martius) Extracts on LPS-Activated J774 Macrophages.

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts from juçara fruits (Euterpe edulis Martius) through measurement of nitric oxide (NOx) and cytokines (IL-12p70, TNF-α, INF-γ, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-10). J774 macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (1µg/mL) and treated with various concentrations (1-100µg/mL) of juçara fruits extracts from crude extracts, and hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and butanol fractions. Potential relationships between the phenolic composition of the extracts determined by LC-ESI-MS/MS and their anti-inflammatory capacity were also evaluated. Hexane and dichloromethane fractions inhibited NOx and IL-12p70 while increased IL-10. Hexane fractions also decreased IL-6 and IFN-γ production. Hexane and dichloromethane fractions showed a higher number of phenolic compounds (32 and 34, respectively) than the other extracts tested and were also the only ones that presented benzoic acid and pinocembrin. These results suggest juçara fruits compounds as potential anti-inflammatory agents, especially those of a more apolar nature.

Juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) improves time-to-exhaustion cycling performance and increased reduced glutathione: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, and triple-blind study.

To examine the effects of 7-days juçara powder (JP) intake on oxidative stress biomarkers and endurance and sprint cycling performances. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, and triple-blind study, 20 male trained cyclists were assigned to intake 10g of JP (240mg anthocyanins) or placebo (PLA) for 7 days and performed a cycling time-to-exhaustion (TTE). A 5s cycling sprint was performed before and after the cycling TTE. Blood oxidative stress biomarkers and lactate concentration where evaluated 1h before (T-1), immediately after (T0), and 1h after (T1) the cycling TTE. The mean duration time for the cycling TTE was 8.4±6.0% (63±17s) longer in the JP condition (JP: 751±283s) compared to PLA (688±266s) (P<0.019). Two-way repeated measures Analysis of variance showed an increase in the JP condition for reduced glutathione (GSH) (P=0.049) at T0 (P=0.039) and T1 (P=0.029) compared to PLA with a moderate effect size at T0 (d=0.61) and T1 (d=0.57). Blood lactate levels increased over time in both conditions (P≤0.001). No differences were observed for the post-TTE sprint fatigue index, total phenols, protein carbonyls, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Seven-day intake of JP improved cycling endurance performance and increased GSH levels but had no effect on lactate and cycling sprint-induced fatigue.

Propriedades tecnofuncionais da dextrana produzida por Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides isolado do fruto da palmeira juçara

ABSTRACT Juçara fruits (Euterpe edulis Martius), an important palm tree native to the Atlantic Forest ecosystem, exhibit a rich diversity of microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB). LAB are highly capable of synthesizing exopolysaccharides (EPS), which are extracellular carbohydrate biopolymers with techno-functional properties, and consequently, wide applicability. In the present study, the technical-functional information of the dextran produced by L. pseudomesenteroides JF17 was obtained by determining its physicochemical, rheological, water-holding, oil-holding, and emulsifying properties. Dextran-JF17 mainly comprised carbohydrates (87.87% ± 1.45%, w/w), along with 48.86% ± 1.2% (w/w) of soluble fibers and a low protein content (2.98% ± 0.49%, w/w). The dextran exhibited high water-holding (470.89% ± 39.67%, w/v) and oil-holding (89.945% ± 4.16%, w/v) capacities, with values close to those reported for other microbial EPS. The dextran-JF17 solutions with concentrations 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% (w/v) exhibited the typical pseudoplastic non-Newtonian fluid behavior. The emulsifying capacity of dextran-JF17 was higher (26.73 ± 0.31 mL of oil/g dextran) than that of guar gum (15.45 ± 1.33 mL oil/gum). In addition, dextran-JF17 presented an emulsifying activity of approximately 65% (w/v) within 24 h, indicating a strong emulsion stabilization capacity. Collectively, these results suggested that dextran-JF17 is a good candidate for application as a viscosity, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

What We Know about Euterpe Genus and Neuroprotection: A Scoping Review.

