Actividad antibacteriana in vitro del extracto hidroetanólico de Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh (camu camu) sobre Streptococcus mutans / In vitro antibacterial activity of hydroethanolic extract from Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh (camu camu) against Streptococcus mutans

Introducción: Streptococcus mutans participa en el origen y progreso de la caries dental, una de las enfermedades más prevalentes a nivel mundial. Su control requiere métodos seguros y accesibles para la población. Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh (Myrtaceae) (camu camu) es un árbol nativo de la amazonía peruana. La capacidad antimicrobiana de los componentes de su fruto ya se ha comprobado. Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad antibacteriana in vitro del extracto hidroetanólico de M. dubia contra S. mutans ATCC 35658. Métodos: Investigación experimental con posprueba y grupos controles. El extracto de la pulpa del fruto de M. dubia se obtuvo mediante maceración hidroetanólica. Las concentraciones evaluadas fueron 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL y 75 mg/mL. La capacidad antibacteriana se determinó mediante el método de difusión en disco. Gluconato de clorhexidina 0,12 por ciento fue el control positivo y el dimetilsulfóxido al 1 por ciento el control negativo. Resultados: La actividad antibacteriana se incrementó de manera directamente proporcional a la concentración del extracto. La concentración de 75 mg/mL mostró una media de inhibición de 18,2 ± 0,774 mm, seguido de la concentración de 50 mg/mL con una media de inhibición de 14,6 ± 1,055 mm y la concentración de 25 mg/mL con un halo de inhibición promedio de 10,1± 0,833 mm. La zona de inhibición del control positivo fue de 16,5 ± 0,516 mm. Existe diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la concentración de 75 mg/mL y el control positivo (p< 0,05). Conclusiones: El extracto hidroetanólico de M. dubia muestra actividad antibacteriana in vitro de tipo bactericida sobre S. mutans ATCC 35668(AU)

Introduction: Streptococcus mutans is involved in the genesis and progress of dental caries, one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, whose control requires safe methods accessible to the population. Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh (Myrtaceae) (camu camu) is a tree native to the Peruvian Amazon. The antimicrobial capacity of the components of its fruit has already been verified. Objective: Evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of M. dubia hydroethanolic extract against S. mutans ATCC 35658. Methods: An experimental study was conducted with post-test analysis and control groups. The extract from the pulp of the fruit of M. dubia was obtained by hydroethanolic maceration. The concentrations evaluated were 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL and 75 mg/mL. Antibacterial capacity was determined by the disc diffusion method. The positive control was 0.12 percent chlorhexidine gluconate, whereas the negative control was 1 percent dimethyl sulfoxide. Results: The antibacterial activity increased directly proportional to the concentration of the extract. The concentration of 75 mg/mL showed a mean inhibition of 18.2 ± 0.774 mm, followed by the concentration of 50 mg/mL with a mean inhibition of 14.6 ± 1.055 mm and the concentration of 25 mg/mL with an average inhibition halo of 10.1 ± 0.833 mm. The zone of inhibition of the positive control was 16.5 ± 0.516 mm. There is a statistically significant difference between the concentration of 75 mg / mL and the positive control (p< 0.05). Conclusions: The M. dubia hydroethanolic extract displays in vitro antibacterial bactericidal activity against S. mutans ATCC 35668(AU)

Efecto nefroprotector del Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) en un modelo de nefrotoxicidad inducida por gentamicina en ratas / Nephroprotective effect of Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) in a model of nephrotoxicity induced by Gentamicin in rats

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el efecto nefroprotector del extracto de camu camu en un modelo de nefrotoxicidad inducida por la gentamicina. Estudio de tipo experimental formado por 50 ratas Sprague Dawley que se dividieron aleatoriamente en cinco grupos de estudio: Al grupo control se le administró la solución salina, al grupo gentamicina se le indujo la nefrotoxicidad y a los grupos experimentales 1, 2 y 3 se les protegió con el extracto alcohólico de camu camu a diferentes dosis. La actividad nefroprotectora se evaluó por la cuantificación de la creatinina sérica, el peso y análisis histopatológico de los riñones. Los resultados evidenciaron una disminución significativa del nivel de creatinina en los grupos protegidos con el extracto alcohólico de camu camu con respecto al grupo gentamicina (p<0,05). Los grupos que recibieron camu camu presentaron un aumento gradual del peso de los riñones en una relación directa a la dosis del extracto (p<0,05). El análisis histológico evidenció pérdida epitelial, infiltrado inflamatorio intenso y congestión vascular en el grupo gentamicina, mientras que los grupos que recibieron camu camu con el extracto disminuyeron la gravedad del daño. Se concluye que el extracto de camu camu presentó una actividad nefroprotectora significativa en un modelo de nefrotoxicidad inducida por gentamicina.

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to determine the nephroprotective effect of camu camu extract on a gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity model. The study design was experimental using 50 Sprague Dawley rats randomly allocated into 1 of 5 five groups: a control group that was administered a saline solution, a gentamicin group in which nephrotoxicity was induced and experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 that were provided different doses of Camu Camu alcoholic extract. Nephroprotective activity was evaluated via quantification of seric creatinine, histopathological analysis and weighing of the kidneys. Results showed a significant decrease in creatinine levels between the group administered camu camu alcoholic extract and the gentamicin group (p<0.05). Groups who received camu camu presented a gradual increase in kidneys weight which corresponded directly to the extract dose (p<0.05). The histopathological analysis showed epithelial loss, intense inflammatory infiltrate and vascular congestion in the gentamicin group, while the groups who received the extract had a lower level of damage. Camu Camu extract provided a significant nephroprotective activity on a gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity model.

Changes on physiological parameters of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed with diets supplemented with Amazonian fruit Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) / Alterações em parâmetros fisiológicos de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) alimentados com dietas suplementadas com fruta amazônica camu camu (Myrciaria dubia)

Abstract The physiological responses of juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed commercial feed supplemented with different concentrations of camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) were evaluated. The design was completely randomized, with treatments arranged in a factorial design with three proportions of camu camu (15%, 30% and 45%) and a control treatment (100% commercial diet), with four replicates per treatment. A total of 96 tambaqui specimens were used, with a mean initial weight of 11.69 ± 2.68 g and a mean length of 7.06 ± 0.44 cm. After 30 days, hematological parameters, metabolic variables, growth and fish swimming performance were evaluated. The different proportions of camu camu in the diet did not cause significant changes to the tambaqui's hematological parameters during the feeding period, except for hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) after the 30th day, and hematocrit (Ht) after the swimming stress test, which increased significantly (p < 0.05). The significant increases in metabolic variables, such as cortisol, glucose, proteins and triglycerides, and in hematologic variables after the Ucrit test reflect, respectively, biochemical adaptations for maintenance of the energy mobilization process and a regulatory necessity in tissue oxygen demand during intense exercise. Fish fed 15% and 30% camu camu gained the most weight and achieved the best swimming performance, respectively. The results for camu camu concentrations above 30% suggest a saturation of its intrinsic properties in the diet at this level and a loss of nutrients from the commercial feed replaced by the fruit, reducing productive performance and nutritional assimilation.

Resumo As respostas fisiológicas de juvenis de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) alimentados com ração comercial suplementada com diferentes concentrações de camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) foram avaliados. As amostras analisadas foram inteiramente casualizadas, com os tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial com três proporções de camu camu (15%, 30% e 45%) e um tratamento controle (ração comercial 100%), com quatro repetições por tratamento. Um total de 96 amostras de tambaqui foram utilizadas, com um peso médio inicial de 11,69 ± 2,68 g e um comprimento médio de 7,06 ± 0,44 cm. Após 30 dias, foram avaliados os parâmetros hematológicos, variáveis ​​metabólicas, crescimento e desempenho natatório de peixes. As diferentes proporções de camu camu na dieta não causou alterações significativas nos parâmetros hematológicos dos tambaquis durante o período de alimentação, com exceção de hemoglobina (Hb) e concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM), após o 30º dia, e hematócrito (Ht), após o teste de natação de estresse, que aumentou de forma significativa (p <0,05). Os aumentos significativos nas variáveis ​​metabólicas, como o cortisol, glicose, proteínas e triglicerídeos, e nas variáveis ​​hematológicas após o teste Ucrit reflete, respectivamente, adaptações bioquímicas para a manutenção do processo de mobilização de energia e uma necessidade de regulamentação na demanda de oxigênio nos tecidos durante o exercício intenso. Os peixes alimentados com 15% e 30% de camu camu obtiveram mais peso e melhor desempenho natatório, respectivamente. Os resultados para as concentrações camu camu superiores a 30% indicam uma saturação das suas propriedades intrínsecas na dieta, a este nível e uma perda de nutrientes a partir da ração comercial substituído pelo fruto, reduzindo o desempenho produtivo e assimilação nutricional.

Changes on physiological parameters of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed with diets supplemented with Amazonian fruit Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia)

Abstract The physiological responses of juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed commercial feed supplemented with different concentrations of camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) were evaluated. The design was completely randomized, with treatments arranged in a factorial design with three proportions of camu camu (15%, 30% and 45%) and a control treatment (100% commercial diet), with four replicates per treatment. A total of 96 tambaqui specimens were used, with a mean initial weight of 11.69 ± 2.68 g and a mean length of 7.06 ± 0.44 cm. After 30 days, hematological parameters, metabolic variables, growth and fish swimming performance were evaluated. The different proportions of camu camu in the diet did not cause significant changes to the tambaqui's hematological parameters during the feeding period, except for hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) after the 30th day, and hematocrit (Ht) after the swimming stress test, which increased significantly (p 0.05). The significant increases in metabolic variables, such as cortisol, glucose, proteins and triglycerides, and in hematologic variables after the Ucrit test reflect, respectively, biochemical adaptations for maintenance of the energy mobilization process and a regulatory necessity in tissue oxygen demand during intense exercise. Fish fed 15% and 30% camu camu gained the most weight and achieved the best swimming performance, respectively. The results for camu camu concentrations above 30% suggest a saturation of its intrinsic properties in the diet at this level and a loss of nutrients from the commercial feed replaced by the fruit, reducing productive performance and nutritional assimilation.

Resumo As respostas fisiológicas de juvenis de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) alimentados com ração comercial suplementada com diferentes concentrações de camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) foram avaliados. As amostras analisadas foram inteiramente casualizadas, com os tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial com três proporções de camu camu (15%, 30% e 45%) e um tratamento controle (ração comercial 100%), com quatro repetições por tratamento. Um total de 96 amostras de tambaqui foram utilizadas, com um peso médio inicial de 11,69 ± 2,68 g e um comprimento médio de 7,06 ± 0,44 cm. Após 30 dias, foram avaliados os parâmetros hematológicos, variáveis metabólicas, crescimento e desempenho natatório de peixes. As diferentes proporções de camu camu na dieta não causou alterações significativas nos parâmetros hematológicos dos tambaquis durante o período de alimentação, com exceção de hemoglobina (Hb) e concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM), após o 30º dia, e hematócrito (Ht), após o teste de natação de estresse, que aumentou de forma significativa (p 0,05). Os aumentos significativos nas variáveis metabólicas, como o cortisol, glicose, proteínas e triglicerídeos, e nas variáveis hematológicas após o teste Ucrit reflete, respectivamente, adaptações bioquímicas para a manutenção do processo de mobilização de energia e uma necessidade de regulamentação na demanda de oxigênio nos tecidos durante o exercício intenso. Os peixes alimentados com 15% e 30% de camu camu obtiveram mais peso e melhor desempenho natatório, respectivamente. Os resultados para as concentrações camu camu superiores a 30% indicam uma saturação das suas propriedades intrínsecas na dieta, a este nível e uma perda de nutrientes a partir da ração comercial substituído pelo fruto, reduzindo o desempenho produtivo e assimilação nutricional.

