Platonia Research Articles

Oven-Dried Cupuaçu and Bacuri Fruit Pulps as Amazonian Food Resources

The Amazon is one of the largest and most diverse biomes on the planet. Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd. ex Spreng.) Schum) and bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.) are Amazonian fruit species appreciated for their sensory characteristics and promising availability of bioactive compounds. However, high moisture levels (>80%) make these pulps susceptible to deterioration during storage. In this study, the oven-drying process was monitored to produce dry and more stable pulps. The process was monitored at 40 °C, 55 °C and 70 °C, and the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity were determined as quality indicators. In general, drying at 70 °C for 340 min produced dried cupuaçu and bacuri pulps with high levels of total phenolic compounds: 288 and 652 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g, respectively. The hygroscopic evaluation suggested that both of the dried pulps should be stored at a relative humidity of <40% to avoid rapid water adsorption and it is advised to carry out the oven-drying process until up to 12% moisture is reached for cupuaçu and 9% for bacuri to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Thus, this study expands the potential of bacuri and cupuaçu pulps for application in food industries, contributing to the economic and social development of the Amazon region.

In vitro germination and establishment of Platonia insignis Mart. from immature fruit and seed rescue

Platonia insignis Mart. is a species native to the Brazilian Amazon that has fruits of high commercial value and potential use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. However, the techniques for its propagation are limited. In the present study, we aimed to establish P. insignis in vitro by germinating immature seeds from the fruit. Immature fruits were collected, disinfected, and their seeds were placed in the following culture media (50 mL): agar + distilled water; MS0 (no growth regulators); MS + 1 μM BAP; MS + 2 μM BAP; MS + 3 μM BAP; MS + 1 μM GA3; MS + 2 μM GA3; and MS + 3 μM GA3 in a growth chamber at 24 ± 2 ºC in the dark, until shoot emergence. Callus formation, oxidation, germination, number of seedlings, shoot emergence, radicle, and shoot length were measured every 15 days after inoculation (DAI). At 60 DAI, seedlings grown without growth regulators had higher or equal values for all variables than those cultivated with growth regulators. The in vitro germination and establishment of P. insignis were efficient and feasible and could contribute to its domestication by reducing the germination time to approximately 60 days, producing homogeneous plants in a short period, and making it possible to explore other biotechnological techniques for this species.

Low Diversity and High Genetic Structure for Platonia insignis Mart., an Endangered Fruit Tree Species.

Platonia insignis is a fruit tree native to Brazil of increasing economic importance, with its pulp trading among the highest market values. This study aimed to evaluate the structure and genomic diversity of P. insignis (bacurizeiro) accessions from six locations in the Brazilian States of Roraima, Amazonas, Pará (Amazon biome), and Maranhão (Cerrado biome). A total of 2031 SNP markers were obtained using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), from which 625 outlier SNPs were identified. High genetic structure was observed, with most of the genetic variability (59%) concentrated among locations, mainly between biomes (Amazon and Cerrado). A positive and significant correlation (r = 0.85; p < 0.005) was detected between genetic and geographic distances, indicating isolation by distance. The highest genetic diversity was observed for the location in the Cerrado biome (HE = 0.1746; HO = 0.2078). The locations in the Amazon biome showed low genetic diversity indexes with significant levels of inbreeding. The advance of urban areas, events of burning, and expansion of agricultural activities are most probably the main factors for the genetic diversity reduction of P. insignis. Approaches to functional analysis showed that most of the outlier loci found may be related to genes involved in cellular and metabolic processes.

Development of flavored kombuchas with Amazonian fruits: bioactive compounds evaluation and antioxidant capacity.

Using Amazonian fruits to flavor kombuchas is a promising proposal, as it adds nutritional value to the drink. This work sought to develop kombucha flavored with Amazonian fruits and evaluate the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of the formulations. Three kombucha formulations were prepared using green tea (Camellia sinensis) and three Amazonian fruits: cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum), tapereba (Spondias lutea L.) and bacuri (Platonia insignis). Kombucha fermentations were evaluated before and after the insertion of nectars through the analysis of phenolic compounds, vitamin C and antioxidant capacity. Analyzes of pH, total sugars, acetic acid, ethanol, and microbiological characterization of final formulations were also carried out. For the first fermentation, were found values of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of 30.60 ± 0.93 mg EAG/L and 295.02 ± 5.59 µmol ET/mL, and the formulation with tapereba showed the highest values for total phenolic compounds (34.92 ± 12.25 mg EAG/L), antioxidant capacity (320.57 ± 9.53 µmol ET/mL) and vitamin C (198.25 mg/100g). Thus, the formulations developed had a crucial nutritional appeal to stimulate consumption by the population, in addition to enabling the valorization and addition of commercial value to the Amazonian fruits used.

