Genipa Research Articles

Ethnobotanical survey of existing trees in the botanical garden of UFRRJ

Ethnobotany has as main objectives not only to rescue popular knowledge linked to scientific knowledge about the use of plant materials used by social groups with different customs and cultures, but also to contribute to the identification, registration and conservation of natural resources. Aiming at these assumptions, the present work aims to produce a survey of the ethnobotanical characteristics of eudicotiledonous tree species in the Botanic Garden of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). The analysis of the ethnobotanical characteristics was done through specialized bibliography and also through records of uses by the local community, using its own methodology for such survey. The tree species were evaluated in 18 categories: food, handicrafts, apiculture, cellulosic, energetic, forage, wood, medicinal, oilseed, ornamental, reforestation, repellent, tannin, technology, textile, dye, ritualistic and poisonous. Among the species with more useful properties, Genipa americana L., included in 16 categories, is evident. However, this survey shows that the Botanic Garden of UFRRJ has an important collection of useful species

The genetic diversity and population structure of Genipa americana L. in Northern Mato Grosso, Brazil

Genipa americana L. (Rubiaceae) is an Amazon region-natural species, which may be subject to inbreeding, since it grows in fragmented environments. The aim of the current study is to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of three G. americana populations naturally grown in Northern Mato Grosso State using SSR markers. The DNA extraction was performed according to the CTAB method, with modifications. Six (6) SSR primers developed for the species were used. The allele frequency, the observed and expected heterozygosity, PIC (Polymorphism information content), and the Fixation Index were estimated. Molecular variance (AMOVA) and principal coordinates (PCoA) analyses were conducted, and the most likely number of groups (k) was inferred using the Structure software in order to help understanding the genetic structure of the populations. The three populations showed genetic diversity, shared genetic material and presented high inbreeding index due to low heterozygosity. The cluster analysis results showed genetic material sharing between populations, as well as lack of genetic structuring among individuals due to their geographical origins. As G. americana is a culturally and economically important native species, in addition to being attractive to wild animals, it is worth preserving forest fragments showing the occurrence of G. americana individuals to assure genetic

Physico-chemical Properties of the Biosurfactant Obtained from Fruit Extract of Genipa Americana L. and Tamarindus Indica L. and Its Application in Oil Removal

In the last years, the industrial application of natural surfactants of origin of fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains has increased due to its potential physicochemical properties (foaming, emulsification, solubilization, sweetener, bitterness) and biological activities (hemolytic, antimicrobial, insecticide). These natural alternatives are considered economically and environmentally viable and explored to various purposes including the bioremediation of soils contaminated by oils. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the surfactants properties of the ethyl acetate extracts obtained from the fruits Genipa americana L. (Genipap) and Tamarindus indica L. (Tamarinds) and their applications in oil removal. The physico-chemical analyzes performed were surface tension, emulsification activity using different hydrocarbons and vegetable oils, surface tension stability in different temperatures, pH and addition of salt, and test of dispersion. To evaluate the capacity of this extracts (biosurfactants) on oil removal in engine parts, small-scale tests were conducted using glass blade. The results showed that this ethyl acetate extracts obtained from fruits extract exhibited surfactant properties due to the reduction of the surface tension of water from 72mN/m to 31.57mN/m and 34.71mN/m with the critical micelle concentration of 0.95g/L e 1.9g/L, with the increase values of the emulsification activity ranging from 32% and 100%. The results also showed a considerable stability of these biosurfactants derived from fruit extract submitted to different temperature, pH and salt concentrations as well as their compatibility with chemical surfactants. The biosurfactants obtained from fruit extract of G. americana and T. indica can be considered new perspectives on oil removal from engine parts with future potential to be marketed and replace the application of chemical surfactants.