Análises de minerais e vitamina C da polpa de coco verde (Cocos nucifera L. ), in natura, comercializados em praias de São Luís - MA / Mineral and vitamin C analyses of green coconut pulp (Cocos nucifera L. ), in natura, commercializad at the beaches in São Luís - MA

O crescente consumo de água de coco na orla marítima de São Luís – MA, tornou-se uma preocupação ambiental, devido a forma inadequada de descarte dos cocos. Desta maneira, objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o potencial de minerais e vitamina C da polpa de coco verde, “in natura”, comercializado em três praias de São Luís – MA, agregando valor a esta matéria prima tão desvalorizada. As análises realizadas para este fim mostraram os seguintes resultados: Mg (34,76; 33,77 e 32,96 em mg/100g), Na (246,32; 260,59 e 262,83 em mg/100g), K (261,04; 277,11 e 277,11 em mg/100g), P(50,93; 51,66 e 71,89 em mg/100g) e Fe (1,05; 1,44 e 2,22 em mg/100g) e teor de vitamina C (23,76; 25,81 e 23,76 em mg/100g). Desta maneira, concluiu-se que a matéria-prima em estudo, polpa de coco verde, representa uma boa fonte alimentar.

Tratamiento de agua contaminada con metales pesados, utilizando como medios filtrantes bio-resina intercambiadora de cationes de la cáscara y mata de guineo y carbón activado de endocarpo de coco / Treatment of contaminated water with heavy metals, utilizing as filtering media a cation exchanger bio-resin from the banana peel and bush and activated carbon from coconut endocarp

En este trabajo de desarrollo experimental, la Escuela de Ingeniería Química de ITCA-FEPADE se propuso comprobar la efectividad de las cáscaras y pseudotallo de guineo y el endocarpo de coco, previamente tratados, para remover la contaminación por metales pesados en una muestra de agua. Para tal objeto, se procesaron dichas biomasas para ser utilizadas como medios filtrantes, los cuales se caracterizaron por medio de pruebas físicas: densidad y tamaño de partícula. Se evaluó su efectividad para remover metales, filtrando agua contaminada con cantidades conocidas de metales pesados tales como hierro, cromo y níquel (Fe3+Cr6+ y Ni2+), variando el tiempo de contacto y el tipo de medio filtrante. La cuantificación de los metales en el agua tratada se llevó a cabo por espectrofotometria de absorción atómica: para el níquel (λ = 232.0 nm); hierro (λ = 24830 nm) y cromo hexavalente (λ = 357.9 nm). Además, se determinó el color en los filtrados por el método de platino-cobalto. Se llegó a la conclusión que las biomasas utilizadas en este estudio resultaron efectivas para la disminución de metales pesados y color en la muestra de agua sintética elaborada en el laboratorio.

In this experimental development work, the Escuela de Ingeniería Química at ITCA-FEPADE set out to verify the effectiveness from the banana peels and pseudostem and also the coconut endocarp, previously treated, to remove heavy metals contamination from a water sample. For this purpose, said biomasses were processed to be used as filtering media, which were characterized through diverse physical tests: density and particle size. Its effectiveness to remove metals was evaluated by filtering water contaminated with known quantities of heavy metals such as iron, chromium and nickel (Fe3+, Cr6+ y Ni2+), varying the contact period of time and the filtering medium type. The quantification of the metals in the treated water was carried out with atomic absorption spectrophotometry: for nickel (λ = 232.0 nm); iron, (λ = 248.3 nm) and hexavalent chromium, (λ =357.9 nm). In addition, the color of the filtered was determined through the platinum-cobalt method. It was concluded that the biomasses used in this study resulted to be effective to reduce heavy metals and color from the synthetic water sample made in the laboratory.

