Pentaclethra macroloba: A Review of the Biological, Pharmacological, Phytochemical, Cosmetic, Nutritional and Biofuel Potential of this Amazonian Plant.

Pracaxi (Penthaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze) is an Amazonian plant, traditionally used by the native population to treat health disorders such as inflammation, erysipelas, wound healing, muscle pain, ear pain, diarrhea, snake and insect bites as well as for cancer treatment. Other common uses include using the oil for frying, skin and hair beautification, and as an alternative source of energy. This review is focused on highlighting its taxonomy, occurrence and botanical origins, popular uses, pharmacology and biological activities, cytotoxicity, biofuel activity and phytochemistry in order to explore future therapeutic use and other applications. Pracaxi contains triterpene saponins, sterols, tannins, oleanolic acid, unsaturated fatty acids and long-chain fatty acids, with a high behenic acid value, which may serve for incorporation into drug delivery systems as well for the development of new drugs. These components are correlated with its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, healing, anti-hemolytic, anti-hemorrhagic, antiophidic, and larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti and Helicorverpa zea, which ratify the popular/traditional uses. The species is nitrogen fixing; it is easy to propagate in floodplains and the terra firma, and it can be used for the reforestation of degraded areas. Additionally, the oil extracted from the seeds can leverage the bioeconomy of the region based on sustainable exploration.

Polyacrylamide-Metilcellulose Hydrogels Containing Aloe barbadensis Extract as Dressing for Treatment of Chronic Cutaneous Skin Lesions.

Chronic wounds are severe breaks in the skin barrier that fail to heal in an acceptable time-frame, thus preventing the complete restoration of the tissue's anatomical and functional integrity, increasing the likelihood of infections and apoptosis. Hydrogels are known as a drug delivery system and have the potential to cover wounds and burns on the skin. Aloe barbadensis contains over 75 different bioactive compounds which are responsible for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In this study, the polyacrylamide-co-methylcellulose hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis were developed. The extract was prepared from lyophilized Aloe barbadensis, using methanolic extraction, characterized by high performance liquid chromatography and incorporated into the hydrogels. These Aloe barbadensis hydrogels were characterized by degree of swelling, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal profiling using thermogravimetric analysis. The minimum inhibitory concentration test was done on the Aloe barbadensis extract to evaluate its antibacterial and antifungal activity in vitro. The Aloe barbadensis hydrogels and were shown to swell to almost 2000% of their original sizes. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of bands characteristic of Aloe barbadensis and hydrogel polymers. The basic hydrogel showed greater thermal stability than the hydrogels with Aloe barbadensis. The minimum inhibitory concentration showed inhibition of the growth of S. aureus and Salmonella spp. at specific concentrations. The hydrogel therefore presents itself as an excellent potential curative cover of cutaneous lesions.