The Euterpe genus (mainly Euterpe oleracea Martius, Euterpe precatoria Martius, and Euterpe edulis Martius) has recently gained commercial and scientific notoriety due to the high nutritional value of its fruits, which are rich in polyphenols (phenolic acids and anthocyanins) and have potent antioxidant activity. These characteristics have contributed to the increased number of neuropharmacological evaluations of the three species over the last 10 years, especially açaí of the species Euterpe oleracea Martius. The fruits of the three species exert neuroprotective effects through the modulation of inflammatory and oxidative pathways and other mechanisms, including the inhibition of the mTOR pathway and protection of the blood-brain barrier, all of them intimately involved in several neuropathologies. Thus, a better understanding of the neuropharmacological properties of these three species may open new paths for the development of therapeutic tools aimed at preventing and treating a variety of neurological conditions.

Effects of the juçara fruit (Euterpe edulis Martius) pulp and lyophilized extract on NRF2, KEAP1, SOD1, and GPX2 expression in human colorectal cancer cell lines

We investigated the effects of the juçara fruit (Euterpe edulis Martius) pulp and lyophilized extract on the expression of cytoprotective genes nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (NRF2), kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), superoxide dismutase (SOD1), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX2) in human colorectal cancer cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2). Cells were cultured for 24 h in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium containing juçara fruit pulp (5, 10, or 50 mg/mL) or lyophilized extract (0.05, 0.1, or 0.5 mg/mL), and gene expression was quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. All studied genes showed significant variation in gene expression among different concentrations of pulp or lyophilized extract. Overall, the expression of the selected genes decreased in both cell lines following exposure to the pulp or lyophilized extract in a dose-dependent manner for most of the concentrations studied. In summary, our study showed that the compounds in juçara fruit inhibited the expression of cytoprotective genes associated with the antioxidant response and that, although not cytotoxic at the concentrations studied, they could potentially block the activation of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway.

Towards chemical characterization and possible applications of juçara fruit: an approach to remove Euterpe edulis Martius from the extinction list.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05342-8.

Chemical composition, bioactive compounds extraction, and observed biological activities from jussara (Euterpe edulis): The exotic and endangered Brazilian superfruit.

In this article, we reviewed studies on the fruits of the jussara palm (Euterpe edulis Martius), an endangered Brazilian Atlantic Forest palm tree, also coined as "Superfruit." We summarized the chemical components of the pulp and observed biological activities in murine and humans, as well as the best practices involving the extraction of its target compounds, bioavailability, and stability of extracts. Jussara has shown a rich phenolic profile that justifies its antioxidant properties, in addition to a considerable lipidic and energetic value. As the main feature, the fruit possesses large amounts of anthocyanins that can be commercially explored as a food additive or cosmetic colorants. Recent studies emphasized jussara's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective capabilities via reshaping of the gut microbiota. Further knowledge is needed to establish bioavailability and optimal serving size, as many of its antioxidant compounds go under chemical bioconversion in the intestinal tract. While extraction of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and oils have interesting results, more studies are required in order to reduce the use of conventional organic solvents and improve their stability and shelf life when added to food products, an area in which nanotechnology seems promising.

Population Biology of Palm Heart (Euterpe edulis Martius–Arecaceae) in Managed Landscape Units in Southern Brazil

Population Biology of Palm Heart (Euterpe edulis Martius–Arecaceae) in Managed Landscape Units in Southern Brazil

Aliphatic organic acids and sugars in seven edible ripening stages of juçara fruit (Euterpe edulis Martius)

Aliphatic organic acids and sugars in seven edible ripening stages of juçara fruit (Euterpe edulis Martius)