Reduction of the DNA damages, Hepatoprotective Effect and Antioxidant Potential of the Coconut Water, ascorbic and Caffeic Acids in Oxidative Stress Mediated by Ethanol

ABSTRACT Hepatic disorders such as steatosis and alcoholic steatohepatitis are common diseases that affect thousands of people around the globe. This study aims to identify the main phenol compounds using a new HPLC-ESI+-MS/MS method, to evaluate some oxidative stress parameters and the hepatoprotective action of green dwarf coconut water, caffeic and ascorbic acids on the liver and serum of rats treated with ethanol. The results showed five polyphenols in the lyophilized coconut water spiked with standards: chlorogenic acid (0.18 µM), caffeic acid (1.1 µM), methyl caffeate (0.03 µM), quercetin (0.08 µM) and ferulic acid (0.02 µM) isomers. In the animals, the activity of the serum γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT) was reduced to 1.8 I.U/L in the coconut water group, 3.6 I.U/L in the ascorbic acid group and 2.9 I.U/L in the caffeic acid groups, when compared with the ethanol group (5.1 I.U/L, p<0.05). Still in liver, the DNA analysis demonstrated a decrease of oxidized bases compared to ethanol group of 36.2% and 48.0% for pretreated and post treated coconut water group respectively, 42.5% for the caffeic acid group, and 34.5% for the ascorbic acid group. The ascorbic acid was efficient in inhibiting the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the liver by 16.5% in comparison with the ethanol group. These data indicate that the green dwarf coconut water, caffeic and ascorbic acids have antioxidant, hepatoprotective and reduced DNA damage properties, thus decreasing the oxidative stress induced by ethanol metabolism.

Effects of cococonut water and simvastatin in the treatment of sepsis and hemorrhagic shock in rats

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of modified coconut water as fluid of resuscitation combined with simvastatin in hemorrhagic shock and sepsis model in rats. METHODS: Four groups of Wistar rats with hemorrhagic shock and abdominal sepsis were studied (n=8/group). Rats were bled and maintained at a mean blood pressure 35mmHg for 60min. They were then resuscitated with: 1) saline 0.9%; 2) coconut water+3% NaCl; 3) coconut water+NaCl 3%+simvastatin microemulsion (10 mg/kg i.v.; 4) normal coconut water. At 8h post-resuscitation, blood and lungs were collected for exams. RESULTS: Clinical scores, TNF-α, IL-1β, liver/kidney proof levels, and lung injury were significantly reduced in coconut water+NaCl 3%+simvastatin group treated rats, comparing with the other resuscitation treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Resuscitation with coconut water with Nacl 3%+simvastatin had a significant beneficial effect on downregulating cytokines and decreasing lung injury in a rat model of abdominal sepsis and hemorrhagic shock. We also demonstrated that coconut water with Nacl 3%+simvastatin administration clearly made liver and kidney function better and improved clinical score.

Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae): A phytochemical and pharmacological review

Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae) is commonly called the “coconut tree” and is the most naturally widespread fruit plant on Earth. Throughout history, humans have used medicinal plants therapeutically, and minerals, plants, and animals have traditionally been the main sources of drugs. The constituents of C. nucifera have some biological effects, such as antihelminthic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. Our objective in the present study was to review the phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and toxicology of C. nucifera to guide future preclinical and clinical studies using this plant. This systematic review consisted of searches performed using scientific databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, SciVerse, and Scientific Electronic Library Online. Some uses of the plant were partially confirmed by previous studies demonstrating analgesic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antihelminthic, antidiarrheal, and hypoglycemic activities. In addition, other properties such as antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antiseizure, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotective, vasodilation, nephroprotective, and anti-osteoporosis effects were also reported. Because each part of C. nucifera has different constituents, the pharmacological effects of the plant vary according to the part of the plant evaluated.

Genetic variability in G2 and F2 region between biological clones of human respiratory syncytial virus with or without host immune selection pressure

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is an important respiratory pathogens among children between zero-five years old. Host immunity and viral genetic variability are important factors that can make vaccine production difficult. In this work, differences between biological clones of HRSV were detected in clinical samples in the absence and presence of serum collected from children in the convalescent phase of the illness and from their biological mothers. Viral clones were selected by plaque assay in the absence and presence of serum and nucleotide sequences of the G2 and F2 genes of HRSV biological clones were compared. One non-synonymous mutation was found in the F gene (Ile5Asn) in one clone of an HRSV-B sample and one non-synonymous mutation was found in the G gene (Ser291Pro) in four clones of the same HRSV-B sample. Only one of these clones was obtained after treatment with the child's serum. In addition, some synonymous mutations were determined in two clones of the HRSV-A samples. In conclusion, it is possible that minor sequences could be selected by host antibodies contributing to the HRSV evolutionary process, hampering the development of an effective vaccine, since we verify the same codon alteration in absence and presence of human sera in individual clones of BR-85 sample.

Ensayo biodirigido del extracto etanólico del fruto Cocos nucìfera con actividad antioxidante / Biodirigid assay of the ethanolic extract of the fruit Cocos nucifera with antioxidant activity

En Nicaragua el uso de plantas medicinales es una práctica muy común ya que constituye los diferentes elementos fitoterapéuticos disponibles a nuestro alcance para subsanar enfermedades comunes como no comunes; se han encontrado plantas que poseen un amplio campo de propiedades curativas por lo que permite descubrir nuevas drogas con propiedades medicinales; hay que intentar extraer en las mejores condiciones posibles las sustancias activas de las hojas, frutos y semillas de la corteza o de las raíces. Esto implica como condición previa el empleo del material de gran calidad. La población utiliza una serie de plantas para curar sus enfermedades entre las cuales se encuentra el coco (Cocos nucìfera). El grado de toxicidad se refleja en un determinado agente mediante el cual se determina su actividad biológica siendo esta una de las primeras utilidades para la ejecución del presente estudio de investigación. El aislamiento e identificación de los compuestos químicos de plantas medicinales, llamados metabolitos secundarios, representan el más exitoso acercamiento al descubrimiento de nuevas drogas y moléculas para el beneficio de la humanidad, así mismo derivados de la plantas sirven como agentes potenciales que puedan ser utilizadas frecuentemente, muchas plantas acumulan sustancias orgánicas extraíbles para su uso comercial ya que poseen gran utilidad con estructuras simples y complejas.

Removal of lead from aqueous effluents by adsorption on coconut shell carbon.

The application of adsorption for removal of heavy metals is quite popular and activated carbon is universally used as an adsorbent. However, high cost of its preparation and regeneration has led to a search for alternative sorbents, especially in the developing countries. A number of sorbents are used to remove metals by adsorption from industrial effluents, which include insoluble starch, xanthates, modified cotton and wool, tree barks, activated carbon, plant leaves and agricultural products. Therefore, as an alternative, coconut shell carbon (CSC), a low cost sorbent derived from organic waste material, was used in the present work, for removal of lead from aqueous effluents. The results of the batch sorption studies indicated that the efficiency of lead removal by coconut shell carbon is comparable to that of commercially available activated carbon. From the kinetic and equilibrium studies, the sorptive capacity of coconut shell carbon for lead was found to be 30 mg/g. Desorption and subsequent recovery of the metal from the surface of the sorbent was successfully demonstrated. Parameters affecting the sorption were evaluated.

Effects of low fat and babassu fat diets on nutritional status in obstructive cholestasis in young rats

PURPOSE: To test the effects of a low fat diet compared with a babassu fat diet on nutritional status in obstructive cholestasis in young rats. METHODS: We submitted 40 rats in 4 groups of 10 animals each from P21 (21st postnatal day) to P49 to two of the following treatments: bile duct ligation or sham operation and low fat diet (corn oil supplying 4.5 percent of the total amount of energy) or babassu fat diet (this fat supplying 32.7 percent and corn oil supplying 1.7 percent of the total amount of energy). Weight gain from P25 to P49 every 4 days was measured. The Verhulst's growth function was fitted to these values of weight gain. Growth velocity and acceleration at each moment were estimated using the same equation. Total food and energy intake from P21 to P49, energy utilization rate (EUR) from P25 to P49 and fat absorption rate (FAR) and nitrogen balance (NB) from P42 to P49 were measured. Two Way ANOVA and the S.N.K. test for multiple paired comparisons were employed to study the effects of cholestasis and those of the diets and their interaction (p<0.05) on those variables. RESULTS: In cholestatic animals, a higher growth velocity at P45, a higher growth acceleration at P41 and P45, a greater EUR, a greater FAR and a greater NB, were found with the low fat diet as compared with the babassu fat diet. CONCLUSION: A low fat diet lessens the growth restriction brought about by cholestasis and allows for an improved dietary energy utilization and a better protein balance than the babassu fat diet.

OBJETIVO: Testar os efeitos de uma dieta com baixo teor de gordura comparada a uma dieta com gordura de babaçu sobre o estado nutricional em ratos jovens com colestase obstrutiva. MÉTODOS: Submetemos 40 ratos divididos em quatro grupos de 10 animais a partir do P21 (21º dia pós-natal) até o P49 a dois dos seguintes tratamentos: ligadura e ressecção do ducto biliar comum ou operação simulada e dieta com baixo teor de gordura (óleo de milho fornecendo 4,5 por cento da quantidade total de calorias) ou dieta com gordura de babaçu (essa gordura fornecendo 32,7 por cento e óleo de milho fornecendo 1,7 por cento da quantidade total de calorias). Foi mensurado o ganho de peso a cada 4 dias do P25 ao P49. A função de crescimento de Verhulst foi ajustada aos valores de ganho de peso. A velocidade e a aceleração de crescimento nos mesmos momentos foram estimadas usando a mesma equação. Foram mensurados: quantidade de ração ingerida e ingestão energética total do P21 ao P49, utilização de energia do P25 ao P49, gordura absorvida e balanço de nitrogênio (BN) do P42 ao P49. A ANOVA com dois fatores e o método de S.N.K para comparações pareadas foram utilizados para estudar os efeitos, sobre as variáveis, da colestase e das dietas e sua interação (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Em ratos com colestase e dieta com baixo teor de gordura, houve maior velocidade de crescimento no P45, maior aceleração de crescimento no P41 e P45, maior utilização de energia, maior percentual de gordura absorvida e maior BN do que em ratos com colestase e dieta com gordura de babaçu. CONCLUSÃO: A dieta com baixo teor de gordura atenua a restrição de crescimento provocada pela colestase e proporciona melhor aproveitamento da dieta e maior incorporação da proteína ingerida do que a dieta com gordura de babaçu.

Avaliação físico-química da farinha de mesocarpo de babaçu (Orbignya spp. Mart.), comercializada em municípios do Estado do Maranhão / Physical-chemistry evaluation of babassu mesocarp flour (Orbignya spp. Mart.) commercialized in cities of the State of Maranhão

O babaçu (Orbignya spp. Mart.) ocupa 10,30 milhões ha no Maranhão, sendo fonte de alimento, material de construção e energia. Tem grande adaptabilidade ecológica e importância econômica e social. O fruto apresenta epicarpo (11 por cento), mesocarpo (23 por cento), endocarpo (59 por cento) e amêndoas (7 por cento). Além da extração de óleo das amêndoas, outros produtos podem ser obtidos dos demais componentes. O mesocarpo produz farinha muito usada na região e tem constituintes essenciais ao organismo, contribuindo substancialmente na nutrição humana e forrageamento animal. Neste trabalho analisaram-se 60 amostras, determinando os teores (g 100 g-1) de carboidratos (amido), proteínas, lipídios, fibras, umidade e cinzas e os de minerais (mg 100g-1) de Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cu, Na, Fé e Mn. As análises revelaram que a farinha do mesocarpo tem riqueza calórica e é boa fonte de nutrientes minerais, o que é bastante significativo perante o seu uso em larga escala em todo território maranhense, principalmente entre as classes menos favorecidas.

Adsorption studies on wastewaters from cypermethrin manufacturing process using activated coconut shell carbon.

Cypermethrin is a pyrethroid pesticide and is used in the control of a wide range of insects on crops like vegetables, cereals, maize etc. In the present study, the adsorption efficiency of coconut shell based activated carbon for the removal of color and organic matter from cypermethrin pesticide manufacturing industrial wastewater was investigated. Effect of carbon dosage, pH and contact time on the removal of COD was also studied. Equilibrium and kinetic studies were carried out and the data was fitted in Freundlich and Langmuir models. The study proved that activated coconut shell carbon (acc) is an efficient adsorbent for treatment of cypermethrin industrial wastewaters under study.

The husk fiber of Cocos nucifera L. (Palmae) is a source of anti-neoplastic activity

In the present study, we investigated the in vitro anti-tumoral activities of fractions from aqueous extracts of the husk fiber of the typical A and common varieties of Cocos nucifera (Palmae). Cytotoxicity against leukemia cells was determined by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cells (2 x 104/well) were incubated with 0, 5, 50 or 500 æg/mL high- or low-molecular weight fractions for 48 h, treated with MTT and absorbance was measured with an ELISA reader. The results showed that both varieties have almost similar antitumoral activity against the leukemia cell line K562 (60.1 ± 8.5 and 47.5 ± 11.9 percent for the typical A and common varieties, respectively). Separation of the crude extracts with Amicon membranes yielded fractions with molecular weights ranging in size from 1-3 kDa (fraction A) to 3-10 kDa (fraction B) and to more than 10 kDa (fraction C). Cells were treated with 500 æg/mL of these fractions and cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT. Fractions ranging in molecular weight from 1-10 kDa had higher cytotoxicity. Interestingly, C. nucifera extracts were also active against Lucena 1, a multidrug-resistant leukemia cell line. Their cytotoxicity against this cell line was about 50 percent (51.9 ± 3.2 and 56.3 ± 2.9 for varieties typical A and common, respectively). Since the common C. nucifera variety is extensively cultured in Brazil and the husk fiber is its industrial by-product, the results obtained in the present study suggest that it might be a very inexpensive source of new antineoplastic and anti-multidrug resistant drugs that warrants further investigation.

Biochemical profile of coconut water from coconut palms planted in an inland region

OBJETIVO: Analisar o perfil bioquímico da água de coco de coqueiros-anões plantados em região não litorânea, no período de maturação (sexto ao nono mês). MÉTODOS: Selecionaram-se por sorteio oito de 15 coqueiros plantados em região não litorânea, e os cocos foram enviados ao laboratório para extração e análise da água de coco. Avaliou-se glicose, eletrólitos, proteínas totais, osmolaridade, e identificaram-se açúcares da água de coco, em um total de 45 cocos, do sexto ao nono mês de maturação. RESULTADOS: A análise da água de coco do sexto ao nono mês não demonstrou diferença da mediana da concentração do sódio (3 mEq/L; 2 e 3), glicose (0,6 g/L; 0,3 e 17,3) e proteínas totais (9 g/L; 6 e 12); houve redução na concentração de potássio (64 mEq/L; 46 e 99), cálcio (6,5 mmol/L; 5 e 8,5), magnésio (8 mmol/L; 3,9 e 9,8), cloro (38,5 mEq/L; 30 e 48,7) e osmolaridade (419 mOsmol/L; 354 e 472). Com relação aos açúcares identificados por cromatografia em papel, observou-se aumento da concentração de frutose (68 mg/µL; 44 e 320) e de glicose (299 mg/µL; 262 e 332) e redução na concentração de sacarose (340 mg/µL; 264 e 390) do sexto ao nono mês. CONCLUSÕES: O perfil bioquímico da água de coco variou durante a maturação do fruto, observando-se redução da concentração de potássio, cálcio, magnésio, cloro e osmolaridade. Segundo a cromatografia em papel descendente, observou-se aumento da concentração de frutose e de glicose, bem como redução da concentração de sacarose.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the biochemical profile of coconut water from dwarf coconut palms planted in non-coastal regions, during the maturation period (sixth to ninth month). METHODS: Eight of 15 coconut palms planted in a non-coastal region were selected by lots and their coconuts sent to a laboratory for extraction and analysis of the coconut water. Coconut water from a total of 45 coconuts, from the sixth to ninth months' maturity, were analyzed to measure glucose, electrolytes, total proteins and osmolarity and to identify the sugars contained. RESULTS: The analysis of coconut water from the sixth to ninth month did not find any differences in the median concentrations of sodium (3 mEq/L; 2 and 3), glucose (0.6 g/L; 0.3 and 17.3) or total proteins (9 g/L; 6 and 12), but detected a reduction in the concentration of potassium (64 mEq/L; 46 and 99), calcium (6.5 mmol/L; 5 and 8.5), magnesium (8 mmol/L; 3.9 and 9.8), chloride (38.5 mEq/L; 30 and 48.7) and osmolarity (419 mOsmol/L; 354 and 472). With relation to the sugars, identified by chromatography on paper, an increase was observed from the sixth to the ninth month in the concentration of fructose (68 mg/µL; 44 and 320) and glucose (299 mg/µL; 262 and 332) and in conjunction with a concentration of sucrose (340 mg/µL; 264 and 390). CONCLUSIONS: The biochemical profile of coconut water varied as the coconuts matured, observing reductions in the concentration of potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride and osmolarity. Descending paper chromatography revealed an increase in the concentration of fructose and glucose and also a reduction in the concentration of sucrose.

Efeito do extrato aquoso de Orbignya phalerata (babaçu) na cicatrização do estômago em ratos: estudo morfológico e tensiométrico / Effect of watery extract of Orbignya phalerata (babassu) in the gastric healing in rats: morfologic and tensiometric study

INTRODUÇÃO: A utilização de plantas na prevenção e no tratamento de doenças é prática milenar. O babaçu (Orbignya phalerata) é uma palmeira nativa do meio norte do Brasil, tendo sua maior concentração no Estdo do Maranhão. O pó do mesocarpo do coco babaçu é popularmente conhecido como amido e tem sido usado como alimento e como medicamento por apresentar atividade antiinflamatória, imunomoduladora, analgésica e antipirética. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do extrato aquoso do mesocarpo de Orbignya phalerata na cicatrização do estômago em ratos, sob aspectos morfológico e tensiométrico. MÉTODOS: Quarenta ratos da linhagem Wistar, adultos, machos foram submetidos à incisão longitudinal de 1cm no corpo gástrico e síntese em plano único com pontos separados de polipropilene 6-0. Após este procedimento comum, os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos, Orbignya (GO) e Controle (GC), contendo 20 animais cada. No GO utilizou-se dose única intra-peritoneal de extrato aquoso da planta na dose de 50mg/kg e no GC, água destilada, 1ml/kg de peso. Cada grupo foi dividido em dois subgrupos de 10, conforme o dia da morte dos animais, nos 3° e 7° dias do período pós-operatório. Após a morte, foi realizado o inventário da cavidade abdominal e procedeu-se a retirada do estômago, com posterior avaliação tensiométrica e análise miccccroscópica. Na análise comparativa entre os dois grupos utilizou parâmetros macroscópicos e microscópicos da cicatrização. RESULTADOS: Não foram detectados abscessos, fístulas ou hematomas em nenhum animal. Houve aderências abdominais nos animais dos 3° e 7° dias do período pós-operatório nos dois grupos. Houve deiscência da gastrorrafia em um rato do sub-grupo GO morto no 3º dia. A resistência à insuflação de ar atmosférico foi maior no GC de três dias (p=0,087). A análise dos parâmetros histológicos demonstrou diferença estatisticamente significativa apenas quanto à coaptação das bordas, favorecendo o sub-grupo GO de sete dias (p-0,000). CONCLUSÃO: O extrato aquoso do mesocarpo de Orbignya phalerata, na dose e via de acesso utilizadas, favoreceu a coaptação das bordas da gastrorrafia nos animais mortos no 7º dia do período pós-operatório.

INTRODUCTION: The large use of plants in the prevention and treatment of different diseases is a milenar practice. In Brazil due to it's rich flora there is a huge material for research and use in popular medicine. The babassu (Orbignya phalerata) is a native tree from North of the Brazil and has a high concentration at the State of Maranhão. The powder of it's mesocarp is known as amid, and has been used as meal and medication due to the known activity against antiflammatory reaction, pain, pyrexia and immunomodulation. PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of mesocarp of Orbignya phalerata (babassu) in gastric wound healing in rats under morphologic and tensiometric aspects. METHOD: Forty Wistar rats, male, adults were submitted to a longitudinal incision of 1 cm in the gastric body and sutured with separated stitches of polypropilene 6.0. After this common procedure the animals were allocated in the aleatory way in two groups Orbignya (GO) and Control (GC) with 20 animals each one. In the GO was used intraperitoneal doses of 50mg/kh of Orbignya phalerata extract and in the GC water 1ml/Kg. Each group was divided in two subgroups of ten rats according to the period of death, at 3rd and 7th post-operative days. After the death, the abdominal cavity was evaluated and the stomach withdrawn. For the comparative analysis between the groups the macroscopic and histological parameters of wound healing were utilized. RESULTS: There were no abscess, fistulae and haematom in the animals of the study. Abdominal adhesions were observed in both groups of the animals at 3rd and 7th post-operative days. Dehiscence of the gastrorraphy was identified in one 3rd day rat of subgroups GO. The resistance to air insufflation was higher in GO 3rd day (p=0,087). The analysis of histological parameters showed statistical difference related to wound coaptation in favor to subgroup GO 7th post-operative day. CONCLUSIONS: The extract of mesocarp of Orbignya phalerata in dose and path utilized positively interfered on the gastrorraphy when compared with control group in animals at 7th post-operative day.

Análise da cicatrização na Linha Alba com uso de extrato aquoso de Orbignya phalerata (babaçu). Estudo controlado em ratos / Analysis of healing in the Alba Linea with the use of Orbignya phalerata (babassu) water extract. Controlled study in rats

INTRODUÇÃO: O mesocarpo do babaçu (Orbignya phalerata) tem sido utilizado em estudos experimentais para verificar a sua ação antiinflamatória. No Maranhão, é muito utilizado como alimento e como remédio popular para cicatrização de ferimentos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar macroscópica, histológica e tensiometricamente, a ação do extrato de Orbygnia phalerata no processo de cicatrização de laparotomias medianas em ratos. MÉTODOS: Quarenta ratos da linhagem Wistar, adultos, machos, foram utilizados em procedimento experimental que consistiu em uma incisão na linha alba e síntese em plano único com pontos separados de fio de polipropileno 5-0. Após esse procedimento comum, os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos de 20. Ao grupo chamado controle, foi utilizado injeção intraperitoneal, em dose única de 1mL de soro fisiológico para cada quilo de peso. Ao grupo experimento, utilizou-se solução aquosa de babaçu na dose de 50 mg por quilo de peso. Os animais foram acompanhados e mortos após três e sete dias, procedendo-se, a seguir, à análise tensiométrica e histológica. RESULTADOS: O exame macroscópico não mostrou presença de aderências importantes entre a linha alba e os órgãos intra-abdominais nos grupos de estudo. A avaliação histológica mostrou efeito marginalmente significativo (p=0,086) para inflamação aguda nos grupos controle e experimento de três dias e efeito significativo (p=0,003) para a reação gigantocelular (p=0,003). Diferença significativa (p-=0,023) foi observada para inflamação aguda no grupos controle experimento de sete dias. Na análise intra-grupo (controle três e sete), foi observado efeito marginalmente significativo (p=0,094 e p=0,05) respectivamente para as variáveis inflamação aguda e crônica. Na análise somente entre os grupos experimentos, as variáveis reação gigantocelular (0,002) e colagenização (0,016) apresentaram resultado significativo. A avaliação tensiométrica mostrou diferença significativa em relação ao grupo experimento de sete...

INTRODUCTION: The babassu mesocarp (Orbignya phalerata) has been used in experimental research studies focused on its antiinflammatory action. In state of Maranhão - Brazil it is widely used not only as food, but also as popular medicine in wound healing process. PURPOSE: To evaluate the action of Orbignya phalerata extract in macroscopic, histologicic and tensiometric aspects in the healing process of median laparotomy in rats. METHODS: Forty male adult Wistar rats were submitted to an incision in the alba linea, sutured back in one plan with separated stitches of polypropilene 5-0. After regular procedure, the animals were divided into two groups of 20 rats each. To the group named control an intraperitoneal, dose of 1,0 ml of saline solution per kilogram of body weight was done. To the experimental group, the same thing was also done, but instead of saline solution it was injected water solution of babassu, in a dose of 50 mg/kg. The animals were observed in the following days. All of them were killed within a three and seven day post-operative period schedule, and then a histological and tensiometric analysis was carried out. RESULTS: On macroscopic examination no relevant adherence, between the alba linea and the abdominal organs in the study groups, was found. Histological evaluation presented marginal significant effects (p=0,86) to acute inflammation and significant effects (p=0,003) to giant cell reaction in both control and experimental three days groups. Significant difference was observed to acute inflammation in both seven days control and experimental groups. In the intragroup analysis (control three and seven) some marginal significant effect was in relationship to acute and chronic inflammation. In the interexperimental groups analysis, only the giant cell reactions (0,002) and colagenization had significant results. The tensiometric evaluation showed in the seven day experimental group more resistence then others...

Further on the causation of oral submucous fibrosis.

Oral submucous fibrosis is perhaps a disease of multifactorial aetiology, of which areca nut usage is definitely a causative factor. We disagree with the previous reports in that the action of areca quid on the oral mucosa is not that simplistic and is not dictated solely by the duration of exposure to it or by simple process of passive diffusion. We noted that the role of copper cannot be segregated from that of zinc, the biochemical relatedness of these two elements is well elucidated. The transport of copper in to the oral epithelium may be dictated more by the composition of the quid rather than the time of exposure. Zinc is implicated in the modulation of mucosal metallothionein, thereby interfering with copper absorption. The bioavailability of zinc in its turn depends on elements like calcium and iron present in oral fluid. The usage of slaked lime(calcium hydroxide) as as ingredient of betel quid, thereby causing an interference with zinc bioavailability is a matter of concern. Of practical importance is the processing of raw areca nut and the various proprietary forms (sachets) available in the market, the toxic effects of which varies depending on its contents. Studies on the role of geochemical factors in modulating the chemical composition of the various nut forms, thereby altering its toxic effects will be an interesting pursuit.

Hypolipidemic and antiperoxidative effect of coconut protein in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Effect of coconut protein in rats fed high fat cholesterol containing diet on the metabolism of lipids and lipid peroxides was studied. In addition, effect of coconut protein were compared with rats fed L-arginine. The results indicate that those fed coconut protein and those fed L-arginine showed significantly lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL+ VLDL cholesterol, Triglycerides and Phospholipids in the serum and higher levels of serum HDL cholesterol. The concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids in the tissues were lower in these groups. There was increased hepatic cholesterogenesis which is evident from the higher rate of incorporation of labeled acetate into free cholesterol. Increased conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and increased fecal excretion of bile acids were observed. Feeding coconut protein results in decreased levels of Malondialdehyde in the heart and increased activity of Superoxide dismutase and Catalase. Supplementation of coconut protein causes increased excretion of urinary nitrate which implies higher rate of conversion of arginine into nitric oxide. In the present study, the arginine supplemented group and the coconut protein fed group produced similar effects. These studies clearly demonstrate that coconut protein is able to reduce hyperlipidemia and peroxidative effect induced by high fat cholesterol containing diet and these effects are mainly mediated by the L-arginine present in it.

H+-ATPase as a biochemical marker for early detection of root (wilt) disease in coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L).

H+-ATPase activity in leaves and roots of coconut palms growing in 'root wilt disease-prevalent areas' was compared with that of coconut palms growing in 'disease-free areas'. The activity was found to be significantly less in the leaves and roots of palms in the disease-prevalent zone as compared to that in disease-free zone. Histochemical examination of the leaves showed results that corroborated the biochemical findings. The possible application of H+-ATPase activity as a marker for the early detection of wilt disease in coconut palms is suggested.

Fatty acid composition and possible health care effects of coconut constituents

The link between excessive composition of dietary saturated fats and coronary heart disease (CHD) is now well established. Because of its high content of saturated fatty acids, the composition of foods containing coconut oil may therefore be a risk factor for CHD. While the fatty acid composition of coconut oil is well established, relatively little is known about the other constituents of coconut: the milk, water, cream and meat fractions. In this study, we show that while the water fraction is low in lipid content, the milk contains about 24 percent of the fat content of oil and the cream and meat fractions about 34 percent. The other coconut constituents contain significant amounts of medium-chain triglycerides that are formed from fatty acids of chain length 8:0 to 14:0. It is these fatty acids, primarily 14:0, that are thought to be atherogenic. On the other hand, medium-chain triglycerides provide a ready source of energy and may be useful in baby foods or in diet therapy. Nevertheless, the possible negative effects of the saturated acids and the absence of the essential fatty acid linolenic acid from all coconut constituents suggest that the coconut milk, oil and cream should not be used on a regular basis in adults.