Pequi Oil Research Articles

Influence of the extraction method and storage time on the physicochemical properties and carotenoid levels of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) oil

The objective of this study was to analyze the physicochemical properties and carotenoid levels of pequi oil obtained by different extraction methods and to evaluate the preservation of these properties and pigments during storage time. The pequi oil was obtained by solvent extraction, mechanical extraction, and hot water flotation. It was stored for over 180 days in an amber bottle at ambient conditions. Analyses for the determination of the acidity, peroxide, saponification and iodine values, coloration, total carotenoids, and β-carotene levels were conducted. The oil extraction with solvents produced the best yield and carotenoid levels. The oil obtained by mechanical extraction presented higher acidity (5.44 mg KOH.g-1) and peroxide values (1.07 mEq.kg-1). During the storage of pequi oil, there was an increase in the acidity and the peroxide values, darkening of the oil coloration, and a reduction of the carotenoid levels. Mechanical extraction is the less advantageous method for the conservation of the physicochemical properties and carotenoid levels in pequi oil.

Production of methyl and ethyl biodiesel fuel from pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliensis Camb.)

We studied the physical and chemical characteristics of methyl and ethyl esters (biodiesel) produced by transesterification of pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliensis Camb.) in the presence of potassium hydroxide. The oil extracted from pequi seed comprises 60% of the fruit content. Such characteristics as density, acidity, viscosity, and carbon residue of the biodiesel meet ANP (Brazilian National Petroleum Agency) standards. Our tests demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing pequi oil for biodiesel production.

Abstract 1604: Treatment with Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb) fruit pulp oil decrease the DNA damage caused by chemical carcinogenesis in experimental model of lung cancer.

Abstract Background: It is well known that a daily consumption of foods that are rich in antioxidants prevents the oxidative damage caused by reactive species (ROS), including DNA damage, and can reduce the risk of cancer, atherosclerosis and other degenerative diseases. The pulp of Caryocar brasiliense Camb, most known as pequi, is a Brazilian fruit that has high levels of antoxidants properties, such as vitamin C, carotenoids, phenolic compounds like flavonoids, saponins and tannins, and essential oils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of the pequi oil in the DNA damage in experimental model of lung cancer induced by the urethane. Material and Methods: Male BALB/c mice (n=14) received by gavage 0,5μL/mg/day of pequi oil (CBC oil) during 75 days. After 15 days of the beginning of the gavage, 10 of these animals received two doses of 1,5g/kg intraperitoneal of urethane (Urethane + CBC oil). Urethane animals (n=4) were only submitted to two doses of 1,5g/kg intraperitoneal of urethane (urethane group). After these 75 days, lung tissues were submitted to histological and biochemical analysis by comet assay method to evaluated the DNA damage. The DNA damage was quantificate by image analysis. Results: The lung parenchyma from the urethane groups without oil and with oil showed neoplasic formations induced by the chemical carcinogenesis in contrast with oil control group. The image analysis of the comet assay showed a statistical significant diminish of the DNA damage cells in the urethane oil group when compared with urethane control group (p=0.001). The decreased DNA damage was very similar that we obtained in the oil control group. Conclusion: We conclude that the different antioxidant components found in the pequi oil diminish the DNA damage in the mouse lung after chemical carcinogenesis, suggesting that this type of strategies may have a greater impact in lung cancer treatment. Financial Support: FAPESP, CNPq Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1604. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1604

Comparative properties of Amazonian oils obtained by different extraction methods.

Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), babaçu (Orbignya phalerata Mart.), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) oils were studied to determine their antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities, as well as their total phenol and carotenoid contents. The fatty acid contents were determined by GC-MS. The three types of passion fruit oils studied were refined, cold pressed or extracted from seeds in a Soxhlet apparatus. The oils thus obtained showed differences in antioxidant activity and carotenoid content, but were similar in regard to total phenols. Buriti and pequi had the highest carotenoid contents, while refined and cold pressed passion fruit oil displayed the highest antioxidant activity. Pequi oil was the only oil to display antibacterial and cytotoxic activity.

Under Increased Hydrogen Peroxide conditions, the Antioxidant Effects of Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) to Decrease DNA Damage in Runners are Influenced by Sex, Age and oxidative Stress-related Genetic Polymorphisms

Context: Exhausting exercise, increasing reactive oxygen species, can overwhelm the endogenous antioxidant system’s capacity, resulting in oxidative damage to DNA. Deficient antioxidant defenses, influenced by certain genetic polymorphisms, may contribute. Aims: We aimed to investigate whether carotenoid-rich oil from pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) could decrease DNA damage in athletes submitted to increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) conditions and in those less genetically favored by antioxidant defenses. Methods and Material: Runners’ blood (N = 125) was analyzed after races under the same environment, type, intensity and length of weekly training conditions, before and after 14 days of pequi-oil supplementation. DNA damage was assessed by comet assay before and after H2O2 exposure, with gene polymorphisms of MnSOD Val9Ala, CAT –21A/T, GPx-1 Pro198Leu, del{GSTM1}, del{GSTT1}, ACE and Haptoglobin. Results: Without additional oxidative stress imposed by H2O2, pequi oil was particularly efficient reducing DNA damage for women, age group of 20-40 years, distance of 8-10 Km and genotypes MnSOD Val/Ala, CAT TT, GPx-1 Pro/Leu, GSTM1 null, GSTT1 non-null, ACE DD and II and Hp1F-2. For treatment with H2O2 at 0.25 mM, pequi oil resulted in decreased DNA damage only for running 16-21 Km; for treatment with 1 mM, decrease was for 20-40 years and genotypes GPx-1 Pro/Pro and ACE ID. Conclusions: Pequi oil’s effect on exercise-induced DNA damage was therefore influenced by sex, age and genetic polymorphisms, indicating that: long-distance races can be harmful, mainly for older athletes, due to oxidative stress above organism adaptability; genotypes showed different responses; under increased H2O2 conditions, GPx-1 Pro/Pro and ACE ID genotypes were more responsive to antioxidant supplementation.

Genetic polymorphisms influence runners’ responses to the dietary ingestion of antioxidant supplementation based on pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.): a before-after study

Genes have been implicated in the levels of oxidative stress, lipids, CVD risk, immune reactivity, and performance. Pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense) has shown anti-inflammatory and hypotensive effects, besides reducing exercise-induced DNA, tissue damages, and anisocytosis. Given that diet can interact with the human genome to influence health and disease, and because genetic variability can influence response to diet, we aim to investigate the influence of 12 gene polymorphisms on inflammatory markers, postprandial lipids, arterial pressure, and plasma lipid peroxidation of runners (N=125), before and after 14days of 400mg pequi-oil supplementation, after races under closely comparable conditions. Arterial pressure was checked before races; blood samples were taken immediately after racing to perform leukogram and plateletgram, Tbars assay, lipid, and CRP dosages and genotyping. CAT, GST-M1/T1, CRP-G1059C, and MTHFR-C677T polymorphisms influenced post-pequi-oil responses in leukogram; Hp and MTHFR-C677T, in plateletgram; Hp, ACE, GSTT1, and MTHFR-A1298C, in lipid profile; MTHFR-A1298C, in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels; and Hp and MnSOD, in Tbars assay. Differences between ACE genotypes in leukogram and total cholesterol disappeared after pequi, and the same occurred for Hp and MnSOD in Tbars assay and for MTHFR-A1298C with CRP levels. Because genetic inheritance is one of the factors that drive atherosclerosis-related lipid abnormalities, results can contribute to a greater understanding of the influence of genetic polymorphisms in situations that push up free radicals. Knowledge is also expanded on how antioxidant supplementation affects an individual's genes and how athletic genetic makeup can affect the way a person responds to antioxidant supplements.

Pequi cake composition, hydrolysis and fermentation to bioethanol

Pequizeiro (Caryocar brasiliense Camb) fruits have been evaluated as a potential raw material for the newly established biodiesel industry. This scenario demands applications using the solid co-product derived from the extraction of pequi oil, called cake or meal. This study analyses the acid hydrolysis of carbohydrates present in the pequi meal in order to obtain fermentable sugars and evaluates their conversion to bioethanol. There was 27% starch in the pequi meal. The use of a CCRD experimental design type to study the acid saccharification of pequi meal results in 61.6% conversion of its starch content to reducing sugars. Positive and significant linear effects were observed for H2SO4 concentration and temperature factors, while the quadratic effect of H2SO4 concentration and the linear effect of solid-liquid ratio were negative. Even, with non-optimized fermentative condition using 1% of dried baker's yeast in conical flasks, it was possible to obtain a value equivalent to 53 L of ethanol per ton of hydrolyzed pequi meal.

The protective effects of nutritional antioxidant therapy on Ehrlich solid tumor-bearing mice depend on the type of antioxidant therapy chosen: histology, genotoxicity and hematology evaluations

Strong evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the initiation as well as the promotion phase of carcinogenesis. Studies support the role of ROS in cancer, in part, by showing that dietary antioxidants act as cancer-preventive agents. Although results are promising, the research on this topic is still controversial. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether vitamins C, E and pequi oil can, individually, provide prevention and/or be used afterward as an adjuvant in cancer therapy. Ehrlich solid tumor-bearing mice received antioxidant as follows: before tumor inoculation, before and after tumor inoculation (continuous administration), and after tumor inoculation; morphometric analyses of tumor, genotoxicity and hematology were then carried out. Antioxidant administrations before tumor inoculation effectively inhibited its growth in the three experimental protocols, but administrations after the tumor's appearance accelerated tumor growth and favored metastases. Continuous administration of pequi oil inhibited the tumor's growth, while the same protocol with vitamins E and C accelerated it, favoring metastasis and increasing oxidative stress on erythrocytes. Except for continuous administration with vitamin E, the development of ascites tumor metastases was linked with increased inflammation. Results suggest that the efficiency and applicability of antioxidants in the medical clinic can depend not only on the nature of the antioxidant, the type and stage of cancer being treated and the prevailing oxygen partial pressure in the tissues, but also on the type of antioxidant therapy chosen.

Dietary carotenoid-rich oil supplementation improves exercise-induced anisocytosis in runners: influences of haptoglobin, MnSOD (Val9Ala), CAT (21A/T) and GPX1 (Pro198Leu) gene polymorphisms in dilutional pseudoanemia ("sports anemia")

Physical training induces beneficial adaptation, whereas exhaustive exercises increase reactive oxygen-species generation, thereby causing oxidative damage in plasma and erythrocytes, fractions susceptible to lipid peroxidation. Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) is a Brazilian Cerrado fruit containing a carotenoid-rich oil. The aim was to investigate the effects of pequi-oil on exercise-induced oxidative damage in plasma and erythrocytes, after running in the same environment and undergoing weekly training under the same conditions as to type, intensity and length. Evaluations were accomplished after outdoor running on flat land before and after ingestion of 400 mg pequi-oil capsules for 14 days. Blood samples were taken after running and submitted to TBARS assay and erythrogram analysis. Haptoglobin, MnSOD (Val9Ala), CAT (21A/T) and GPX1 (Pro198Leu) gene polymorphisms were priorly investigated, so as to estimate genetic influence The reduction in erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit after pequi-oil treatment was notably associated with higher plasma expansion. Except for MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) and RDW (red cell distribution width), the results were influenced by the polymorphisms studied. The best response to pequi-oil was presented by MnSOD Val/Val, CAT AA or AT genotypes and the GPX1 Pro allele. The significantly lower RDW and higher MHCH values were related to pequi-oil protective effects. Pequi oil, besides possessing other nutritional properties, showed protective blood effects.

Pequi fruit (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) pulp oil reduces exercise-induced inflammatory markers and blood pressure of male and female runners

The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) fruit oil and its effects on the postprandial lipidemia and arterial blood pressure of male and female athletes. These athletes were evaluated after races in the same environment and under the same type, intensity, and length of weekly training conditions, both before and after ingestion of 400 mg pequi oil capsules for 14 days. Pequi fruit contains several antioxidants, and its oil has been associated with anti-inflammatory properties in other pequi species. Because the oil of pequi is mostly composed of oleic and palmitic fatty acids, the oil may alter the ratio of triglyceride to cholesterol in postprandial lipidemia. Epidemiologic studies suggest that an increased intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (such as oleic acid) is inversely related to blood pressure. Thus, we hypothesize that pequi oil could reduce exercise-induced inflammation and blood pressure, and modulate postprandial lipidemia in runners. To test this hypothesis, arterial blood pressures were checked before races; blood samples were taken after the races and submitted for analysis of leukocytes and platelets analysis, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein values, and postprandial lipids. Pequi oil resulted in anti-inflammatory effects and reduced the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in the age group older than 45 years, mainly for men. The results showed a general trend for reduced arterial pressure, suggesting that pequi oil may have a hypotensive effect. However, this finding needs additional investigation. Thus, pequi oil, besides possessing many nutritional properties, may be a good candidate supplement for athletes.

Morphological and thermomechanical characterization of thermoplastic starch/montmorillonite nanocomposites

Abstract A combination of starch and clay for the preparation of nanocomposite materials is proposed. In this work, starch was plasticized by pequi ( Caryocar brasiliense ) oil, and thermoplastic starch (TPS)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), thermomechanical analyses (TMA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Exfoliated and intercalated nanocomposites were found to be dependent on MMT content. Exfoliation is the predominant mechanism of clay dispersion for low filler loading. Increase of the clay loading (>5 wt.%) causes intercalation. The introduction of low content (⩽5 wt.%) of MMT improves the thermal stability and the stiffness of the materials. There is a limit content of clay that can be added to improve the thermal and thermomechanical properties of the composites. Beyond that value the composite presents properties below the original polymer.

Dietary carotenoid-rich pequi oil reduces plasma lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in runners and evidence for an association with MnSOD genetic variant -Val9Ala

Physical training induces beneficial adaptations; however, exhausting exercise increases reactive oxygen species generation, resulting in damage to DNA and tissues. Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense), a fruit of the Brazilian Cerrado, contains a carotenoid-rich oil. We investigated whether pequi oil had antioxidant effects in runners. Evaluations were made after outdoor races before and after ingestion of 400 mg pequi-oil capsules for 14 days. Blood samples were taken after races and submitted to comet and TBARS assays and biochemical analyses of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). To determine if the protective effects of pequi-oil were influenced by antioxidant enzyme genotypes, MnSOD (-Val9Ala), CAT (-21A/T) and GPX1 (Pro198Leu) gene polymorphisms were also investigated. Pequi oil was efficient in reducing tissue injuries evaluated for AST and ALT, particularly in women, and in reducing DNA damages in both sexes. Except for CK levels, the results were influenced by MnSOD genotypes; heterozygous excess was related to less DNA damage, tissue injury and lipid peroxidation, besides presenting a better response to pequi oil against exercise-induced damage.

Evaluation of in vitro percutaneous enhancement effect of papain and pequi oil on diclofenac sodium permeation through human skin

The purpose of this research was to determine the potential of papain and pequi oil as penetration enhancers for diclofenac sodium (DS) across human skin in vitro. The permeation studies were conducted with vertical diffusion cells. The enhancers were associated or not in gels in different concentrations. In vitro studies reveled that papain 0.2% (w/v) presented an elevated enhancer property for diclofenac sodium (J = 0.3369 mg/cm²x h). Pequi oil 10% (w/v) generated a reduced flux value (J = 0.1848 mg/cm²x h) and a combination of both enhancers presented a medium value of J = 0.2187 mg/cm²x h. Papain was found to be better enhancer than pequi oil.

Uso do óleo de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) em emulsões cosméticas: desenvolvimento e avaliação da estabilidade física

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram desenvolver e avaliar a estabilidade física de emulsões O/A contendo óleo de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense). Emulsões O/A contendo 10,0% (p/p) de óleo de pequi foram preparadas e, para promover a estabilidade, a adição de carbomer, magnesium sulfate, sodium chloride e sorbitan oleate, foram estudadas. O tipo de emulsão foi verificado pelo método de diluição e o aspecto, homogeneidade e características organolépticas avaliadas através de análises macroscópicas. Como testes preliminares foram utilizados a centrifugação, ciclo gela-degela e o estresse térmico. Para avaliar a estabilidade acelerada as amostras foram submetidas em diferentes condições de estresse e analisadas a partir do valor de pH, análises macroscópicas e comportamento reológico. As emulsões preparadas com óleo de pequi, 0,3% (p/p) de Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrilate Crosspolymer e 0,2% (p/p) de carbomer apresentaram-se estáveis com propriedades pseudoplásticas e tixotrópicas. As características macroscópicas e valores obtidos de pH, viscosidade aparente, índices de fluxo e de consistência da área de histerese durante a estocagem indicaram estabilidade da formulação.

Oxidative DNA Damage: Mechanisms and Significance in Health and Disease

Antioxidants & Redox SignalingVol. 8, No. 5-6 Forum EditorialOxidative DNA Damage: Mechanisms and Significance in Health and DiseaseHiroshi Kasai and Kazuaki KawaiHiroshi KasaiSearch for more papers by this author and Kazuaki KawaiSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:13 Jun 2006https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2006.8.981AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byAntioxidant potential of biotransformed green tea catechin metabolites and their impact on peripheral blood mononuclear cellsJournal of King Saud University - Science, Vol. 34, No. 4Isolation of proanthocyanidins from Pinus thunbergii needles and tyrosinase inhibition activityProcess Biochemistry, Vol. 100Anthropometric and Dietary Factors as Predictors of DNA Damage in Obese Women8 May 2018 | Nutrients, Vol. 10, No. 5Elevated Serum 8-Hydroxy-2’-Deoxyguanosine, Nitrite, and Nitrate in Patients with Stage I Multiple Myeloma28 October 2017 | International Journal of Cancer Management, Vol. 10, No. 10Antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of propolis of Plebeia droryana and Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apidae) from the Brazilian Cerrado biome12 September 2017 | PLOS ONE, Vol. 12, No. 9Tempol, a Membrane-Permeable Radical Scavenger, Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory and Cardioprotective Effects in the Cerulein-Induced Pancreatitis Rat ModelOxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, Vol. 2016Synthesis, Spectral, Anti-Liver Cancer and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of New Azabicyclic Thienoyl Hydrazone DerivativesOpen Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Vol. 05, No. 03Synthesis of 4-methyl-N′-(3-alkyl-2r,6c-diarylpiperidin-4-ylidene)-1,2,3-thiadiazole-5-carbohydrazides with antioxidant, antitumor and antimicrobial activities1 January 2014 | Org. 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Triacylglycerol analysis of pequi (Caryocar brasiliensis Camb.) oil by electrospray and tandem mass spectrometry

AbstractElectrospray ionization liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify the fatty acid and triacylglycerol (TAG) composition of pequi (Caryocar brasiliensis Camb.) oil. The fatty acid composition was relatively simple; the oil contained approximately 442 and 517 g kg−1 of palmitic and oleic acids respectively. Linoleic and stearic acids were found in much smaller amounts. The TAG composition of pequi oil is also relatively simple with trioleoyl glycerol (OOO, 56 g kg−1), palmitoyl dioleoyl glycerol (POO, 466 g kg−1) and dipalmitoyl oleoyl glycerol (POP, 452 g kg−1) comprising 974 g kg−1 of the total. Dioleoyl stearoyl glycerol (OOS) was found in small amounts (5.2 g kg−1). All TAGs were identified via sodium adduct molecular ions [M + Na]+, where M is the TAG in question. Tandem mass analysis provided a very useful fragmentation pattern showing both sodium adduct diacylglycerol ions and diacylglycerol ions with the neutral loss of fatty acid residues. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry