Euterpe Oleracea Mart. (Açaí) Reduces Oxidative Stress and Improves Energetic Metabolism in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats / Euterpe Oleracea Mart. (Açaí) Reduz o Estresse Oxidativo e Melhora o Metabolismo Energético da Lesão de Isquemia-Reperfusão Miocárdica Em Ratos

Abstract Background: Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí) is a fruit with high antioxidant capacity and could be an adjuvant strategy to attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury. Objective: To evaluate the influence of açaí in global ischemia-reperfusion model in rats. Methods: Wistar rats were assigned to 2 groups: Control (C: receiving standard chow; n = 9) and Açaí (A: receiving standard chow supplemented with 5% açaí; n = 10). After six weeks, the animals were subjected to the global ischemia-reperfusion protocol and an isolated heart study to evaluate left ventricular function. Level of significance adopted: 5%. Results: There was no difference between the groups in initial body weight, final body weight and daily feed intake. Group A presented lower lipid hydroperoxide myocardial concentration and higher catalase activity, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase than group C. We also observed increased myocardial activity of b-hydroxyacyl coenzyme-A dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, complex I, complex II and ATP synthase in the A group as well as lower activity of the lactate dehydrogenase and phosphofructokinase enzymes. The systolic function was similar between the groups, and the A group presented poorer diastolic function than the C group. We did not observe any difference between the groups in relation to myocardial infarction area, total and phosphorylated NF-kB, total and acetylated FOXO1, SIRT1 and Nrf-2 protein expression. Conclusion: despite improving energy metabolism and attenuating oxidative stress, açai supplementation did not decrease the infarcted area or improve left ventricular function in the global ischemia-reperfusion model.

Resumo Fundamento: Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí) é uma fruta com alta capacidade antioxidante e pode ser uma estratégia adjuvante para atenuar a lesão de isquemia-reperfusão. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do açaí no modelo global de isquemia-reperfusão em ratos. Metodologia: Ratos Wistar foram divididos em 2 grupos: Controle (C: recebendo ração padrão; n = 9) e Açaí (A: recebendo ração padrão suplementada com 5% de açaí; n = 10). Após seis semanas, os animais foram submetidos ao protocolo global de isquemia-reperfusão e a estudo do coração isolado para avaliar a função ventricular esquerda. Nível de significância adotado: 5%. Resultados: Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto ao peso corporal inicial e final, e a ingestão diária de ração. O grupo A apresentou menor concentração miocárdica de hidroperóxido lipídico e maior atividade de catalase, superóxido dismutase e glutationa peroxidase do que o grupo C. Também observamos aumento da atividade miocárdica da b-hidroxiacil coenzima-A desidrogenase, piruvato desidrogenase, citrato sintase, complexo I, complexo II e ATP sintase no grupo A, bem como menor atividade das enzimas lactato desidrogenase e fosfofructoquinase. A função sistólica foi semelhante entre os grupos, e o grupo A apresentou função diastólica pior que C. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos em relação à área de infarto do miocárdio, e expressão proteica de NF-kB total e fosforilado, e das proteínas FOXO1, SIRT1 e Nrf-2. Conclusão: apesar de melhorar o metabolismo energético e atenuar o estresse oxidativo, a suplementação de açaí não diminuiu a área infartada nem melhorou a função ventricular esquerda no modelo global de isquemia-reperfusão.

Validação de uma técnica para a detecção de acréscimo de amido em amostras de açaí in natura / Validation of a technique for the detection of addition of starch in samples of açaí in natura

O trabalho visou validar a utilização do teste de lugol para a detecção de fraude por composto amiláceo e papel em amostras de açaí. Para tal, diferentes produtos foram adicionados e diluídos em água e açaí, respectivamente. A padronização em água mostrou-se efetiva para os produtos amiláceos, havendo falha no método em açaí, exceto para o amido de milho, carecendo-se de mais estudos que levem em consideração as diversas particularidades do fruto.

The role of Lithodoras dorsalis (Siluriformes: Doradidae) as seed disperser in Eastern Amazon

Ichthyochory is an important process responsible for the high diversity of plant species in tropical flooded forests. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of a catfish species, Lithodoras dorsalis, as seed disperser in the flooded forests at the Amazon River mouth, Brazil. Analyzing the stomach contents of 371 individuals of Lithodoras dorsalis, the Germination Potential (GP%) and Germination Speed Index (GSI) of seeds that were removed intact were investigated. This allowed us to evaluate the germination performance of two important species of plants in Amazonia, Euterpe oleracea (Açaí) and Montrichardia linifera (Aninga), after passage through the digestive tract of this catfish species. Given that digestion by L. dorsalis reduced the germination viability of M. linifera and that seeds were often destroyed during consumption, we suggest that L. dorsalis may have a limited role as seed disperser of M. linifera and instead mostly act as seed predator. However, for the species E. oleracea, L. dorsalis was a potential disperser, since the performance of germination of these seeds was improved after digestion. In addition, the number of seeds consumed was directly proportional to the catfish's body size, reinforcing the role of doradids as potential seed dispersers in tropical forests.(AU)

A ictiocoria é um importante processo responsável pela alta diversidade de espécies vegetais nas florestas tropicais alagadas. Dessa forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar o papel de Lithodoras dorsalis como dispersor de sementes na Foz Amazônica, Brasil. Analisando o conteúdo estomacal de 371 espécimes de Lithodoras dorsalis, o Potencial de Germinação (PG%) e o Índice de Velocidade de Germinação (IGS) de sementes removidas intactas foram investigados. Isto permitiu-nos avaliar o desempenho germinativo de duas importantes espécies de plantas na Amazônia, Euterpe oleracea (Açaí) e Montrichardia linifera (Aninga), após passagem pelo trato digestivo desta espécie de bagre. Dado que a digestão por L. dorsalis reduziu a viabilidade de germinação de M. linifera e que as sementes foram frequentemente destruídas durante o consumo, sugerimos que L. dorsalis tem um papel limitado como dispersor de sementes de M. linifera e, em vez disso, age como predador de sementes. No entanto, para a espécie E. oleracea, L. dorsalis foi um potencial dispersor, uma vez que o desempenho germinativo das sementes foi melhorado após a digestão. Além disso, o número de sementes consumidas foi diretamente proporcional ao tamanho corporal do bagre, reforçando o papel de doradídeos como potenciais dispersores de sementes em florestas tropicais.(AU)

Milk and açaí berry pulp improve sensorial acceptability of kefir-fermented milk beverage / Leite e polpa de açaí aumentam a aceitabilidade sensorial de uma bebida fermentada por kefir

Kefir grains are a symbiotic biomass (yeast and bacteria) commonly used to produce milk probiotic fermented beverages. The aim of this study was to produce a mixed beverage of whole milk and açaí (Euterpe oleracea) berry pulp fermented by two different kefir cultures: one specific for milk and one specific for sugared water, adapted to milk. Based on the fermentation yield, pH and sensory analysis, the culture adapted to milk obtained the best results in a composition (g 100 g-1) of 70 of whole milk and 30 of açaí berry pulp, at room temperature (~25°C), without agitation and fermented for 24 h. The results obtained by this formulation were an increase of 12% in the kefir biomass, 93% of fermentation yield, pH 5.10 and overall sensory acceptance of 7.05.

Kefir é uma biomassa simbiótica (leveduras e bactérias) comumente aplicada na obtenção de bebidas fermentadas probióticas de leite. O objetivo deste trabalho foi produzir uma bebida fermentada mista de leite integral e polpa de açaí (Euterpe oleracea) a partir de duas culturas diferentes de kefir: uma original de leite e outra original de água açucarada e adaptada ao leite. Com base na conversão, pH e análise sensorial, os melhores resultados foram obtidos com a cultura adaptada na composição (g 100 g-1) de 70% de leite e 30% de polpa de açaí, sem controle de temperatura (temperatura ambiente ~25° C) e sem agitação e por 24 h de fermentação. Esta formulação apresentou 12% de aumento da biomassa, 93% de conversão, pH 5,10 e uma aceitação global de 7,05.

Anti-inflammatory and Anti-tumorigenic Effects of Açai Berry in Helicobacter felis-infected mice

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic effect of açai berry after chronic Helicobacter felis colonization in the stomachs of C57BL/6 mice. METHODS: A total of 57 four-week-old female C57BL/6 mice (18 control mice and 39 experimental mice) were used. The mice were administered orogastrically with vehicle only or vehicle containing H. felis, 5 times every other day. After inoculation of H. felis, mice were fed either a standard or an açai-containing diet and then sacrificed at 4, 24, and 52 weeks. The infection status and degree of inflammation were determined by culture and histopathology. The level of gastric mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO), TNF-α, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: At 24 weeks after inoculation, mucosal atrophy and mucous metaplasia appeared in all infected mice. At 52 weeks after inoculation, dysplastic change was noted in 10%, 25%, and 50% of mice in the H. felis-control, H. felis-açai 5%, and H. felis-açai 10% groups, respectively. The neutrophil, monocyte, atrophy, and metaplasia grades of infected mice showed no significant difference among the H. felis-infected groups. H. felis-infected mice fed with açai berry showed no significant difference compared with H. felis-infected control mice in gastric mucosal MPO, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels. CONCLUSIONS: H. felis that colonized the stomachs of C57BL/6 mice provoked inflammation, and induced mucosal atrophy, metaplasia, and dysplasia. However, açai berry did not effectively prohibit the gastric carcinogenesis which was induced by chronic H. felis infection.

Oral Administration of Euterpe oleracea Mart., Its Influence over Body Weight and Lymphoid Organs and Alterations in Haematological and Glycaemical Parameters.