Genetic diversity of Euterpe edulis martius based on fruit traits

Juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) is a palm species from the Atlantic Forest whose fruits are important as a source of food to several individuals from the fauna of the region. Despite its ecological importance, juçara is found in the list of endangered species, due to the fragmentation of the forests and the illegal extraction of the heart of palm. We aimed to evaluate the inter- and intra-populational genetic diversity of E. edulis based on fruit and seed traits in forest fragments of the Espírito Santo State in Brazil. The aim was to generate information to be used in E. edulis breeding programs, or in the delineation of more efficient management and reforestation strategies. The study was carried out in 20 forest fragments and 198 fruit plants were sampled. Positive genetic association was observed between the evaluated traits, with the longitudinal diameter of the fruit (LDF) and the seed mass (SM) greatly affecting fruit mass (FM). The existence of inter- and intra-populational genetic divergence was proved. The genetic divergence found in E. edulis suggests that there is genetic material that can be explored in breeding programs and this information may also contribute to management strategies that can increase the species genetic diversity.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in a mixed pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merril) and jussara (Euterpe edulis Martius) beverage and its survival in the human gastrointestinal tract

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in a mixed pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merril) and jussara (Euterpe edulis Martius) beverage and its survival in the human gastrointestinal tract

Development and evaluation of physico-chemical stability of cosmetic formulations employing the fruits of the Jussara palm tree (Euterpe edulis Martius): tinting shampoo and exfoliant cream

The major goal of this research work was to use the dry extract of the fruits of Jussara palm tree (Euterpe edulis Martius) in the development of a tinting shampoo (0.3% (w/v) anthocyanin extract) and an exfoliating beauty cream integrating granules from the seeds of the fruit (1%, w/v). The dry extract was characterized via determination of the content of anthocyanins by the differential pH method, antioxidant activity by the phospho-molybdenum complex methodology, and antimicrobial activity by the disc-diffusion method. The extraction yield was 2.3% (w/w) (2.25 g dry extract/100 g fruit), with an antioxidant activity of 139.0 ± 5.5% relative to that of ascorbic acid, indicating a high antioxidant capacity. The anthocyanin extract did not exhibit antimicrobial activity. The physico-chemical stability characteristics of both the tinting shampoo and the exfoliating cream were evaluated via accelerated stability studies at 0, 30, 60 and 90 days of storage at 40 ± 2 °C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity. The cosmetic products prepared were stable in relation to the physico-chemical characteristics under the conditions studied.

Acute effect of juçara juice (Euterpe edulis Martius) on oxidative stress biomarkers and fatigue in a high-intensity interval training session: A single-blind cross-over randomized study

Acute effect of juçara juice (Euterpe edulis Martius) on oxidative stress biomarkers and fatigue in a high-intensity interval training session: A single-blind cross-over randomized study

Nephroprotective activity of the enriched polyphenol extract of Euterpe edulis Martius

Contrast-induced nephropathy (NIC) is directly related to increased morbidity and mortality, and its treatment and prevention might be achieved by the administration of antioxidant products. The jucara palmetto (Euterpe edulis Martius) has fruits rich in phenolic compounds, which are known for their antioxidant activity. This work aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective activity of E. edulis pulp in the NIC animal model. The collected fruits were pulped, their contents of polyphenols and anthocyanins were quantified, and their antioxidant activity were evaluated. The nephroprotective effects were determined based on iodine contrast induction and evaluated by biochemical and histological analyses. The results showed that E. edulis pulp was rich in polyphenols (811 ± 16.7 mg EAG/g) and anthocyanins (181.25 mg/100 g) and had very strong antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) method, which revealed an antioxidant activity index (AAI) of 3.4, and the 2,29-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) method, which revealed an IC50 of 0.59 ± 0.03 mg/mL. In the in vivo experiments, E. edulis pulp tended to provide renal protection and reduce renal dysfunction and tubular morphological lesions in mice after the induction of NIC, and these effects were obtained through the antioxidant activities of the polyphenols in the pulp.

Cold storage of juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) fruits: stability of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity

Cold storage of juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) fruits: stability of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity