Pequi Oil Research Articles

Plasma Proteome Alterations of Laying Hens Subjected to Heat Stress and Fed a Diet Supplemented with Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.): New Insights in the Identification of Heat Stress Biomarkers

Heat stress can disrupt the balance between the heat poultry release into the environment and the heat they generate. Pequi oil has antioxidant properties, which may mitigate the heat stress effects. This study aimed to investigate the response of laying hens to pequi oil supplementation under heat stress using a proteomic approach. A total of 96 Lohmann White laying hens with 26 weeks old were housed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. They were housed in two climate chambers, thermal comfort temperature ± 24.04 °C with the relative humidity ± 66.35 and heat stress (HS) ± 31.26 °C with the relative humidity ± 60.62. They were fed two diets: a control diet (CON), basal diet (BD) without additives, and with Pequi oil (PO), BD + 0.6% PO. After 84 days, plasma samples were analyzed using Shotgun and LC-MS/MS. Proteins related to anti-inflammation, transport, and the immune system were differentially expressed in hens fed PO and CON under heat stress compared to those in thermoneutral environments. This helps protect against oxidative stress and may support the body’s ability to manage heat-induced damage, stabilizing protein expression under stress conditions. The ovotransferrin proteins, fibrinogen isoforms, apolipoprotein A-I, Proteasome activator subunit 4, Transthyretin, and the enzyme serine Peptidase Inhibitor_Kazal Type 5, which presented Upregulated (Up) equal to 1, present characteristics that may be crucial for enhancing the adaptive responses of hens to thermal stress, thereby increasing their tolerance and minimizing the negative effects of heat on egg production. The data presented in this manuscript provides new insights into the plasma proteome alterations of laying hens fed a diet supplemented with pequi oil during heat stress challenges.

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.

Physicochemical and Nutritional Properties of Vegetable Oils from Brazil Diversity and Their Applications in the Food Industry.

In this study, the oils of açaí, passion fruit, pequi, and guava were submitted to physicochemical analysis to investigate their potential application in the food industry. Gas chromatography associated with mass spectroscopy showed that oleic and linoleic acids are mainly responsible for the nutritional quality of açaí, passion fruit, pequi, and guava oils, which exhibited 46.71%, 38.11%, 43.78%, and 35.69% of the former fatty acid, and 18.93%, 47.64%, 20.90%, and 44.72% of the latter, respectively. The atherogenicity index of the oils varied from 0.11 to 0.65, while the thrombogenicity index was 0.93 for açaí, 0.35 for guava, and 0.3 for passion fruit oils, but 1.39 for pequi oil, suggesting that the use of the first three oils may lead to a low incidence of coronary heart disease. Thermogravimetry showed that all tested oils were thermally stable above 180 °C; therefore, they can be considered resistant to cooking and frying temperatures. In general, the results of this study highlight possible applications of these oils in the food industry, either in natura or in typical food production processes.

Development and Efficacy Evaluation of Innovative Cosmetic Formulations with Caryocar brasiliense Fruit Pulp Oil Encapsulated in Freeze-Dried Liposomes.

Encapsulation and drying technologies allow the engineering of innovative raw materials from plant biodiversity, with potential applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. Lipid-based nanoencapsulation stands out for its efficiency, ease of production, and versatility in encapsulating substances, whether hydrophilic or lipophilic. This work aimed at encapsulating pequi oil in liposomes and freeze-dried liposomes to enhance its stability and functional benefits, such as skin hydration and anti-aging effects, for use in innovative cosmetic formulations. Pequi oil-extracted from the Caryocar brasiliense fruit pulp, a plant species from Brazilian plant biodiversity-is rich in secondary metabolites and fatty acids. Liposomes and dried liposomes offer controlled production processes and seamless integration into cosmetic formulations. The physicochemical analysis of the developed liposomes confirmed that the formulations are homogeneous and electrokinetically stable, as evidenced by consistent particle size distribution and zeta potential values, respectively. The gel-type formulations loaded with the dried liposomes exhibit enhanced skin hydration, improved barrier function, and refined microrelief, indicating improvements in skin conditions. These results highlight the potential of dried liposomes containing pequi oil for the development of innovative cosmeceutical products. This research contributes to the valorization of Brazilian biodiversity by presenting an innovative approach to leveraging the dermatological benefits of pequi oil in cosmetic applications.

Polymeric microencapsulation of pequi oil: preparation and characterization

Microencapsulation is often used to protect an unstable bioactive ingredient from the actions of external factors. In our work, we have found biobased polymers to be particularly suited as polymeric microencapsulants. Thus, pequi oil (from Caryocar coriaceum) was encapsulated by ionic gelation through polyelectrolyte complex formation between chitosan and alginate. The process of microparticle formation was studied, and the formation of the polymeric emulsion and microparticles was fully characterized. The influence of freeze-drying and oven-drying on the characteristics of the microparticles was also investigated. The hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) was utilized as a testing protocol to prepare a stable emulsion for microencapsulation, with the HLB of 10.2 showing the best stability. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were 96.2 and 37.0%, respectively. Oven-dried particles showed a smaller particle size and a lower degree of sphericity and swelling than freeze-dried particles. Furthermore, freeze-dried microparticles had a lower percentage of oleic acid than those dried in an oven. This systematic approach (involving preparation, characterization, and optimization) should be applicable to the polymeric microencapsulation of other unstable bioactive ingredients for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense): A Systematic Review.

Disorders in the inflammatory process underlie the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. The utilization of natural products as anti-inflammatory agents is a well-established approach in both traditional medicine and scientific research, with studies consistently demonstrating their efficacy in managing inflammatory conditions. Pequi oil, derived from Caryocar brasiliense, is a rich source of bioactive compounds including fatty acids and carotenoids, which exhibit immunomodulatory potential. This systematic review aims to comprehensively summarize the scientific evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of pequi oil. Extensive literature searches were conducted across prominent databases (Scopus, BVS, CINAHL, Cochrane, LILACS, Embase, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, FSTA, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science). Studies evaluating the immunomodulatory activity of crude pequi oil using in vitro, in vivo models, or clinical trials were included. Out of the 438 articles identified, 10 met the stringent inclusion criteria. These studies collectively elucidate the potential of pequi oil to modulate gene expression, regulate circulating levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, and mitigate oxidative stress, immune cell migration, and cardinal signs of inflammation. Moreover, negligible to no toxicity of pequi oil was observed across the diverse evaluated models. Notably, variations in the chemical profile of the oil were noted, depending on the extraction methodology and geographical origin. This systematic review strongly supports the utility of pequi oil in controlling the inflammatory process. However, further comparative studies involving oils obtained via different methods and sourced from various regions are warranted to reinforce our understanding of its effectiveness and safety.

Histological investigation in aging male and female gerbil prostates after prenatal exposure to pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) oil and 17α-ethinylestradiol

ABSTRACT The female prostate, also known as Skene’s gland, is present in both humans and rodents. Prenatal exposure to ethinylestradiol (EE2), a synthetic estrogen found in oral contraceptives, induces pormotes neoplasic prostate lesions in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Conversely, pequi oil (Pe), extracted from the Brazilian Cerrado fruit, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, mitigates risks associated with chronic diseases related to lifestyle and aging. This study evaluates the impact of prenatal exposure to Pe (300 mg/kg) on senile gerbil offspring’s male and female prostates under normal conditions and EE2 exposure (15 μg/kg/day). Histological and morphometric analyses revealed that Pe reduced male body weight and prostate epithelial height, along with a thinner muscle layer. In females, EE2 exposure reduced prostatic weight, while Pe exposure lowered epithelial height and the relative stromal compartment volume, increasing the muscle layer. Pequi oil holds potential in mitigating alterations induced by exposure to the endocrine disruptor EE2.

Does the Ethnomedicinal Use of Pequi Oil for the Treatment of Infections Reveal its Antifungal Potential?

In Brazil, the use of medicinal plants has been on the rise over the years, especially as an alternative for the treatment of diseases caused by fungal infections. Fungal infections have become a major public health problem, primarily due to the indiscriminate and prolonged use of antibiotics. In this context, among the various species of the Brazilian flora, an endemic species stands out, Caryocar coriaceum, popularly known as "pequi," is widely used in nutrition and is also employed by the population for medicinal purposes to treat infectious diseases. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the chemical composition, antifungal action of the medicinal oil from Caryocar coriaceum, test the combined effect with the drug Fluconazole, and finally determine the chemical constituents present in the oil of pequi fruits. Initially, the fruits of this species were subjected to boiling in broth microdilution, and the combined effect with Fluconazole was assessed at sub-inhibitory concentrations (1/8 MIC), followed by spectrophotometric readings used to determine the IC50. The C. coriaceum species is composed of four fatty acids, of which two were more prevalent, oleic acid and palmitic acid. The fixed oil showed low antifungal activity when evaluated individually for Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis strains, with IC50 values of 593.8 μg/mL, exhibiting greater modification for the standard drug with IC50 values for C. albicans at 16.07 μg/mL and C. tropicalis at 4.77 μg/mL. However, for the Candida krusei strain, the fixed oil exhibited more potent antifungal activity than Fluconazole at concentrations of 32 μg/mL and 64 μg/mL, while Fluconazole had intensified activity at concentrations from 2 μg/mL up to 128 μg/mL. Regarding the potentiating action for Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei strains, the oil associated with Fluconazole enhanced the antifungal effect with IC50 values of 0.02792 μg/mL for C. albicans, 0.09903 μg/mL for C. tropicalis, and 15.15 μg/mL for C. krusei. Thus, the oil contains promising compounds in its composition for the development of medications to treat infectious diseases.

A MUFA/carotenoid-rich oil ameliorated insulin resistance by improving inflammation and oxidative stress in obese rats

Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to insulin resistance and type II diabetes. Caryocar brasiliense pulp oil (pequi oil – PO) is rich in oleic acid and carotenoids and positively implicated in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress. This study investigated PO's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in a diet-induced obesity model. Male Wistar rats were allocated into three experimental groups: Control (CD), Western Diet (WD), and Western Diet, with 27% of lard switched by PO (WDP). Metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated after 12 weeks of diet protocols in liver and adipose tissue. WDP rats gained less body mass and epididymal fat, had less hepatic fat infiltration, and were more glucose-tolerant and insulin-sensitive than WD (p < 0.05). In the liver, the WDP group had the highest non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity, SOD and GPx activities, CAT, SOD II, and HSP72 expression compared to WD (p < 0.05). Adipose tissue IL-6 and TNF were reduced, and IL-10 was increased in WDP compared to WD (p < 0.05). Our data suggest that the partial replacement of lard by PO in a Western diet prevented visceral fat accumulation and contributed to reducing inflammation in adipose tissue and liver oxidative stress, improving obesity-related insulin resistance.

Ingles Performance and physiological response of juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma Macropomum, Curvier 1818) feeding with pequi oil (Caryocar Brasiliense, Camb)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance and physiological responses of juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed diets containing pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense, Camb). A total of 240 juveniles were observed, with an average weight of 17.91±4.87g, distributed in 20 boxes with a capacity of 500 liters each, in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications, containing 12 fish per replication. Five isoprotein diets (41% of crude protein) containing increasing levels of pequi oil (0.5, 1.5, 2.0, 3.8 and 5.5%) were assessed. The animals were kept in a water recirculation system, equipped with a filter, forced aeration, and a 12-hour photoperiod. To evaluate the performance, survival rate, weight gain, feed conversion, specific growth rate, protein efficiency rate, hepatosomatic index, and digestive-somatic index were analyzed. For physiological responses, hematological parameters and indexes, and differential leukocyte counts were determined. The concentration of serum protein, albumin, and globulin was also determined at the end of a 60-day period. There was no effect of the inclusion of pequi oil on weight gain, feed conversion, and protein efficiency rate (p ˃ 0.05). The specific growth rate was significantly different (p ˂ 0.05) with the reduction of treatments. An increase in the hepatosomatic index was observed in the treatments, with significant differences (p ˂ 0.05) and a linear increase, resulting in evidence of a lack of essential fatty acids. Hematocrit values showed no differences, but discrepancies were observed (p ˂ 0.05) for the number of erythrocytes, which, however, remained within the reference values for the species. The hematometric ratios also showed differences between treatments (p ˂ 0.05), remaining within the reference values, not characterizing an anemic condition in the animals. The increase in serum protein levels suggests that pequi oil starts to act as an immunostimulant. However, the use of pequi oil in juvenile tambaqui was not able to guarantee an efficient growth rate.

Fermented milk supplemented with pequi oil microcapsules: effects on physicochemical properties, stability, in vitro digestion, and bioaccessibility

Pequi oil presents high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and beta-carotene and has been used for nutraceutical purposes. Microcapsules can improve the protection of bioactive compounds in pequi oil and mask the inherent smell and taste for food applications. However, the stability of the microencapsulated oil and its influence on the product characteristics need to be investigated. This work evaluated the impact of pequi oil microcapsules on the physicochemical characteristics of fermented milk and other aspects of stability, digestion, and bioaccessibility via the analysis of beta-carotene present in the oil. During 28 days of storage, the pH values decreased from 4.5 to 4.32 for all fermented milk. Syneresis values decreased (&lt;50%) due to water retention caused by the biopolymers on the microcapsules. Microencapsulation promoted an improvement in oil stability and a gradual release for 120 min, which allowed a better condition for beta-carotene quantification in the micellar phase and resulted in better bioaccessibility. Thus, the microcapsules positively influenced the physicochemical properties of the fermented milk and improved oil bioaccessibility aspects.

Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) Attenuates the Adverse Effects of Cyclical Heat Stress and Modulates the Oxidative Stress-Related Genes in Broiler Chickens.

The present study was conducted to determine the possible antioxidant protection of pequi oil (PO) against cyclic heat stress in broiler chickens and to highlight the application of PO as a promising additive in broiler feed. A total of 400 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to 2 × 5 factorially arranged treatments: two temperature-controlled rooms (thermoneutral-TN or heat stress-HS for 8 h/day) and five dietary PO levels (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 g/kg diet) for 42 days. Each treatment consisted of eight replicates of five birds. The results showed that HS increased glucose (p = 0.006), triglycerides (p < 0.001), and HDL (p = 0.042) at 21 days and reduced (p = 0.005) serum total cholesterol at 42 days. The results also showed that HS increased the contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In contrast, PO linearly decreased AST (p = 0.048) and ALT (p = 0.020) at 21 and 42 days, respectively. The heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the birds under HS was higher than in those in the TN environment (p = 0.046). Heat stress decreased (p = 0.032) the relative weight of their livers at 21 days. The superoxide dismutase activity increased (p = 0.010) in the HS treatments in comparison to the TN treatments, while the glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver decreased (p < 0.001) at 42 days; however, the activity of catalase had no significant effects. Meanwhile, increasing the dietary PO levels linearly decreased plasma malondialdehyde (p < 0.001) in the birds in the HS environment. In addition, PO reduced (p = 0.027) the expression of Hsp 70 in the liver by 92% when compared to the TN treatment without PO, mainly at the 6.0 g/kg diet level. The expression of Nrf2 was upregulated by 37% (p = 0.049) in response to PO with the 6.0 g/kg diet compared to the HS treatment without PO. In conclusion, PO supplementation alleviated the adverse effects of HS on broilers due to its antioxidant action and modulation of the genes related to oxidative stress, providing insights into its application as a potential feed additive in broiler production.

Potential Challenges of the Extraction of Carotenoids and Fatty Acids from Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) Oil.

Pequi is a natural source of bioactive compounds with wide versatility for fresh or processed fruit consumption, but it is still little explored economically. Functional foods are the subject of diverse scientific research since, in addition to being nourishing, they contain bioactive compounds capable of promoting several benefits to the human body. Pequi is a fruit species native to the Brazilian Cerrado, which is rich in oil and has components with a high nutritional value, such as unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, EPA, and DHA), antioxidants (carotenoids and phenolic compounds), and vitamins. Therefore, the present narrative review aims to compile and critically evaluate the methods used to extract oil from the pulp and almonds of pequi and describes the carotenoid separation from the oil because carotenoids are natural pigments of great interest in the pharmaceutical and food industries. It is emphasized that the main challenges linked to bioactive compound extraction are their susceptibility to degradation in the processing and storage stages of pequi and its derived products.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Toxicological Profile of Pulp Residue from the Caryocar Brasiliense, a Sustainable Raw Material.

Caryocar brasiliense Cambess is a plant species typical of the Cerrado, a Brazilian biome. The fruit of this species is popularly known as pequi, and its oil is used in traditional medicine. However, an important factor hindering the use of pequi oil is its low yield when extracted from the pulp of this fruit. Therefore, in this study, with aim of developing a new herbal medicine, we an-alyzed the toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of an extract of pequi pulp residue (EPPR), fol-lowing the mechanical extraction of the oil from its pulp. For this purpose, EPPR was prepared and encapsulated in chitosan. The nanoparticles were analyzed, and the cytotoxicity of the encapsu-lated EPPR was evaluated in vitro. After confirming the cytotoxicity of the encapsulated EPPR, the following evaluations were performed with non-encapsulated EPPR: in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, quantification of cytokines, and acute toxicity in vivo. Once the anti-inflammatory activity and absence of toxicity of EPPR were verified, a gel formulation of EPPR was developed for topical use and analyzed for its in vivo anti-inflammatory potential, ocular toxicity, and previous stability assessment. EPPR and the gel containing EPPR showed effective anti-inflammatory activity and lack of toxicity. The formulation was stable. Thus, a new herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory activity can be developed from discarded pequi residue.

Historical, geographical and medical rescue pequi Caryocar coriaceum Wittm

The Caryocar coriaceum is a species of native cerrado plant of the Chapada, Araripe and its fruit is popularly known as pequi. The pequi pulp oil has a high nutritional value, rich in oleic acid and is used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory and healing. The study aims to obtain information in PubMed databases from 2009 to 2014 using as descriptors Caryocar coriaceum, pequi, pequi oil, anti-inflammatory property also know the applicability in folk medicine. Thus it becomes important studies that evidences the pharmacological potential of pequi pulp, oil and for this purpose, there are few scientific reports to the species present in of the Chapada Araripe - CE.

Evaluation of Biocompatibility, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antinociceptive Activities of Pequi Oil-Based Nanoemulsions in In Vitro and In Vivo Models.

Pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense) contains bioactive compounds capable of modulating the inflammatory process; however, its hydrophobic characteristic limits its therapeutic use. The encapsulation of pequi oil in nanoemulsions can improve its biodistribution and promote its immunomodulatory effects. Thus, the objective of the present study was to formulate pequi oil-based nanoemulsions (PeNE) to evaluate their biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive effects in in vitro (macrophages—J774.16) and in vivo (Rattus novergicus) models. PeNE were biocompatible, showed no cytotoxic and genotoxic effects and no changes in body weight, biochemistry, or histology of treated animals at all concentrations tested (90−360 µg/mL for 24 h, in vitro; 100−400 mg/kg p.o. 15 days, in vivo). It was possible to observe antinociceptive effects in a dose-dependent manner in the animals treated with PeNE, with a reduction of 27 and 40% in the doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg of PeNE, respectively (p < 0.05); however, the treatment with PeNE did not induce edema reduction in animals with carrageenan-induced edema. Thus, the promising results of this study point to the use of free and nanostructured pequi oil as a possible future approach to a preventive/therapeutic complementary treatment alongside existing conventional therapies for analgesia.

Artemether-loaded polymeric lipid-core nanocapsules reduce cell viability and alter the antioxidant status of U-87 MG cells

Glioblastomas are tumors that present a high mortality rate. Artemether (ART) is a lactone with antitumor properties, demonstrating low bioavailability and water solubility. In the present study, we developed lipid-core nanocapsules (LNC) containing pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) as the oily core for ART-loaded LNCs (LNCART) and evaluated their effect on human glioblastoma cells (U-87 MG). LNCs were developed by interfacial deposition of a preformed polymer, followed by physicochemical characterization. LNCART revealed a diameter of 0.216 µm, polydispersity index of 0.161, zeta potential of −12.0 mV, and a pH of 5.53. Furthermore, mitochondrial viability, proliferation, total antioxidant status, and antioxidant enzyme activity were evaluated. ART reduced cell viability after 24 h and proliferation after 48 h of treatment at concentrations equal to or above 40 µg . mL−1. LNCART, at 1.25 µg . mL−1, reduced these parameters after 24 h of treatment. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was elevated, while glutathione reductase (GR) activity was reduced. These findings suggest that ART loaded into LNC may be a promising alternative to improve its pharmacological action and possible application as a therapeutic agent for glioblastoma.

Cocoa butter equivalent from Kpangnan butter and Pequi oil

AbstractNovel cocoa butter equivalents were designed using dry fractionated Pequi oil and solvent fractionated Kpangnan butter. Static crystallization of binary mixtures into the triclinic form (β2) was achieved after 12 days of static crystallization at room temperature for all mixtures and after 4 days only for the 80:20 w/w and 90:10 w/w fractionated Kpangnan: Pequi oil mixtures. However, after 60 days of storage at 22°C, all binary blends (except 100% fractionated pequi oil and 100% fractionated Kpangnan butter) were crystallized in the most stable triclinic crystal form (β1). Here we also reported a higher melting behavior for the fractionated Pequi oil: fractionated Kpangnan (80:20 w/w and 90:10 w/w), after 4 days of static crystallization at room 22°C, which, based on the x‐ray results, could be addressed to completion of crystal polymorphic transition to the triclinic β2 form during 4 days of storage. Our results suggest that the 70:30 w/w fractionated Pequi oil: Kpangnan mixture after 60 days of storage at 22°C showed a melting point of 34°C, a stable triclinic β2 form, and a triglyceride composition of 28% POP, 4.6% POS, and 33% SOS displayed solid‐state characteristics, melting point, and crystal structure, of a novel cocoa butter equivalent.

Pequi oil (Caryocar brasilense Cambess.) nanoemulsion alters cell proliferation and damages key organelles in triple-negative breast cancer cells in vitro

Pequi oil is extracted from the fruit of a Brazilian native plant (Caryocar brasiliense Camb) that contains some molecules with anticancer potential. Due to its hydrophobic property, the administration of pequi oil associated with nanoemulsion systems represents a successful strategy to improve oil bioavailability. Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer among women and conventional therapies used are frequently associated with several side effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pequi oil-based nanoemulsion (PeNE) on triple-negative breast cancer cells (4T1), in vitro. PeNE presented a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect with lower IC50 than free pequi oil after 48 h of exposure (p < 0.001). At 180 µg/mL, PeNE demonstrated numerous cell alterations, when compared to free pequi oil, such as morphological alterations, reduction in cell proliferation and total cell number, damage to plasmatic membrane, induction of lysosomal membrane permeability and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane, alteration of intracellular ROS production and calcium level, and increase in phosphatidylserine exposure. Taken together, the results suggest an interesting induction of cell death mechanisms involving a combined action of factors that impair nucleus, mitochondria, lysosome, and ER function. In addition, more pronounced effects were observed in cells treated by PeNE at 180 µg/mL when compared to free pequi oil, thereby reinforcing the advantages of using nanometric platforms. These promising results highlight the use of PeNE as a potential complementary therapeutic approach to be employed along with conventional treatments against breast cancer in the future.

Enhancement of the functionality of women with knee osteoarthritis by a gel formulation with Caryocar coriaceum Wittm ("Pequi") nanoencapsulated pulp fixed oil.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when there is a change in the mechanical and biological properties of the articular cartilage and the subchondral bone; The condition is more prevalent in women than in men. Pequi oil (PO), which is extracted from the fruits of the pequi tree (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm), is widely used in traditional medicine in the Brazilian northeast for the management of inflammation and joint pain. The aim of this study was to develop a pharmaceutical formulation containing Carbopol® hydrogel nanoencapsulated with pequi pulp fixed oil (PeONC) and evaluate its therapeutic effect on functionality and pain in women with knee osteoarthritis. The study was divided into two stages: Stage 1 - preparation and physico-chemical characterization of the pharmaceutical formulation containing PeONC, cell viability assays and skin irritability testing. Step 2 - A double-blind randomized clinical trial evaluating knee symptoms, quality of life, pressure pain, function, muscle strength and range of motion. The nanoformulation was in a gel form, with a particle size of 209.5±1.06nm, a pH of 6.23±0.45, a zeta potential of -23.1±0.4mV, a polydispersity index of 0.137±0.52, and containing nanocapsules with a spherical shape a polymeric wall and an oily nucleus. The gel showed no cytotoxicity and was not irritating to human skin. The treatment with PeONC increased the strength of the knee flexor and extensor muscles and the total motion range of the knee. In addition, the treatment reduced knee instability, pain, swelling, and locking; There was also an improvement in some items of the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire such as in respect of functional capacity and social aspects. In conclusion, PeONC was found to be a stable, safe formulation with no toxicity in respect of topical use in humans. Additionally, the treatment produced an increase in muscle strength and functionality that was associated with reduced knee symptoms and improved quality of life. Our findings showed that in a group of women treated with PeONC mitigated the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.