Ascorbic acid from lyophilized camu-camu fruit: stability and quality control of hard capsules

Camu-camu, a fruit found in the Amazon Basin river banks and lake shores, is known for its high ascorbic acid content together with, other antioxidants. This feature shows high potential for being exploited in agribusiness industry and pharmaceutical processes. However, its high acidity, as well as peel bitterness associated with the phenolic substances content, has discouraged its consumption while still fresh. The development of alternative forms for consuming this fruit, while still preserving its ascorbic acid and polyphenol content, in addition to its great potential for maintaining human health, has become a major economic activity in coastal communities. The present study evaluated the ascorbic acid stability found in camu-camu capsules. Lyophilization was performed with the fruit pulp and peel. Both freeze-dried fruit and powder-flled capsules were stored at 5° C. Ascorbic acid stability was monitored for 90 days using HPLC assay technique. The encapsulation process of freezedried pulp was considered satisfactory in the ascorbic acid conservation, since there was only a loss of 10% of its initial concentration throughout the study period for 60 days.(AU)

Efeito dos compostos fenólicos do camu-camu e do cupuaçu no desenvolvimento da obesidade e diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Effects of camu camu and cupuassu phenolic compounds on obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus development

A incidência da obesidade e do diabetes do tipo 2 tomou proporções epidêmicas nos últimos anos, atingindo bilhões de indivíduos em todo o mundo. A descoberta de formas inovadoras capazes de reduzir as alterações metabólicas associadas a estas doenças é fundamental para minimizar o seu impacto na qualidade de vida da população e na economia dos países. Muitos estudos têm demonstrado que os compostos bioativos de alimentos possuem efeitos benéficos à saúde. O camu-camu e o cupuaçu são frutas nativas da região amazônica com potencial agroeconômico ainda inexplorado, que contêm um grande número de compostos fitoquímicos que podem atuar sobre o metabolismo corporal. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos dos compostos fenólicos de extratos do camu-camu e do cupuaçu no desenvolvimento da obesidade e do diabetes tipo 2 em ensaios in vivo e in vitro, e identificar os possíveis metabólitos envolvidos nestes efeitos. Os extratos ricos em compostos fenólicos da polpa comercial destes frutos foram extraídos em fase sólida, caracterizados por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE/DAD) e avaliados quanto à inibição da atividade de enzimas digestivas in vitro. Os extratos obtidos foram então testados em duas diferentes concentrações (2,25 e 4,5 mg de equivalentes de catequina/Kg de peso corporal para o cupuaçu; 7 e 14 mg de equivalentes de ácido gálico/Kg de peso corporal para o camu camu) em um modelo animal de obesidade e resistência insulínica induzida por dieta com alto teor de lipídios e sacarose em camundongos C57BL/6J. Foram investigados os efeitos destes compostos sobre as homeostases glicídica e lipídica através de análises séricas, testes de tolerância à insulina e à glicose e conteúdo de lipídios hepáticos e fecais. O extrato do camu camu apresentou flavonóis, ácido elágico e elagitaninos em sua composição. A suplementação com o extrato de compostos fenólicos do camu camu reduziu o ganho de peso corporal e diminuiu a intolerância à glicose e à insulina, independente da dose administrada. No entanto, a administração destes extratos não apresentou efeitos sobre o metabolismo lipídico. Estes resultados foram associados a um possível efeito de saciedade, com consequente redução da ingestão da dieta e da glicolipotoxicidade, e com um efeito anti-inflamatório devido à diminuição dos níveis de proteína C reativa. Já o extrato de cupuaçu apresentou flavanóis, flavonas e proantocianidinas em sua composição. A suplementação com o extrato de cupuaçu na maior dose testada melhorou a homeostase da glicose e principalmente dos lipídios, protegendo o tecido hepático dos danos causados pela dieta com alto teor de lipídios e sacarose. Estes efeitos foram associados à inibição de enzimas digestivas, com consequente menor absorção de lipídios provenientes da dieta, reduzindo assim a resistência à insulina no fígado, a hiperglicemia e a dislipidemia. Ainda, foi avaliada a distribuição de metabólitos no trato gastrointestinal de camundongos após a administração aguda do extrato de cupuaçu. Foi possível identificar a complexa mistura de polifenóis presentes no extrato de cupuaçu ao longo do trato gastrointestinal, que posteriormente foi metabolizada pela microbiota. Entre os metabólitos encontrados estão as agliconas hipolaetina e isoscutelareína, e os metabolitos microbianos da epicatequina como o 3,4-diHPP-2-ol e a 5-(3,4-dihidroxiphenil)-γ-valerolactona. De acordo com estes resultados, as diferenças na composição de compostos fenólicos encontradas entre os extratos das duas frutas foram responsáveis pelos diferentes resultados nos protocolos in vivo e a identificação dos metabólitos microbianos possibilita o conhecimento dos compostos possivelmente implicados nos efeitos benéficos. Novos estudos podem contribuir para um melhor entendimento dos mecanismos, bem como quais metabólitos estão associados aos efeitos benéficos que os compostos presentes nestas duas frutas apresentaram neste estudo

The incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes reached epidemic proportions in recent years, arriving to billions of people around the world. The discovery of innovative ways that can reduce the metabolic abnormalities associated with these diseases is essential to minimize its impact on the population's quality of life and the economy of the countries. Many studies have demonstrated that food bioactive compounds have beneficial health effects. Camu-camu and cupuassu are native fruits of the Amazon region with unexplored agroeconomic potential, which contain a large number of phytochemical compounds that can act on body metabolism. Thus, the objective of this study was verify the effects of phenolic compounds of camu-camu and cupuassu extracts on the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes in vivo and in vitro, and identfy the possible metabolites involved in these effects. The phenolic compound-rich extracts were obtained from commercial frozen fruit pulps by solid phase extraction, characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/DAD) and evaluated for inhibition of digestive enzymes activities in vitro. Then, the extracts were tested at two different doses (2.25 and 4.5 mg catechin equivalents/kg body weight for cupuassu; 7 and 14 mg of gallic acid equivalents/kg body weight for camu camu) in an animal model (C57BL/6J mice) of obesity and insulin resistance induced by high fat high sucrose diet. The effects of extract supplementation on glucose and lipid homeostasis were assessed by serum analysis, insulin and glucose tolerance tests in mice, and contents of fat in liver and fecal samples. Camu camu extract presented flavonols, ellagic acid and ellagitannins in its composition. Supplementation with camu camu phenolic extract reduced weight gain and decreased glucose and insulin intolerance independent of the dose administered. However, no effects on lipid metabolism were found. These findings were associated with a possible effect of satiety with a consequent reduction in energy intake and glicolipotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory properties. Cupuassu extract presented flavanols, flavones and proanthocyanidins in its composition. Supplementation with cupuacu extract at the highest dose improved glucose homeostasis and plasmatic lipid levels, protecting the liver tissue from damage caused by diet rich in lipids and sucrose. These effects were associated with inhibition of digestive enzymes, with consequent lower absorption of lipids from the diet, thereby reducing the insulin resistance in the liver, the hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Furthermore, the distribution of metabolites in the gastrointestinal tract of mice was evaluated after acute administration of cupussu extract by HPLC-ESI-QTOF. We identified the complex mixture of polyphenols present in cupuassu extract along the gastrointestinal tract, which was subsequently metabolized by the intestinal microbiota. Among detected metabolites are hypolaetin and isoscutellarein aglycones and microbial metabolites of epicatechin as 3,4-diHPP-2-ol and 5-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-γvalerolactone. According to these results, the differences in the composition of phenolic compounds found between the two fruit extracts were responsible for the different effects in vivo and identification of microbial metabolites enables the knowledge of the compounds potentially implicated in the beneficial effects. New studies can contribute to a better understanding of the metabolism and mechanisms of action

Antibacterial activity of Myrciaria dubia (Camu camu) against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial and cytotoxic effect of Myrciaria dubia (Camu camu) (M. dubia) methanol extract, against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sanguinis (ATCC 10556) (S. sanguinis). Methods: Two methanol extracts of M. dubia were prepared in vitro, from the seeds and pulp. Ten independent tests were prepared for each type of extract, using 0.12% chlor-hexidine solution as positive control. Agar diffusion test was used by preparing wells with the experimental solutions cultivated in anaerobic conditions for 48 h at 37 ° C. Mean-while, the minimum inhibitory concentration and the cytotoxic effect over MDCK cell line was found. Results: A higher antibacterial effect was observed with the methanol seed extract with an inhibitory halo of (21.36 ± 6.35) mm and (19.21 ± 5.18) mm against S. mutans and S. sanguinis, respectively. The methanol extract of the pulp had an effect of (16.20 ± 2.08) mm and (19.34 ± 2.90) mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the pulp extract was 62.5μg/mL for both strains, whereas for the seed antibacterial activity was observed even at low concentrations. The CC50 of the seeds extract was at a higher con-centration than 800μg/mL and 524.37μg/mL for the pulp extract. Conclusions: The experimental findings demonstrated the antibacterial effect of the methanol extract of M. dubia against S. mutans and S. sanguinis. These extracts were not cytotoxic at high concentrations.

Antibacterial activity of Myrciaria dubia (Camu camu) against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis

Objective To evaluate the antibacterial and cytotoxic effect of Myrciaria dubia (Camu camu) (M. dubia) methanol extract, against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sanguinis (ATCC 10556) (S. sanguinis). Methods Two methanol extracts of M. dubia were prepared in vitro, from the seeds and pulp. Ten independent tests were prepared for each type of extract, using 0.12% chlorhexidine solution as positive control. Agar diffusion test was used by preparing wells with the experimental solutions cultivated in anaerobic conditions for 48 h at 37 °C. Meanwhile, the minimum inhibitory concentration and the cytotoxic effect over MDCK cell line was found. Results A higher antibacterial effect was observed with the methanol seed extract with an inhibitory halo of (21.36 ± 6.35) mm and (19.21 ± 5.18) mm against S. mutans and S. sanguinis, respectively. The methanol extract of the pulp had an effect of (16.20 ± 2.08) mm and (19.34 ± 2.90) mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the pulp extract was 62.5 μg/mL for both strains, whereas for the seed antibacterial activity was observed even at low concentrations. The CC

Metales pesados en hojas de Myrciaria dubia (kunth) Mc. vaugh. "Camu camu" y Cajanus cajan (l) huth. "puspo poroto", que se expenden en el centro herbolario "Pasaje paquito" de la ciudad de Iquitos / Heavy metals in leaves of Myrciaria dubia (kunth) Mc. vaugh. "Camu camu" and Cajanus cajan (l) huth. "Puspo poroto", which is sold at the "Pasaje paquito" herbalist center in the city of Iquitos

Las hierbas medicinales son usadas ampliamente a lo largo de todo el mundo. La Organización Mundial de la Salud ha promocionado la medicina tradicional y ha dado pautas para su control de calidad de manera que estos medicamentos herbarios sean seguros y eficaces. La contaminación natural y la proveniente de las actividades humanas hicieron necesario monitorear los niveles de metales pesados en las hierbas medicinales. En el presente trabajo se realizó la determinación y cuantificación de plomo y cadmio en las hojas de las especies Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) Mc. Vaugh y Cajanus cajan (L) Huth comercializados ambos en la ciudad de Iquitos por su uso etnomedicinal. El estudio fue de tipo descriptivo y la muestra se adquirió por conveniencia en el mercado herbolario "Psje. Paquito", al costado del mercado de Belén, las concentraciones de los metales se determinaron por absorción atómica de flama. En los resultados obtenidos, ninguna de las especies estudiadas supero los limites de plomo de 10µg/g para hierbas medicinales sugerida por la OMS. En las tres muestras de Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) Mc. Vaugh, presenta un promedio de concentraciones por debajo de los limites de detección < 0,05 ug/g y Cajanus cajan (L) Huth presenta un promedio de concentraciones de 0,310 µg/g . En el caso de los limites permisibles de cadmio para hierbas medicinales de 0,30 µg/g sugeridas por la OMS se observo: el promedio de concentraciones de cadmio en Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) Mc. Vaugh, se encontraron por debajo de los límites de detección < 0,001 µg/g; sin embargo los resultados de la especie Cajanus cajan (L) Huth no supero estos limites con un promedio de concentraciones de 0,156 µg/g.

Atmosfera modificada e refrigeração para conservação pós-colheita de camu-camu / Modified atmosphere and refrigeration for postharvest camu-camu

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar a conservação pós-colheita de camu-camu, utilizando a refrigeração e a atmosfera modificada propiciada pelos filmes de policloreto de vinila (PVC) e polipropileno biaxialmente orientado de 50µm espessura (BOPP50) e assim avaliar a durabilidade em relação ao controle (sem embalagem). Os frutos foram mantidos a 5±1°C e 90±2% de umidade relativa, durante 25 dias e avaliados a cada quatro dias de armazenamento quanto à firmeza, pH, sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, ácido ascórbico, antocianinas, perda de massa e concentração de CO2 da atmosfera no interior da embalagem. O filme de BOPP50 mostrou não ser a melhor alternativa para a conservação de camu-camu, pois a sua baixa permeabilidade aos gases ocasionou o acúmulo de CO2 no interior da embalagem, propiciando o processo fermentativo dos frutos após 13 dias de armazenamento. Os atributos pH, sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, ácido ascórbico e antocianinas não foram afetados pelos tipos de filmes utilizados, mas sim pelos dias de armazenamento. Os resultados mostraram que a utilização do filme de PVC, juntamente com refrigeração, para conservação pós-colheita de camu-camu, foi eficaz na manutenção da firmeza do fruto e na redução de perda de massa, mantendo os frutos comercialmente viáveis por 21 dias, enquanto o controle e os revestidos por BOPP50 se apresentaram inviáveis após 13 dias de armazenamento.

This study aimed to evaluate the postharvest camu-camu by using cooling and modified atmosphere propitiated by the films of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) biaxially oriented polypropylene of 50µm thickness (BOPP50) to evaluate the durability the control (without packaging). The fruits were kept at 5±1°C and 90±2% relative humidity for 25 days and evaluated every four days of storage regarding firmness, pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, anthocyanins, weight loss and CO2 concentration of the atmosphere inside the package. The BOPP50 film showed not be the best alternative for the conservation of camu-camu, because its low permeability to gases caused the accumulation of CO2 inside the package, allowing the fermentation of fruits after 13 days of refrigerated storage. Characteristics of pH, soluble solids, titrable acidity, vitamin C and anthocyanins were not affected by the types of films used, but through the days of storage. The results showed that the use of PVC film with cooling to postharvest camu-camu, was effective to maintain the firmness and reduction in weight loss by keeping the fruit commercially viable for 21 days, while control coated BOPP50 was unviable with 13 days of storage.

Ciclo biológico, comportamiento y censo del picudo del camu camu, Conotrachelus dubiae O'Brien 1995 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) en Pucallpa, Perú / Biological cycle, behavior and census of camu camu weevil, Conotrachelus dubiae O'Brien 1995 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Pucallpa, Peru

El picudo, Conotrachelus dubiae O'Brien 1995, es una de las plagas mas importantes del camu camu Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. Mc Vaugh en la Amazonía Peruana. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el ciclo biológico de este insecto bajo condiciones de laboratorio y describir su comportamiento y fluctuación en condiciones de campo en Pucallpa, Ucayali, Perú. El porcentaje de eclosión de larvas fue de 87 por ciento, la duración del periodo de incubación de los huevos fue de 5,5±0,9 (4 a 7) días, del estado larval en el fruto 22,2±1,9 (20 a 25) días y en el suelo (fase pre-pupa), 54,4±5,5 (46 a 67) días, del periodo pupal 11,8±0,9 (9 a 13) días y la longevidad del adulto fue de 51,8±18,9 (9 a 75) días. Los adultos se alimentaron de frutos de diferentes diámetros y estados de maduración y de botones florales, ramas tiernas y flores. No se registró la presencia de adultos de C. dubiae en frutos secos, ni en la base del tallo, sino en ritidomas. La mayor actividad de alimentación y de reproducción de los adultos fue entre 18:30 a 22:00 h. Los adultos fueron observados en el cultivo durante todo el año, encontrándose con mayor frecuencia en los meses de enero a marzo en pisos bajos inundables y entre octubre a diciembre en tierra firme no inundable, coincidiendo con la fase de floración y fructificación de la planta.

Camu camu weevil Conotrachelus dubiae O'Brien, 1995 is a one of the main pests of camu camu (Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. Mc Vaugh) in Peruvian Amazonia. The aim of this study was to determine the biological cycle of this insect under laboratory conditions, to describe its behavior and population numbers under field conditions in Pucallpa, Ucayali, Peru. The percentage of hatching was 87 percent; the egg incubation period was 5.5±0.9 (4 to 7) days; the length of the larval stage inside the fruit was 22.2±1.9 (20 to 25) days, and the length larval stage (pre-pupa) underground was 54.4±5.5 (46 to 67) days. The length of pupal period was 11.8±0.9 (9 to 13) days, and the longevity of adults was 51.8±18.9 (9 to 75) days. Adults feed on fruits of different diameters and state of ripeness. Weevils also feed on buds, fresh branches and flowers. Adults of C. dubiae were only found in the rhizome, not in dry fruits or on the stem base.. The highest feeding and reproductive activity of adults was between 18:30 to 22:00 h. Adults were observed during the whole year, with the highest frequency between January and March in low seasonally flooded soils and between October to December in upland unflooded soils, coinciding with flowering and fruiting plant phenology.

Camu-camu: um fruto fantástico como fonte de vitamina C1

The vitamin C content of three samples of camu-camu collected in the east of Roraima State, Brazil, was analyzed. One sample was from the Maú river, the other two (an isolated plant and another population) were from the Urubu river, both of these, rivers being tributaries of the river Tacutu. Acid ascorbic was determined by HPLC. The fruits form an individual plant on the Urubu river presented the highest concentration of ascorbic acid, 6112±137.5 mg in 100g of pulp. The populations of camu-camu from the Urubu and Maú rivers presented ascorbic acid concentrations of 5737±236.1 mg (pulp + rind) and 3571±12.0 mg per 100g, respectively. This unprecedented finding shows the need for further studies, considering the genetic variability of camu-camu and its nutritional potential as a source of vitamin C.

Analisou-se o teor de vitamina C em três acessos de camu-camu coletados na região leste do Estado de Roraima, sendo um no rio Maú, e outros dois (uma planta isolada e outra população) no rio Urubu, ambos afluentes do rio Tacutu. Para a determinação de ácido ascórbico utilizou-se HPLC. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, verificou-se que os frutos coletados de uma planta individual situada no rio Urubu apresentaram as maiores concentrações de ácido ascórbico 6112±137,5 mg em 100g (polpa). As populações de camu-camu oriundas dos rios Urubu e Maú apresentaram concentrações de ácido ascórbico na ordem de 5737±236,1 mg (polpa+casca) e 3571±12,0 mg (polpa) respectivamente. Esse achado inédito demonstra a necessidade de mais estudos, considerando a variabilidade genética do camu-camu e o potencial nutricional como fonte de vitamina C.

PROPAGAÇÃO ASSEXUADA DO CAMU-CAMU (Myrciaria dúbia) ATRAVÉS DE ENXERTIAS DO TIPO GARFAGEM

The camu-camu tree (Myrciaria dubia (H.B.K.) McVaugh), an Amazonian native species whose fruits possess very high vitamin C content, is normally propagated by seeds that do not guarantee the reproduction of good characteristics. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the asexual propagation of camu-camu through different grafting methods for multiplication of the selected plants in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The grafting was carried out with 1 year-old root-stocks grown under 50 % shade, with an average stem diameter of 6 mm and height of 80 cm. The side cleft graft (65 % take) and simple side graft (52 %) were the methods that gave best results. The top cleft graft (34 %) and saddle graft (9 %) were not satisfactory, although the first had not differ significantly from methods that showed best results.

O camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia (H.B.K.) McVaugh), espécie nativa da Amazônia, cujos frutos apresentam elevado teor de vitamina C, normalmente é propagado através da semente o que não garante a reprodução de bons caracteres. Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo avaliar a multiplicação do camu-camu por meio de diferentes métodos de enxertias do tipo garfagem, visando a produção de material selecionado na região de Manaus, AM. As enxertias foram realizadas quando as mudas alcançaram um ano de idade com, em média, diâmetro do colo de 6 mm e altura de 80 cm, em viveiro coberto com tela de sombrite de 50 % de luminosidade. A enxertia do tipo garfagem com fenda lateral (65 %), seguida da garfagem lateral simples (52 %), foi o método que apresentou o melhor resultado na propagação assexuada do camu-camu. As garfagens de topo com fenda cheia (34 %) e fenda a cavalo (9 %) foram os métodos que registraram os mais baixos índices de pegamentos, embora a primeira não tenha diferido significativamente dos métodos que apresentaram os melhores resultados.