Aplicación de las propiedades nutracéuticas y estabilizantes del mesocarpio y exocarpio del maracuyá en la obtención de una bebida natural de chinola-piña / Application of the nutraceutical and stabilizing properties of the passion fruit mesocarp and exocarp in obtaining a natural passion fruit-pineapple drink

Introducción: este estudio consistió en el desarrollo de una bebida natural de maracuyá-piña, utilizando el exocarpio, mesocarpio y endocarpio del maracuyá como estabilizante y enriquecedor nutritivo de la bebida, convirtiéndolo así en un producto nutracéutico. El mesocarpio del maracuyá puede ser aprovechado por los macronutrientes y micronutrientes que contiene, por sus pigmentos, y por el contenido de varios nutrientes con propiedades terapéuticas. Material y método: para lograr este objetivo se prepararon pulpas especiales tratadas con biomoléculas que permiten desagregar el material vegetal del cual están compuestas las frutas dejando disponible todos los nutrientes que contiene. Resultado: de este proceso se obtuvo un jugo estable en su turbidez con un color y olor bastante acentuado, relacionado con las frutas que fueron utilizadas en la investigación. Además, se obtuvo un jugo en donde los nutrientes y moléculas bioactivas atrapadas en el mesocarpio y en el pericarpio de la fruta ahora están disponibles para su inmediata absorción en el organismo humano. Conclusión: el producto tratado con biocatalizador presentó mayor estabilidad y mayores propiedades nutracéuticas que el jugo sin ese tratamiento.

Introduction: This study consisted in the development of a natural passion fruit-pineapple drink, taking advantage of the exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp of the passion fruit in the process as stabilizer and nutritive enrichment of the drink, thus turning it into a nutraceutical product. The mesocarp of the passion fruit can be used for the macronutrients and micronutrients it contains, for its pigments, and for the content of various nutrients with therapeutic properties. Material and methods: To achieve this objective, special pulps treated with biomolecules were prepared that allow the disaggregation of the plant material of which the fruits are composed, leaving all the nutrients it contains available. Result: As a result of this process, a stable juice was obtained in its turbidity with a fairly accentuated color and smell, related to the fruits that were used in the research. In addition, a juice was obtained where the nutrients and bioactive molecules trapped in the mesocarp and in the pericarp of the fruit are now available for immediate absorption in the human body. In conclusion, the product treated with a biocatalyst presented greater stability and higher nutraceutical properties than the juice without this treatment

Oviposition of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) and its relation with the pericarp of citrus fruits / Oviposição de moscas-das-frutas (Diptera: Tephritidae) e sua relação com o pericarpo de frutos cítricos

Abstract Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) represent a threat to fruit growing worldwide, mainly the citrus culture, however, biological studies show that fruit flies are not perfectly adapted to this host. This study investigated oviposition of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) and its relation with the pericarp of citrus fruits. We evaluated the relationship between depth of oviposition of A. fraterculus and C. capitata and epicarp thickness of orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck)] 'Navelina' and tangerine [C. reticulata (L.)] 'Clemenules' and the influence of fruit mesocarp of tangerine 'Clemenules' on oviposition of these species. The study was conducted under controlled conditions of temperature (25 ± 2 °C), relative humidity (70 ± 10% RH) and photophase (12 h). A. fraterculus and C. capitata laid their eggs in the flavedo region of orange 'Navelina' and between the albedo and flavedo of tangerine 'Clemenules'. When fruits with mesocarp exposed were offered, there was no oviposition by both fruit fly species. The results show that epicarp thickness of citrus fruits did not influence oviposition of A. fraterculus and C. capitata as oviposition did not occur only in the presence of the mesocarp, suggesting that other factors are involved in oviposition of these species.

Resumo As moscas-das-frutas (Diptera: Tephritidae) representam um risco à fruticultura mundial, especialmente na cultura dos citros, entretanto estudos biológicos demonstram que as moscas-das-frutas não estão perfeitamente adaptadas à estes hospedeiros. Este estudo investigou a oviposição de Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) e Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) e sua relação com o pericarpo de frutos cítricos. Foi avaliada a relação entre a profundidade de oviposição de A. fraterculus e de C. capitata e a espessura do epicarpo dos frutos de laranjeira [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck)] 'Navelina' e tangerineira [C. reticulata (L.)] 'Clemenules' e a influência do mesocarpo de frutos de tangerineira 'Clemenules' na oviposição destas espécies. O estudo foi conduzido em condições controladas de temperatura (25 ± 2 °C), umidade relativa (70 ± 10%) e fotofase (12 horas). A. fraterculus e C. capitata depositaram ovos no flavedo de frutos de laranjeira 'Navelina' e entre o flavedo e o albedo de frutos de tangerineira 'Clemenules'. Quando oferecido frutos com mesocarpo exposto, não houve oviposição por ambas as espécies de mosca. Os resultados demonstram que a espessura do epicarpo de frutos cítricos não influenciou a oviposição de A. fraterculus e de C. capitata, a qual não ocorreu na presença apenas do mesocarpo, sugerindo que outros fatores estão envolvidos na oviposição por estas espécies.

Pharmaceutical development of tablets containing a spray-dried optimized extract from Lippia origanoides H. B. K.: influence of excipients and toxicological assessment

ABSTRACT Lippia origanoides is a honey shrub which has showed hypotensive potential assessed by in vivo studies. The aim of this work is the development of a pharmaceutical formulation composed by an optimized extract obtained from aerial parts of L. origanoides. The quantification of the naringenin marker in the dry extract and tablets developed was performed, as well as the assessment of the oral acute toxicity in rats. The hydroalcoholic extract of L. origanoides was spray-dried with the addition of colloidal silicon dioxide (Lo-HAE/CSD), and then applied in the preparation of eight different lots of tablets. The influence of the diluent (cellulose or babassu mesocarp), the presence of binder, and the percentage of lubricant, as well as organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics were screened. For the quantification of the marker content both in Lo-HAE/CSD and in the tablets, an analytical curve of the naringenin standard was fitted, and the samples were then analyzed in UFLC. The toxicological assessment was performed in female Wistar rats according to the Acute Toxic Class Method from OECD. The developed tablets produced meet acceptable macroscopic characteristics, and the presence of babassu as diluent provided improved physicochemical properties. The best content of Lo-HAE/CSD in the tablet (100.27%) was identified for the lot containing babassu, composed by 1.0% magnesium stearate, without PVP binder in its formulation. Moreover, Lo-HAE/CSD showed no signs of toxicity. Therefore, the babassu mesocarp powder is a promising pharmaceutical excipient for the development of herbal tablets containing the Lippia origanoides extract.

Oviposition of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) and its relation with the pericarp of citrus fruits

Abstract Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) represent a threat to fruit growing worldwide, mainly the citrus culture, however, biological studies show that fruit flies are not perfectly adapted to this host. This study investigated oviposition of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) and its relation with the pericarp of citrus fruits. We evaluated the relationship between depth of oviposition of A. fraterculus and C. capitata and epicarp thickness of orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck)] Navelina and tangerine [C. reticulata (L.)] Clemenules and the influence of fruit mesocarp of tangerine Clemenules on oviposition of these species. The study was conducted under controlled conditions of temperature (25 ± 2 °C), relative humidity (70 ± 10% RH) and photophase (12 h). A. fraterculus and C. capitata laid their eggs in the flavedo region of orange Navelina and between the albedo and flavedo of tangerine Clemenules. When fruits with mesocarp exposed were offered, there was no oviposition by both fruit fly species. The results show that epicarp thickness of citrus fruits did not influence oviposition of A. fraterculus and C. capitata as oviposition did not occur only in the presence of the mesocarp, suggesting that other factors are involved in oviposition of these species.

Resumo As moscas-das-frutas (Diptera: Tephritidae) representam um risco à fruticultura mundial, especialmente na cultura dos citros, entretanto estudos biológicos demonstram que as moscas-das-frutas não estão perfeitamente adaptadas à estes hospedeiros. Este estudo investigou a oviposição de Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) e Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) e sua relação com o pericarpo de frutos cítricos. Foi avaliada a relação entre a profundidade de oviposição de A. fraterculus e de C. capitata e a espessura do epicarpo dos frutos de laranjeira [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck)] Navelina e tangerineira [C. reticulata (L.)] Clemenules e a influência do mesocarpo de frutos de tangerineira Clemenules na oviposição destas espécies. O estudo foi conduzido em condições controladas de temperatura (25 ± 2 °C), umidade relativa (70 ± 10%) e fotofase (12 horas). A. fraterculus e C. capitata depositaram ovos no flavedo de frutos de laranjeira Navelina e entre o flavedo e o albedo de frutos de tangerineira Clemenules. Quando oferecido frutos com mesocarpo exposto, não houve oviposição por ambas as espécies de mosca. Os resultados demonstram que a espessura do epicarpo de frutos cítricos não influenciou a oviposição de A. fraterculus e de C. capitata, a qual não ocorreu na presença apenas do mesocarpo, sugerindo que outros fatores estão envolvidos na oviposição por estas espécies.

Phenolic and flavonoid contents and anti-oxidative potential of epicarp and mesocarp of Lagenaria siceraria fruit: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE@#To conduct a comparative analysis of the phenolic and flavonoid contents and anti-oxidative potential of epicarp and mesocarp of Lagenaria siceraria fruit.@*METHODS@#The dried methanolic extracts of mesocarp and epicarp of the fruit and their hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanolic and aqueous fractions were subjected to antioxidant assays including ferric reducing antioxidant potential, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid, reducing power capacity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, lipid peroxidation inhibitory and phosphomolybdate assays. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined.@*RESULTS@#Ethyl acetate fractions of epicarp and mesocarp had considerable amounts of phenolics (243.50 and 109.50 μg/mL of gallic acid equivalents, respectively). 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate fractions of both the plant parts showed higher activity than vitamin C with IC50 (0.75 and 3.91 mg, respectively). In phosphormolybdate assay, the hexane fractions of both the parts showed highest activity [1.16 and 2.99 μg/mL of ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE) for epicarp and mesocarp, respectively], mesocarp being much potent than epicarp. The n-butanolic fraction of mesocarp also showed much higher activity (1.13 μg/mL AAE) than that of epicarp (0.74 μg/mL AAE), while the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions of epicarp were also considerably potent. In ferric reducing antioxidant potential assay, the chloroform fractions of both the fruit parts were most active. The hexane fractions of both the parts showed highest activity in reducing power assay, epicarp being more potent than mesocarp. In 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid assay, the antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions of both the parts were comparable to gallic acid and vitamin C. In lipid peroxidation inhibitory assay, all the samples were moderate to good activity sustainable over the period of 72 h, indicating the presence of both slow and fast releasing antioxidants.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The findings of the study suggest that epicarp is a better source of antioxidants than the mesocarp, and the ethyl acetate fractions of both the parts contain higher contents of antioxidants.

Phenolic and flavonoid contents and anti-oxidative potential of epicarp and mesocarp of Lagenaria siceraria fruit: A comparative study

Objective: To conduct a comparative analysis of the phenolic and flavonoid contents and anti-oxidative potential of epicarp and mesocarp of Lagenaria siceraria fruit. Methods: The dried methanolic extracts of mesocarp and epicarp of the fruit and their hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanolic and aqueous fractions were subjected to antioxidant assays including ferric reducing antioxidant potential, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid, reducing power capacity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, lipid peroxidation inhibitory and phosphomolybdate assays. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined. Results: Ethyl acetate fractions of epicarp and mesocarp had considerable amounts of phenolics (243.50 and 109.50 μg/mL of gallic acid equivalents, respectively). 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate fractions of both the plant parts showed higher activity than vitamin C with IC

Avaliação da toxicidade aguda do extrato aquoso do pó do mesocarpo de Orbignya phalerata Mart (babaçu) / Evaluación de la toxicidad aguda de polvo de extracto acuoso de mesocarpio Orbignya phalerata Mart (babasú) / Evaluation of acute toxicity of the powder of mesocarp aqueous extract Orbignya phalerata Mart (babassu)

Objetivos: os efeitos da administração aguda oral do extrato aquoso do pó obtido do mesocarpo de Orbignya phalerata Mart foram investigados sobre parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos em camundongos Swiss machos. Métodos: os animais (n= 5-7/grupo) foram tratados por via oral com as doses de 1, 2 e 3 g/kg de peso corporal, observados durante 24 h e em seguida foi feita a coleta do sangue para avaliação dos parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos. Resultados: o tratamento com extrato aquoso do pó causou um pequeno número de mortes e baixa toxicidade nos animais. A administração do extrato aquoso do pó não alterou os parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos e o peso de órgãos. Para os parâmetros hematológicos, houve pequenas mudanças nas contagens de neutrófilos, linfócitos, eosinófilos e monócitos, mas estes não foram diferentes dos valores de referência. Conclusões: em conclusão, a administração aguda do extrato aquoso do pó não induziu nenhum efeito de risco na maioria dos parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos estudados em camundongos Swiss machos. No entanto, novos estudos com doses mais elevadas são necessários, para justificar ainda mais o uso seguro do mesocarpo do babaçu na alimentação humana.

Objetivos: los efectos de la administración oral aguda de polvo de extracto acuoso obtenido del mesocarpio de Orbignya phalerata Mart fueron investigados en los parámetros bioquímicos y hematológicos en ratones machos suizos. Métodos: los animales (n= 5-7/grupo) se trataron por vía oral con dosis de peso corporal 1, 2 y 3 g/kg, se observaron durante 24 h y luego se recogió sangre para la evaluación de los parámetros bioquímicos y hematología. Resultados: el tratamiento con polvo de extracto acuoso causó algunas muertes y baja toxicidad en animales. Su administración no alteró los parámetros bioquímicos y hematológicos ni el peso de los órganos. Para los parámetros hematológicos hubo pequeños cambios en el recuento de neutrófilos, linfocitos, eosinófilos y monocitos, pero estos no fueron diferentes de los valores de referencia. Conclusiones: la administración aguda de polvo de extracto acuoso no indujo ningún efecto de riesgo en la mayoría de los parámetros bioquímicos y hematológicos estudiados en ratones machos suizos. Sin embargo, los estudios con dosis mayores son necesarios para justificar aún más el uso seguro de mesocarpio de babasú en los alimentos.

Objectives: the effects of acute oral administration of aqueous extract powder obtained from the Orbignya phalerata Mart mesocarp were analyzed in terms of biochemical and hematological parameters in male Swiss mice. Methods: mice (n= 5-7/group) were orally treated with doses of 1, 2, and 3 g/kg body weight, they were observed for 24 h and then blood samples were collected for evaluation of biochemical and hematological parameters. Results: treatment with aqueous extract power caused the death of some animals and low toxicity. The administration did not alter either the biochemical and hematological parameters or the weight of organs. As to the hematological parameters, there were small changes in neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil and monocyte counts, but these were not different from the reference values. Conclusions: the acute administration of aqueous extract powder did not induce any risky effect on most biochemical and hematological parameters studied in male Swiss mice. However, further studies with higher doses are needed to further support the safe use of babassu mesocarp in food.

Evaluation of acute toxicity of babassu mesocarp in mice

The safety of babassu mesocarp (Orbignya phalerata Mart., Arecaceae), which exhibited anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities, was evaluated by determining the potential acute toxicity in mice. A lyophilized ethanol extract of babassu mesocarp (BME) was administered to C3H/HePas mice (10/group) in a single dose of 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg, by gavage. General behavior adverse effects and mortality were determined for up to fourteen days. Selected biochemical parameters including glucose, triacylglyceride, cholesterol, urea, alkaline phosphatase and creatinine were determined by colorimetric assay. The heart, liver, spleen, kidneys and brain were weighted and evaluated macro and microscopically. The median lethal dose (LD50) of BME was greater than 5000 mg/kg. No behavior or body weight alterations were detected after the treatment. The acute treatment with BME has no effect on macroscopic and microscopic aspect of examined organs. Instead, BME increased the alkaline phosphatase and reduced the urea concentration in all groups. A significant increase on triacylglyceride was detected in the group BME1000. In conclusion, the acute treatment with high doses of BME can affect some biochemical parameters with a long lasting effect, although any change was detected at tissue level or body and organ weight.