Inhibitory effects against SARSCoV-2 main protease (Mpro) of biflavonoids and benzophenones from the fruit of Platonia insignis

The SARS-CoV-2 mutation and the limitation of the approved drug against COVID-19 are still a challenge in many country healthcare systems and need to be affronted despite the set of vaccines to prevent this viral infection. To contribute to the identification of new antiviral agents, the present study focused on natural products from an edible fruit with potential inhibitory effects against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). First, LC-ESIMS analysis of Platonia insignis fruits was performed and showed the presence of biflavonoids and benzophenones in the seed and pulp, respectively. Then, maceration and chromatographic purification led to the identification of two triglycerides (1 and 2) alongside chamaejasmine (3) and volkensiflavone (4) from the seed and isogarcinol (5) and cycloxanthochymol (6), from the pulp. Compounds 1–6 after evaluating their inhibitory against Mpro, displayed from no to significant activity. Compound 5 was the most potent with an IC50 value of 0.72 μM and was more active than the positive control, Ebselen (IC50 of 3.4 μM). It displayed weak and no cytotoxicity against THP-1 (CC50 of 116.2 μM) and Vero cell lines, respectively. Other active compounds showed no cytotoxicity against THP-1. and Vero cell lines. Molecular docking studies revealed interactions in the catalytic pocket between compound 5 and amino acid residues that composed the catalytic dyads (His 41 and Cyst 145).

Therapeutic action of the ethanolic extract of Platonia insignis Mart. leaves on induced respiratory distress syndrome in rats

Therapeutic action of the ethanolic extract of Platonia insignis Mart. leaves on induced respiratory distress syndrome in rats

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles from Platonia insignis Seeds, a Brazilian Amazon Fruit: Characterization, In Vitro and In Vivo Toxicological and Antioxidant Activities

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) are drug delivery systems with important advantages over conventional nanosystems. Considering previously reported pharmacological and physicochemical properties of Platonia insignis seed butter (BBI), this work aimed at developing, characterizing and performing toxicological and antioxidant studies of SLNs produced from BBI. The GC-MS analysis identified palmitic and oleic acids as the major compounds. Three SLN prototypes were developed through high-shear homogenization followed by ultrasonication. During a 180-day stability evaluation, the formulation SLN/TW-1.5 presented greater stability since pH was around 6.0, as well as a lesser variation of the PdI (Polydispersity Index), particle size and Zeta Potential (ZP), confirmed with Raman Spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The CC50 in macrophages was around 249.4 µg∙mL−1 for BBI, whereas the CC50 value for SLN/TW-1.5 was 45.2 µg∙mL−1. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) showed a marked in vitro antioxidant activity for BBI and SLN/TW-1.5. After in vivo SLN/TW-1.5 administration in Zophobas morio larvae, assessment of reduced glutathione (GSH), nitrite (NO2−) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) demonstrated antioxidant activity. Thus, the intrinsic physicochemical properties of BBI allowed the development of an optimized nanoformulation with high stability indexes, besides the great potential for antioxidant applications.

Quantification of amphotericin B in semi-solid formulation via ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

Amphotericin B has been used to treat mycoses for decades and is one of the most prescribed drugs. A semi-solid formulation (emulgel) based on amphotericin B (AmB) and bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.) butter, indicated in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, was analyzed, and a protocol for simple and rapid quantification of AmB was developed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The method was based on the determination of AmB by measuring the area under the curve (AUC) of the band corresponding to the C – O stretching of the pyranose rings at 1040 cm−1 for the development of the calibration curve. The proposed method was validated according to the International Council for Harmonization, Validation of Analytical Procedures (ICH) guidelines regarding specificity, linearity, precision, and accuracy. The developed method was linear in the range of 1–6% (w/w) (R2 0.998) and met the validation parameters, confirmed by the low relative standard deviation values.

Avaliação toxicológica após administração aguda de uma manteiga industrializada obtida a partir das sementes do bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.)

Butter extracted from bacuriseeds (Platonia insignis) is widely used as a raw material in the formulation of cosmetic products. Furthermore, with the advances in research, other biological properties beneficial to health have been investigated. Therefore, tests to assess the safety for consumption are essential. This study aimed to evaluate in vitroand in vivotoxicity parameters of industrialized butter obtained from bacuriseeds (MIB). Cytotoxic activity was performed using the MTT assay in murine macrophages and in sheep blood erythrocytes and the acute oral toxicological evaluation in vivowas performed using the Fixed Dose Test. In the in vitroassays, a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability was observed by evaluating the mitochondrial activity, with a mean cytotoxic concentration value (CC50) equal to 124.036 μg/mL and low hemolytic activity, since MIB promoted less than 10% hemolysis at the highest concentration tested (800 μg/mL), and it is not possible to determine the average hemolytic concentration. In the in vivotest, no deaths or alterations were observed in the evaluated clinical and behavioral parameters, as well as in the serum biochemical parameters, in the relative weight and in the macroscopic evaluation of the organs. All these results demonstrate an adequate safety profile, enabling the performance of subchronic toxicity tests, in order to allow the safe exploration of the therapeutic potential of this product.

Protective Effect of Biflavones from Platonia insignis Mart. against Ethidium Bromide-Induced Lethality in Staphylococcus aureus

Brazilian flora are highly diverse and have great potential for research into new medicines of plant origin. Platonia insignis Mart. is a fruit tree from the Amazon region with several potential pharmacological applications already demonstrated. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of a mixture of the biflavones volkensiflavone and moreloflavone obtained from P. insignis flowers against the lethality induced by ethidium bromide in efflux pump overproducer strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Microdilution tests were performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of ethidium bromide in the absence or presence of biflavones. The addition of biflavones to the growth medium increased the minimum inhibitory concentration of ethidium bromide against all strains tested, indicating that biflavones protected the bacterial cells against cell damage induced by this biocide agent. Comparative analysis of the infrared absorption spectra of each isolated compound, as well as of the associated compounds, demonstrated the complexation reaction, indicating that there was a preferential interaction between the H2N- groups of primary amines of ethidium bromide with the carbonyls of biflavones that formed imines -C=NH. Such complexation could reduce the amount of free ethidium bromide molecules available for DNA intercalation, resulting in the observed protective effect. These results suggest a possible technological application of the biflavones from P. insignis as protective agents against cell damage induced by ethidium bromide.

Production and Characterization of a β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex with Platonia insignis Seed Extract as a Proposal for a Gastroprotective System

Platonia insignis Mart, Clusiaceae, known as bacuri, is a species native to Brazil that, in studies with extract of the seed of its fruit, showed antioxidant activity against free radicals. Products with such properties may be of great importance in the treatment of peptic ulcers since this pathology may be associated with the inflammatory process caused by the action of free radicals. Cyclodextrins are molecules capable of forming inclusion complexes with other molecules, affecting their physicochemical properties and improving their pharmacokinetic characteristics. Thus, this work aimed to produce, characterize, and evaluate the gastroprotective effect of the inclusion complex of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with the bacuri seeds hexanic extract (BSHE). In the characterization of the inclusion complex, an apparent stability constant (Kc) of 416 mol/L was obtained in the solubility study; the BSHE:β-CD m/m (g) complexation ratios at 1:9, 2:8, and 3:7 were 5.51%, 21.46%, and 20.11%, respectively. The formation of the BSHE:β-CD inclusion complex was observed by FTIR technique, indicating the disappearance of bands characteristic of BSHE (2960 cm−1 and 1755 cm−1) when in the complex, compared to the spectra of pure BSHE or in physical mixture with β-CD, and by X-ray diffraction, which indicated a loss of crystallinity, typical signals of pure β-CD, and presentation of intense amorphization, characteristic of BSHE, incorporated in the β-CD pockets. In the evaluation of gastroprotective activity, through absolute ethanol-induced gastric lesions in mice, both BSHE and BSHE:β-CD reduced gastric lesions, with 100 mg/kg dose of the complex having the greatest gastroprotective effect. BSHE:β-CD was also able to reduce gastric lesions from ischemia and reperfusion, with the 50 mg/kg dose being the most effective. BSHE:β-CD, also at this dose, reduced the MDA levels of the gastric mucosa, indicating a possible antioxidant activity in its gastroprotective effect. Thus, it was concluded that inclusion complex formation between β-CD and BSHE is possible, and that this formulation enhanced the gastric protective activity.

Systematic Mapping of the Production Chain of “Bacuri” (Platonia insignis Mart.) in Brazil

The Amazon contains the most significant number of known species on the planet, where fruits with peculiar characteristics can be found. The bacuri (Platonia insignis) is a native fruit of this region and has gained prominence over the years. A data survey was conducted to understand the bacuri production chain system and its economic potential. The results show that the popularity of the fruit has led to an increase in consumer demand and its price over the years. In addition, the mapping shows that this production chain needs a well-defined structure. Its current organization consists of the activities of associations and cooperatives that, over time, have assumed the integration between producers, industry, and the consumer market. This study also identified a gap in the official censuses and a need for studies to quantify production within the scope of small producers, aiming for more effective monitoring that allows the development and direction of policies that can support producers to strengthen this important production chain.

The Platonia insignis Mart. as the Promising Brazilian ‘Amazon Gold’: The State-of-the-Art and Prospects

Bacuri (Platonia insignis) is a monotype belonging to the Clusiaceae family. Of Amazonian origin, it is highly appreciated for fresh consumption, mainly due to its peculiar sensory characteristics. It is also widely used in the food industry, mainly in pulp (endocarp), used in the manufacture of beverages, jellies, and ice cream. Although the use of pulp is well established in the food sector, recently, research has turned attention to the use of other parts of the fruit and plant, especially in the therapeutics, cosmetics, and fuel sectors. Its bioactive components have been investigated for having important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypotensive, cardioprotective, antiepileptic, antileishmanial, and antifungal activities, among others, mainly attributed to the presence of compounds such as xanthones, terpenes, phenolics, and fatty acids. Thus, this study aimed to gather data on the species Platonia insignis Mart. through an integrative review of the agronomic, nutritional, physical–chemical characteristics and a technological prospection about its applications. The study showed that in the last ten years there has been a significant increase in the number of patents deposited, with the prospect that with the advancement of studies on their properties, results for application in the most diverse areas will prove increasingly viable and promising.

Anti-Candida albicans Activity of Ononin and Other Secondary Metabolites from Platonia Insignis MART.

Candida albicans is a human pathogen that is part of the healthy microbiome. However, it is often associated with opportunistic fungal infections. The treatment of these infections is challenging because prolonged exposure to antifungal drugs can culminate in fungal resistance during therapy, and there is a limited number of available drugs. Therefore, this study investigated the antifungal activity of ononin by in silico and in vitro assays, and in Tenebrio molitor as an alternative in vivo model of infection caused by C. albicans. Ononin is an isoflavone glycoside derived from formononetin that has various biological activities. According in silico evaluation, ononin showed the best electron affinity in molecular docking with CaCYP51, with a binding free energy of -10.89 kcal/mol, superior to that of the antifungal drugs fluconazole and posaconazole. The ononin + CaCYP51 complex formed hydrogen bonds with Tyr132, Ser378, Phe380, and Met508, as well as hydrophobic connections with Tyr118, Leu121, Phe126, Leu131, Ile304, and Leu309, and interactions with the heme group. Ononin exerted anti-Candida albicans activity, with MIC between 3.9 and 7.8 µg/mL, and inhibited young and mature biofilms, with a reduction in cell density and metabolic activity of 50 to 80%. The compound was not cytotoxic to sheep red blood cells at concentrations up to 1000 µg/mL. Larvae of the mealworm T. molitor were used as an alternative in vivo model of C. albicans infection. Ononin was able to prolong larval survival at concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 5 mg/kg, and was not toxic up to a concentration of 20 mg/kg. Moreover, ononin reduced the fungal charge in treated animals. In conclusion, our results suggest that ononin has anti-Candida albicans activity and is a potential candidate for the development of new therapeutic alternatives.

Genetic variability during in vitro establishment of bacurizeiro (Platonia insignis Mart.): an Amazon species

As a Brazilian Amazon fruit, bacuri tree (Platonia insignis Mart.) has been pointed out as an important species to the sustainable management and development of the Amazon region. However, since it is not yet domesticated, techniques regarding its propagation are still incipient. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic control of traits related to in vitro establishment of Platonia insignis accessions from different regions of the Maranhão state, Brazil. Immature fruits were collected over different sites for explants obtention. The in vitro responsiveness of the genotypes was evaluated by assessing the percentage of explant oxidation (OXI), pinkish-colored defense structures (PCDS), callogenesis (CAL), radicle (ROOT) and shoot forming (SHOOT). Callus was classified according to its callogenic potential, namely as: globular-friable, with higher embryogenic potential; undefined structure [cell mass], with lower embryogenic potential; and white spongy-like callus, absent of embryogenic potential. The estimates of genetic parameters were accomplished via REML (Restricted Maximum Likelihood)/BLUP (Best Unbiased Linear Prediction) mixed model. The outputs showed high genetic variability within the studied population. Additionally, accessions AC.7, AC.2, AC.1, AC.6, and AC.8 showed as more efficient by considering characteristics related to the in vitro regeneration, thereby presenting a superior callogenesis ability; lower susceptibility to oxidation; and higher capacity for root and shoot formation. This was the first study to investigate the relationship among genetic parameters and selecting accessions of P. insignis for in vitro regeneration, thus providing support for studies related to micropropagation and domestication of this species

Corral fishing in the Algodoal-Maiandeua Environmental Protection Area (Maracanã, Brazilian Amazon)

Corral fishing is one of the most traditional ways of fishing in the coastal zone of Brazilian northern state of Pará. It is a very productive activity, which point out the cultural characteristics, the traditional knowledge and the social profile of the fishermen who perform it. This paper characterizes Corral fishing in the Algodoal-Maindeua Environmental Protection Area (APA Algodoal-Maiandeua), verifying the geographical positions of the corrals and the situation in which they are (active or inactive), considering the type of corral, the vegetal resources used for its construction, its origins, the assembly, the periodicity of the construction and the harvest. The results were obtained through field trips in order to map and define the area of study; identify corral fishermen and apply semi-structured interviews. Based on field surveys, we show that there are 111 corrals in the area, being in greater numbers in the village of Algodoal. The activity is mainly performed by men aged 52 and 85 years. The vegetable resources frequently used for the manufacture of the corrals are bacuri (Platonia insignis), caraipé (Licania sp.), jarana (Lecythis lurida) and buiuçú (Ormosia coutinhoi). The fish species most captured are Gó (Macrodon ancylodon), Piramutaba [Catfish] (Brachyplatystoma vaillantii), Dourada (Brachyplatystoma flavicans; Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii) and Uritinga (Arius proops), whereas species considered scarce in the region are the Mero (Epinephelus itajara), Tainha (Mugil spp.) and Xaréu (Caranx spp.). The research results provide support for the improvement of the management plan of the APA Algodoal-Maiandeua, as instrument capable of promoting the community and sustainable management of fisheries resources in the protected area.

Effects of "Bacuri" Seed Butter (Platonia insignis Mart.), a Brazilian Amazon Fruit, on Oxidative Stress and Diabetes Mellitus-Related Parameters in STZ-Diabetic Rats.

Simple SummaryThe abnormal glucose metabolism present in diabetes mellitus causes several complications in different metabolic pathways and different organs. Chronic hyperglycemia promotes an imbalance between ROS production and antioxidant defense, causing oxidative stress, which contributes to damage in the body. The properties of natural products in diabetes mellitus research have been investigated to assist in the treatment. In this study, the effects of 28 days of oral administration of bacuri seed butter (Platonia insignis Mart.) was investigated on blood glucose, HbA1c, and liver and kidney function, as well as antioxidant defense in streptozotocin-induced female rats. Bacuri seed butter presented a positive effect on glycemic control, evidenced by a decrease in the percentage of glycated hemoglobin. Interestingly, the treatment also promoted increased hepatic antioxidant defenses and reduced liver damage, demonstrating a hepatoprotective effect.This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of Platonia insignis Mart. (“bacuri”) seed butter (BSB) on oxidative stress and diabetes mellitus-related parameters in streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in female Wistar rats (180–250 g) by the intraperitoneal administration of STZ (45 mg/kg, b.w). BSB (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) was administered to animals for four weeks. The effect on weight gain, food intake, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, hepatic transaminases, plasma and liver TBARS and MPO activity, erythrocyte SOD activity, non-protein sulfhydryl groups (SH-NP), and histopathology of the liver tissue was investigated. BSB at the dose of 100 mg/kg had a positive effect on the reduction in glycated hemoglobin percentage and increased albumin concentration, as well as decreased ALT and AST levels and increased SH-NP liver levels in treated animals compared to normal control rats. Moreover, BSB had no effects on weight gain, food intake, and fasting glucose. Thus, the BSB presented marked properties in improvement of hepatic antioxidant defenses, which demonstrates BSB as a potential hepatoprotective agent in metabolic disorders.

Genotoxic and cytotoxic activities of hexane extract in seeds from Platonia insignis Mart.

Platonia insignis Mart. is a vegetable of the Clusiaceae Lindl., family that is popularly known as “bacuri” in Brazil. It is widely used in folk medicine to treat human diarrheas and inflammatory diseases. It has antiparasitic activity, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic action, in addition to vasorelaxant potential. The present study investigates the leishmanicidal, cytotoxic and genotoxic activities in different biological systems, as well as the chemical constituents of hexane extract from P. insignis seeds. The analysis of the non-volatile constituents was analyzed by GC/MS. A total of sixteen main constituents were detected in the saponifiable material (fatty acid methyl esters, ethyl ester, alcohols and hydrocarbons). In unsaponifiable fraction, nineteen constituents were detected, including a series of n-alkanes and prenylated xanthones gamma-mangostin as main component (70.23% of the total components). The results indicated that the seed hexane extract significantly inhibits the growth of promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis (IC50), displayed a significant toxicity against Artemia salina Leach and cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in V79 cell lines.

Gas exchange in bacurizeiro (Platonia insignis Mart.) genotypes in the dry and rainy seasons in the Middle North region of Brazil

The bacurizeiro (Platonia insignis Mart.) is a species of great economic and social importance in the North and Middle North regions of Brazil. However, little is known about the environmental effects on its physiological characteristics. The objective of this work was to determine the gas exchange of genotypes of bacurizeiro in the dry and rainy seasons in the Middle North region of Brazil. The experiment was conducted in the Embrapa Meio Norte experimental field, located in Teresina-Piauí. A completely randomized design in a 7x2 factorial scheme was used, with seven genotypes and two seasons (dry and rainy), with three replications. The genotypes were M1MP14p12f1, M1MP14p13f1, M2PP2p18f5, M3MP6p14f1, M3MP6p15f1, M4MP6p7f4 and M7PP5p18f3 from the improvement program of Embrapa Meio Norte. Liquid photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration and internal CO2 concentration, ratio between internal CO2 concentration and ambient CO2 concentration, intrinsic water use efficiency and instant water use efficiency were evaluated. The environmental variation affects the plasticity of the bacurizeiro genotypes. There is less efficiency in the use of water in the dry period in all genotypes of bacurizeiro, with values between 1.20 and 1.55 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1 / µmol H2O m-2 s-1, respectively. The genotypes M1MP14p13f1, M2PP2p18f5 and M7PP5p18f3 are the most stable in the face of environmental variations, since in both seasons they are in the same formed groups

Effects of "Bacuri" Seed Butter (Platonia insignis Mart.) on Metabolic Parameters in Hamsters with Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the treatment with bacuri seed butter (BB) on body weight, growth, body mass index, lipid profile, atherosclerotic indices, and liver function in dyslipidemic hamsters. Freshly weaned, male hamsters were divided into four groups: (1) normal group (NG)—maintained with standard chow (AIN-93G); (2) dyslipidemia group (DG)—maintained with hyperlipidemic chow (AIN-93G modified) throughout the follow-up period; (3) bacuri seed butter 25 mg/kg/day (BB-25); and (4) bacuri seed butter 50 mg/kg/day (BB-50). BB groups (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) were also maintained with hyperlipidemic chow throughout the follow-up period, and the treatment started after 21 days receiving a hyperlipidemic diet to induce hypercholesterolemia and maintained for 28 days. No significant differences in triglycerides and total cholesterol were observed for BB-25 and BB-50 groups when compared with NG and DG groups. On the contrary, BB-25 and BB-50 induced both increase of HDL-c (51.40 ± 1.69 and 51.00 ± 2.34, respectively) and decrease of LDL-c (103.80 ± 6.87 and 100.50 ± 3.95, respectively) when compared with DG (41.00 ± 2.94 and 132.70 ± 9.41, respectively). In addition, BB promoted a reduction in the risk of atherosclerotic disease by decreasing (p < 0.05) the atherogenic index, coronary artery risk index, and LDL/CT ratio (p < 0.05) and increasing HDL/CT ratio. On the contrary, no changes were observed in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels or in body weight, growth, body mass index, or liver function parameters. Thus, bacuri seed butter at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg/day has positive repercussions on the lipid profile, more precisely on plasma HDL-c and LDL-c, and additionally promotes reduction in the risk of atherosclerosis in hamsters.