Aims: The aims of the study were to evaluate alterations caused by the oral administration of the aqueous extract of Euterpe oleracea to non-isogenic adult male mice during 15 and 30 consecutive days through the comparison of body and spleen weights, number of splenic and medullary cells, their hemogram and glycemia indices. Study Design: Animals were divided into 8 groups (5 animals/group). Treated groups received the AEA concentration (125 mg/ml by gavage) at doses of 5, 50 and 500 mg/kg for 15 and 30 days. The control group received only the vehicle of dilution (1x PBS) in volume of 0.5 ml. After treatment the animals were sacrificed in a CO2 chamber for testing. Place and Duration of Study/Methodology: The aqueous extract of concentration of 125 mg/ml of lyophilized açaí pulp was prepared in Laboratory of General and Analytical Chemistry of Federal University of Amapá. Values of body weight, weight of liver and spleen, number of spleen and bone marrow cells, blood count and glucose of the mice were conducted on Drugs Research Laboratory between January and November of 2013. Results: The statistical analysis was done by ANOVA test two-way with significance level p<0.05 in relation to control followed by Tukey post-test. The AEA caused significant changes in body weight, about 22% in animals treated with 500mg/kg. Weight of spleen showed no significant changes, there was statistical difference in blood glucose levels between groups 5 and 500 mg/kg treated for 15 days and punctually in the 500 mg/kg group treated for 15 and 30 days. It was observed that the treatment with the AEA doses (5, 50 and 500 mg/kg) for 30 days increased the number of bone marrow cells. Regarding the number of spleen cells, treatment promoted changes, reducing the amount of cells during the 30 days of treatment, principally at the dose of 50 mg/kg. During the 15 day treatment of 500 mg/kg there was an increase in the number of spleen cells. Conclusion: The treatment of mice with aqueous extract of açaí pointed that the concentration has significant influence in: 1) glucose concentration in the blood; 2) The increased number of bone marrow cells; 3) and the number of spleen cells. Thus, comparison between groups of animals was compatible with the hypothesis that the increase in body mass is a risk factor for insulin resistance.

Development of O/W emulsions containing Euterpe oleracea extract and evaluation of photoprotective efficacy

Euterpe oleracea Mart. is a palm tree popularly known as açai, which is primarily found in northern Brazil. The açai's fruits contain anthocyanins, a class of polyphenols to which antioxidant properties have been attributed. The aim of this work was to develop O/W sunscreens emulsions containing açai glycolic extract (AGE) and to evaluate both their physical stability and photoprotective efficacy. Emulsions containing AGE and sunscreens were formulated using different types and concentrations of polymeric surfactant (acrylates/C 10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer and sodium polyacrylate). The influence of two rheology modifiers (polyacrylamide (and) C13-14/isoparaffin (and) Laureth-7 and Carbomer) on the stability was also investigated. Physical stability was evaluated by preliminary and accelerated studies. Emulsions with 1.0% sodium polyacrylate were stable and exhibited non-newtonian pseudoplastic behavior and thixotropy. Photoprotective efficacy was evaluated by in vivo Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and determination of Protection Factor of UVA (PF-UVA). When AGE was added to the sunscreen emulsion, no significant increase in the in vivo SPF value was observed. The emulsion containing AGE showed PF-UVA = 14.97, 1.69 of the SPF/PF-UVA ratio and a critical wavelength value of 378 nm, and may therefore be considered a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection.

Euterpe oleracea Mart. é uma palmeira popularmente conhecida como açaí, encontrada no norte do Brasil. O fruto do açaí apresenta em sua composição antocianinas, uma classe de polifenóis à qual é atribuída propriedade antioxidante. Os objetivos desse trabalho foram desenvolver emulsões fotoprotetoras O/A contendo extrato glicólico de açaí (AGE), avaliar a estabilidade física e avaliar a eficácia fotoprotetora. Emulsões contendo AGE e filtros solares foram formuladas utilizando diferentes tipos e concentrações de tensoativo polimérico (acrilates/C 10-30 alquil acrilato polímero cruzado e polilacrilato sódico). A influência de dois modificadores reológicos (poliacrilamida (e) C13-14/isoparafina (e) Laureth-7 e Carbomer) na estabilidade foi avaliada. A estabilidade física das emulsões foi avaliada por meio de estudos de estabilidade preliminar e acelerada. Emulsões com 1,0% poliacrilato sódico foram estáveis, exibiram comportamento não-newtoniano pseudoplástico e tixotrópico. A eficácia fotoprotetora foi avaliada pelo teste in vivo de Fator de Proteção Solar (FPS) e pela determinação do Fator de Proteção UVA (FP-UVA). Quando adicionado o AGE na emulsão contendo filtros solares, não se observou aumento significativo no valor do FPS. A emulsão contendo o AGE apresentou FP-UVA=14,97, a razão FPS/FP-UVA = 1,69 e o comprimento de onda crítico igual a 378 nm, podendo ser considerado um protetor solar com proteção UVA e UVB.

Análise da citotoxicidade do extrato do fruto de juçara (Euterpe oleracea Mart) do Maranhão em células malignas humanas / Analysis of cytotoxicity of fruit extract juçara (euterpe oleracea mart) of Maranhão in human malignant cells

A juçara, Euterpe oleracea Mart., fruta indígena da Amazônia Legal, é rica em fitoquímicos com atividades anti-oxidante, antiinflamatória e anti-câncer. Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar os efeitos do extrato hidroalcoólico da casca, caroço e fruto total da juçara em diferentes linhagens de células malignas humana. Os frutos foram coletados no Parque da Juçara, localizado no Maracanã, município de São Luís, seguida da confecção da excicata que se mantém registrada no Herbário Rosa Mochel do Núcleo de Estudos Biológicos da Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. Os extratos hidroalcoólicos da casca, caroço e fruto total foram extraidos no Laboratório de Farmacologia e Psicobiologia da UERJ. As linhagens celulares utilizadas nos ensaios foram MCF-7 (adenocarcinoma de mama), CACO-2 e HT-20 (adenocarcinoma colo retal) e adenocarcinoma na mama (MDA-MB-468). As linhagens foram tratadas com 10, 20 e 40µg/mL dos extratos por 24 e 48 horas e feitas às análises. Células MCF-7 controle apresentaram núcleo proeminente com nucléolos evidentes. Após tratamento com o extrato hidroalcoólico da casca da juçara, as células mostraram morfologia arredondada com retração do citoplasma. O ensaio de viabilidade com MTT ((3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide)) demonstrou uma redução na viabilidade das células. Após 48 horas, o tratamento das células com 20µg/mL do extrato da casca reduziu a viabilidade sendo que o efeito citotóxico do tratamento com 40µg/mL do extrato da casca foi potencializado. Células tratadas com 10µg/mL do extrato do caroço de juçara apresentavam-se arredondadas com consequente redução no volume celular. A concentração 20µg/mL de extrato hidroalcoólico do caroço, causou severa redução no volume das células e ocasionou o surgimento de vacúolos intracelulares. O mesmo foi observado após tratamento com 40µg/mL. O tratamento com 40µg/mL do extrato hidroalcoólico do fruto total, modificou drasticamente a morfologia das células MCF-7...

Juçara, Euterpe oleracea Mart., an indigenous fruit from Amazon, is rich in phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. This study aims to analyze the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of the bark, seed and total fruit of juçara in different human malignant cell lines. Fruits were collected at the Maracana Ecological Park, in São Luís, followed by excicata manufacturing that remains registered in the Herbarium Rosa Mochel from the Nucleus of Biological Studies at the State University of Maranhão. The hydroalcoholic extracts of bark, seed and fruit were all obtained in the Laboratory of Pharmacology and Psychobiology UERJ. The cell lines used in the tests were MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468 (breast adenocarcinoma) and CACO-2 and HT-20 (colorectal adenocarcinoma). Strains were treated with 10, 20 and 40μg/mL of extracts for 24 and 48 hours. Control MCF-7 cells showed prominent nucleus with evident nucleoli. After treatment with the hydroalcoholic extract from the bark of juçara, the cells showed rounded morphology with retraction of the cytoplasm. The MTT viability assay showed a reduction in cell viability. After 48 hours, treatment of cells with 20μg/mL of bark extract reduced cell viability and the cytotoxic effect of treatment with 40μg/mL extract of the bark was potentiated. Cells treated with 10μg/mL of the bark extract were rounded with consequent reduction in cell volume. The concentration of 20μg/mL of bark extract caused severe reduction in volume of the cells and caused the appearance of intracellular vacuoles. The same was observed after treatment with 40μg/mL. Treatment with 40μg/mL of the hydroalcoholic extract of total fruit dramatically changed the morphology of the MCF-7 cells causing vacuolization and lysis with apparent loss of cytoplasmic contents. MTT assay showed a reduction in viability of MCF-7 cells treated with 20 and 40μg/mL after 24 hours of treatment. Analysis by electron microscopy showed the appearance...

Atividade antimicrobiana de óleos extraídos de açaí e de pupunha sobre o desenvolvimento de Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Staphylococcus aureus / Antimicrobial activity of oils extracted from açaí and pupunha on the development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

O uso de plantas medicinais como forma de combate a patologias humanas vem se tornando uma prática constante, pois a presença de algumas substâncias possibilita a produção de eficientes medicamentos. O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano do óleo da semente de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) e da casca, polpa e semente de duas espécies de pupunha (Bactris gasipaes Kunth e Bactris dahlgreniana Glassman), nativas da região Amazônica, no desenvolvimento das bactérias Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Staphylococcus aureus. Os óleos utilizados foram extraídos em soxhlet e impregnados em discos de celulose (6 mm). Os tratamentos utilizados foram os óleos de sementes de açaí e de sementes de duas variedades de pupunha e também da casca e polpa, os quais foram extraídos em soxhlet e utilizou-se como controle, antibióticos e n-hexano. Após 24 e 48 horas de incubação, as bactérias foram submetidas a leituras dos halos de inibição. Não foi verificada a presença de halo de inibição com a utilização dos óleos de açaí e pupunha sobre o desenvolvimento de P. aeruginosa. Observou-se efeito antimicrobiano do óleo das sementes de açaí e da casca das duas variedades de pupunha em S. aureus, devido presença de halo de inibição. Após 48 horas os tratamentos com óleo da polpa e da semente das duas espécies de pupunha não apresentaram halo de inibição, bem como o da casca de B. gasipaes, já a casca de B. dahlgreniana proporcionou inibição de 10 mm. Os halos de inibição apresentados pelos antibióticos usados como controle foram maiores nas duas bactérias, atingindo diâmetro de até 39 mm com a aplicação de penicilina após 48 horas.

The use of medicinal plants as a way to combat human diseases has become a constant practice, since the presence of some substances enables the efficient production of medicines. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the seed oil of açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) And bark, pulp and seeds of two species of palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth and Bactris dahlgreniana Glassman), native to the Amazon region, the growth of bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The oils used were extracted with hexane and cellulose impregnated discs (6 mm). The treatments were seed oil and açai seeds of two varieties of palm and also the skin and pulp, which were extracted with hexane and was used as control, antibiotics and n-hexane. After 24 and 48 hours of incubation, the bacteria were subjected to reading the inhibition halos. Was not observed the presence of inhibition zone with the use of oils and peach açaí on the development of P. aeruginosa. Observed antimicrobial effect of seed oil, açai and bark of two varieties of palm in S. aureus, due to the presence of inhibition zone. After 48 horas treatments with pulp oil seed and the two species of palm showed no zone of inhibition and the shell of B. gasipaes, since the husk of B. dahlgreniana provided inhibition of 10 mm. The inhibition shown by antibiotics used as control were higher in the two bacteria, reaching up to 39 mm diameter with the application of penicillin after 48 hours.

Avaliação da distribuição de cobre associado a compostos de diferentes massas moleculares na polpa de açaí / Evaluation of the distribution of copper associated to compounds of different molecular weights in the acai pulp

Neste estudo, cromatografia de exclusão por tamanho (SEC) com detecção por UV e detecção off-line por espectrometria de absorção atômica em forno de grafite (GF AAS) foi usada para investigar a associação de cobre a espécies de alta massa molecular (HMW) e baixa massa molecular (LMW) presentes na polpa de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.). A concentração total de cobre obtida nos digeridos da polpa de açaí foi 10,5 µg g-1. Cobre foi encontrado associado às frações de HMW e LMW, correspondentes às massas moleculares de 28,7, 2,6 e 0,43 kDa.

In this study, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with ultraviolet (UV) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS) off-line detection was used to investigate the association of copper to high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) species present in Euterpe oleracea Mart. pulp. Total concentration of copper was 10.5 µg g-1. Copper was found to be associated to fractions corresponding to 28.7, 2.6 and 0.43 kDa.

Processamento e avaliação da qualidade de licor de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart. ) / Processing and quality evaluation of açai liqueur (Euterpe oleracea Mart. )

O objetivo deste estudo foi elaborar um licor à base de açaí e avaliar a qualidade físico-química, microbiológica e sensorial. A matéria-prima e o licor foram avaliados quanto aos parâmetros físicoquímicos como umidade, lipídeos, proteína, cinzas, carboidratos totais, sólidos totais, sólidos solúveis,acidez total, açúcares (redutores, não redutores e totais), teor alcoólico, densidade, cálcio, pH, fibras eferro; e microbiológicos quanto a presença de coliformes a 35 °C e 45 °C, bolores, leveduras e Salmonella. Efetuou-se um teste de aceitação com 40 provadores entre 20 e 42 anos, utilizando escala hedônica estruturada mista de nove pontos e intenção de compra. A polpa apresentou elevados teores de umidade, lipídeos e fibras e baixos conteúdos de cinzas, acidez e cálcio. A bebida elaborada apresentou teor alcoólico de 16,00 ± 0,50 por cento (v/v), elevados teores de açúcares e baixa acidez e cinzas. O licor apresentou ausência de Salmonella, coliformes e bolores e leveduras. A bebida apresentou índice satisfatório de aceitabilidade para todos os atributos, destacando-se a aparência que obteve maior aceitação, seguido de consistência, textura, sabor, cor e aroma, com intenção de compra de 74,8 por cento. Diante dos resultados verificou-se que o açaí é uma matéria-prima alternativa para elaboração de novos produtos alimentícios, dentre eles o licor.

Multiple emulsions containing amazon oil: açaí oil (Euterpe oleracea)

The aim of this work was to formulate O/W/O multiple emulsions containing açaí oil as a model system and to evaluate their physical stability and in vivo Sun Protection Factor (SPF). Multiple emulsions are complex dispersion systems, known also as, "emulsions of emulsions". These emulsion systems, have significant potential in the cosmetic industry. Euterpe oleracea Mart., Arecaceae, popularly known in Brazil as "açaí", is an economically important plant. Açaí oil has been used as antioxidant and as anti-inflammatory activities. The multiple emulsions were prepared using a two-step procedure. The investigated formulations were characterized and their stability over time was evaluated by preliminary and accelerated stability. O/W/O multiple emulsions containing the same concentration of sunscreens with and without açaí oil were evaluated by the International Sun Protection Factor Test Method. The samples containing 70 percent (w/w) of primary emulsion, 5 percent (w/w) PEG-30-dipolyhydroxystearate, 10 percent (w/w) of açaí oil and 5 percent (w/w) of sucrose polybehenate have been found to be stable. The rheological measurements revealed that the samples exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow behavior and thixotropy. To conclude, no statistical difference could be observed on the in vivo SPF to both multiple systems with or without açaí oil.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Euterpe oleracea Mart., Arecaceae, oil

The oil of the fruits of Euterpe oleracea Mart., Arecaceae (OEO), was evaluated in models of inflammation and hyperalgesia in vivo to study its effects on these conditions. The experimental models contained the writhing test in mice, rat paw edema, granuloma test in rats, vascular permeability in rats, cell migration to the peritoneal cavity in rats and ear erythema induced by croton oil in mice. Doses of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg of OEO were administered orally. The observed number of writhes was inhibited by 33.67, 45.88 and 55.58 percent, respectively. OEO produced a dose-dependent effect, with linear correlation coefficient R=0.99 (y=0.0219x+23.133), and the median effective dose found was 1226.8 mg/kg. The oral administration of 1226.8 mg/kg of OEO inhibited carrageenan-induced edema by 29.18 percent (p<0.05) when compared to the control group. The daily administration of OEO for six days inhibited the formation of granulomatous tissue by 36.66 percent (p<0.01). In ear erythema induced by croton oil, OEO presented a significant inhibition (37.9 percent). In the vascular permeability test, treatment with OEO decreased the response to histamine, inhibiting vascular permeability by 54.16 percent. In carrageenan-induced peritonitis, OEO reduced the number of neutrophils migrating compared to the control group by 80.14 percent. These results suggested that OEO has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, probably of peripheral origin and linked to prostaglandin biosynthesis inhibition.

Variabilidade genética entre acessos de açaizeiro utilizando marcadores microssatélites / Genetic variability among accessions of assai palm based on microsatellite markers

Conduziu-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de caracterizar a variabilidade genética entre 116 acessos de açaizeiro da coleção de germoplasma da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental por marcadores microssatélites (SSR). As reações foram efetuadas com base em 116 amostras de DNA, utilizando sete primers SSR. Os níveis de polimorfismo e as estimativas das distâncias genéticas de Roger foram determinados pelas frequências alélicas e agrupado pelo método UPGMA. Os sete locos SSR revelaram 42 alelos com média de 6 alelos por loco. O conteúdo de informação de polimorfismo (PIC) variou de 0,60 a 0,86 com média de 0,75 e as heterozigosidades observada (Ho) e esperada (He) foram de 0,54 e 0,75, respectivamente. A distância genética média entre todos os acessos foi de 0,61, variando de 0 a 0,96. O método UPGMA formou seis agrupamentos distintos delimitados pela distância genética média (dg m = 0,61). Os acessos de açaizeiro possuem alta diversidade para ser explorada em programas de melhoramento, sendo pelo menos quatro deles altamente divergentes com base nos marcadores SSR.

The objective of this work was to characterize genetic variability among 116 accessions of assai palm of the Embrapa Eastern Amazon Germplasm Collection, were examined with microsatellite (SSR) markers. The 116 DNA sample were utilized in the reactions with seven SSR loci. The levels of polymorphism and Roger's genetic distance were estimated from allele frequencies and clustered with the UPGMA method. The seven SSR loci revealed 42 alleles, with average of 6 alleles per locus. The polymorphic information content (PIC) varied from 0.60 to 0.86, with average of 0.75 and observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities were 0.54 and 0.75, respectively. The mean genetic distance between all accessions was 0.61, varying from 0.00 to 0.96. The UPGMA dendrogram presented six distinct groupings, delimited by the mean genetic distance (dg m = 0.61). The accessions of assai palm possess high diversity that may be explored in breeding program and germplasm organization, with at least, four highly divergent accessions.

Dinámica poblacional de la palma Euterpe oleracea (Arecaceae) en bosques inundables del Chocó, Pacífico colombiano

Population dynamics of the palm Euterpe oleracea (Arecaceae) from flooded forests in Choco, Colombian Pacific. The palm Euterpe oleracea is a dominant and promising species in flood plains of the Atrato river, Choco region of Colombia. We assessed the population dynamics of this species through growth rates, mortality and recruitment patterns for a period of two and a half years. Dynamic rates were compared among mixed and pure flood plain palm forests. These forests types were associated to different flooding regimes. Trees and palms were thinned in a portion for each forest type, the rest was left undisturbed. We used projection matrices to follow population trends. Thinning increased the transition probability of smaller individuals, but decreased it for larger individuals, as is typical of light demanding species. Thinning also increased mortality rates in almost all size classes, but did not affect recruitment rates. Under natural conditions, the E. oleracea populations are in equilibrium in pure and mixed forests. Thinning increased population growth in both forest types, suggesting the role played by density-dependent processes on the population size of this species. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (1): 465-481. Epub 2010 March 01.

La palma Euterpe oleracea es una especie dominante y promisoria en el plano inundable del río Atrato, región del Chocó, Colombia. Nosotros evaluamos la dinámica poblacional de esta especie a través de las tasas de crecimiento, la mortalidad y los patrones de reclutamiento para un período de dos años y medio. La dinámica de las tasas fue comparada entre bosques de palma mixto y puro. Estos tipos de vegetación fueron asociados con diferentes regimenes de inundación. Árboles y palmas fueron cortados en una porción de cada tipo de bosque, el resto no fue alterado. Nosotros utilizamos proyecciones matriciales para determinar las tendencias de las poblaciones. Las cortas incrementaron las probabilidades de transición de individuos pequeños pero disminuyeron las de individuos grandes, como es típico de las especies heliófitas. Las cortas también incrementaron las tasas de mortalidad en casi todas las categorías de tamaño pero no afectaron las tasas de reclutamiento. Bajo condiciones naturales, las poblaciones de E. oleracea están en equilibrio en los bosques puro y mixto. Las cortas aumentaron el crecimiento poblacional en ambos tipos de bosque, lo que sugiere el rol desempeñado por procesos denso-dependientes sobre el tamaño poblacional de esta especie.

Water use in four model tropical plant associations established in the lowlands of Costa Rica

We examined soil water use patterns of four model plant associations established in the North Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica by comparing the stable hydrogen isotope composition, δD, in xylem sap and in soil water at different depths, under rainy and dry conditions. Four 5-year-old model plant associations composed of 2 tree species (Hyeronima alchorneoides and Cedrela odorata) having different architecture and phenology were studied. Average tree height was 8.9 and 7.6 m, respectively. Each tree species was grown in monoculture and in polyculture with 2 perennial monocotyledons (Euterpe oleracea and Heliconia imbricata). Maximum rooting depth at the time of δD determination was ~ 2 m for almost all species. Most roots of all species were concentrated in the upper soil layers. Stomatal conductance to water vapor (gS) was higher in the deciduous C. odorata than in the evergreen H. alchorneoides; within each species, gS did not differ when the trees were grown in mono or in polyculture. During the rainy season, gradients in soil water δD were not observed. Average rainy season xylem sap δD did not differ among members of the plant combinations tested (-30 ‰), and was more similar to δD values of shallow soil water. Under dry conditions, volumetric soil water content declined from 50 to ~ 35%, and modest gradients in soil water δD were observed. xylem sap δD obtained during dry conditions was significantly lower than rainy season values. xylem sap δD of plants growing in the four associations varied between -9 and -22‰, indicating that shallow water was predominantly absorbed during the dry period too. Differences in xylem sap δD of trees and monocots were also detected, but no significant patterns emerged. The results suggest that: a) the plant associations examined extracted water predominantly from shallow soil layers (<1 m), b) the natural isotopic variation in soil and plant water at the study site was low, and c) the plant mixes obtain water from more than a single soil layer simultaneously. Temporal factors were important in determining the competition and complementary relations observed among the trees and the perennial monocots. Under the prevailing environmental conditions, water use in these plant associations was determined largely by species-specific attributes such as biomass allocation to fine roots, phenology, and canopy architecture, and to a lesser extent by water limitations. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (4): 1947-1957. Epub 2008 December 12.

Examinamos los patrones de uso de agua del suelo de cuatro asociaciones vegetales establecidas en el Caribe norte de Costa Rica, comparando la composición isotópica del hidrógeno, δD, en la savia del xilema y en el agua del suelo en condiciones lluviosas y secas. Estudiamos cuatro asociaciones de cinco años de edad compuestas por dos árboles (Hyeronima alchorneoides y Cedrela odorata) con diferente arquitectura y fenología, cultivados en mono y policultivo con dos monocotiledóneas perennes (Euterpe oleracea y Heliconia imbricata). Las excavaciones mostraron que la profundidad máxima de las raíces fue de 2 m para casi todas las especies, y que la mayor densidad de raíces se encontraba en la superficie del suelo. La conductividad estomática (gS) fue mayor en el árbol caducifolio (C. odorata) que en el perennifolio (H. alchorneoides); dentro de cada especie, gS no difirió cuando los árboles fueron cultivados en mono o en policultivo. Los resultados sugieren que: a) las asociaciones examinadas extrajeron agua predominantemente de las capas superficiales del suelo (<1 m), b) la variación natural en el acceso al agua del suelo por parte de las especies, y en las propiedades del suelo, fue baja, y c) las combinaciones de plantas obtuvieron agua de varias capas del perfil del suelo simultáneamente. Los factores relacionados con el tiempo fueron importantes en la determinación de las relaciones de competencia y complementariedad observadas entre los árboles y las monocotiledóneas perennes. En las condiciones ambientales prevalecientes, el uso del agua por parte de estas asociaciones de plantas fue determinado más por atributos, como la asignación de biomasa a las raíces finas, la fenología, y las propiedades del dosel, que por limitaciones en la disponibilidad de agua.

Diversidade genética entre acessos de açaizeiro baseada em marcadores RAPD / Genetic diversity among accessions of assai palm based on rapd markers

Caracterizou-se a diversidade genética entre acessos de açaizeiro por meio de marcadores RAPD. Foram analisados 116 acessos conservados na coleção de germoplasma da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, Belém, PA com base em 28 primers. A matriz binária foi utilizada para a obtenção das dissimilaridades genéticas, pelo complemento artimético do coeficiente de similaridade de Dice, e também para a análise de bootstrap. As dissimilaridades genéticas foram representadas em um dendrograma gerado pelo método UPGMA. Os primers revelaram 263 bandas polimórficas e apresentaram ampla diversidade genética entre os acessos, variando de 0,06 a 0,67, sendo dois acessos de Chaves, PA, os mais divergentes. Mas, alguns acessos da mesma procedência apresentaram baixas dissimilaridades. O dendrograma permitiu a formação de oito grupos, delimitados pela dissimilaridade genética média (dg m: 0,40): dois formados por um único acesso; dois constituídos por dois acessos e os demais por vários subgrupos com acessos de diferentes locais. O número ideal de bandas para a estimativa da diversidade genética entre os 116 acessos foi de 180. Logo, o número de bandas empregado neste estudo foi eficiente para caracterizar com precisão as relações genéticas entre os acessos de açaizeiro. Os acessos divergentes devem ser úteis na formação de coleções nucleares e em programas de melhoramento genético.

One characterized the genetic diversity among accessions of assai palm using RAPD markers. One hundred and sixteen accessions conserved in the Embrapa Eastern Amazon germplasm collection, in Belém, PA, were analyzed using 28 primers. The data of the binary matrix were used to estimate the genetic dissimilarities using the arithmetical complement of Dice similarity coefficient and also for the bootstrap analysis. The genetic dissimilarities were represented in a dendrogram generated by the UPGMA method. The primers revealed 263 polymorphic RAPD loci presented wide genetic diversity among the accessions, varying from 0,06 to 0,67, being two accessions of the Chaves, PA the most divergent. But, some accessions of the same origin presented low dissimilarities. The dendrogram allowed the formation of eight groups delimited by the genetic mean dissimilarity (dg m: 0,40): two formed by a single accession; two constituted by two accessions and the others for several sub-groups with accessions of different origin. The ideal number of bands for estimating the genetic diversity among 116 accessions was 180. Therefore, the number of bands used in this study was efficient to characterize with precision the genetic relationship among the accessions of assai palm. The accessions divergent should be useful in the formation of nuclear collections and genetic breeding.

Forest biomass and wood consumption In the lower course of the Amazon: a case study of rhe Urubueua Island

Várzea and terra-firme forests in the lower course of the Amazon were compared in terms of forest structure, wood volume increments and forest biomass. The wood volume of várzea forests was smaller than that of terra-firme forests, particularly when severe human intervention such as the cultivation of açaí palm occurred. The difference was even greater in the forest weight comparison because of the lower wood density of várzea trees. These trees are not directly influenced by water stress during the dry season, while late wood with a high density is formed in the terra-firme trees. The annual forest disappearance area due to firewood for tile factories was estimated to be about 276 ha on the island investigated, which had an area of 36,200 ha. Assuming that the forests are rotatively cultivated every 25 to 30 years, the total deforestation area is 6,870-6,948 ha in 25 years and 8,244~8,337 ha in 30 years. This result means that the balance between forest biomass and utilization is not in crisis, however, this balance might be lost as long as substitutive energy such as electricity is not supplied.

Florestas de várzea e de terra-firme na foz do Amazonas foram comparadas, com relação à sua estrutura, incrementos de volume madeireiro e biomassa florestal. O volume madeireiro de floresta de várzea é menor que o de florestas de terra-firme, especialmente quando se considera a intervenção humana (o cultivo da palmeira açaí) na referida análise. Esta diferença é ampliada na comparação de peso florestal, pelo fato das árvores de várzea apresentarem uma baixa densidade madeireira. As árvores de florestas de várzea não são diretamente influenciadas pela escassez característica do período prolongado de seca, devido a madeira de alta densidade ser formada em árvores de terra-firme. Na ilha em estudo, cuja área é de 36.200 ha, o desaparecimento anual da área florestal devido às queimadas provocadas pelas olarias, é cerca de 276 ha. Assumindo-se que as florestas têm um período de rotação de 25 a 30 anos, a área total deflorestada está entre 6.87-69480 ha/25 anos a 8.244-8.337 ha/30 anos. Este resultado demonstra que o balanço entre a biomassa e sua utilização não está em crise; entretanto este balanço pode sofrer alterações, caso não sejam substituídos os meios de produção de energia na região.