Sources of Carotenoids in Amazonian Fruits.

Epidemiological studies have shown that a diet rich in bioactive components significantly reduces cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. In this sense, there is a need for meta-analytical research that confirms this phenomenon and increases specific knowledge about certain bioactive compounds such as carotenoids. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to disseminate knowledge about the sources of carotenoids in fruit consumed in the north of Brazil which are outside the Brazilian trade balance. A systematic review and a meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines were conducted based on a random effects synthesis of multivariable-adjusted relative risks (RRs). Searches of seven sources were carried out, including PubMed, Science Direct from Elsevier, Web of Science, Scielo, Eric Research and Google Scholar databases. The systematic review was guided by a systematic review protocol based on the POT strategy (population, outcome and type of study) adapted for use in this research. Mendeley was a resource used to organize and manage references and exclude duplicates of studies selected for review. In this review, we present the potential bioactive compounds concentrated in little-known fruit species from the Amazon and their benefits. Consuming fruits that are rich in notable constituents such as carotenoids is important for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases through anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, as well as antivirals, immunomodulators and antioxidants agents that directly affect the immune response.

Characterization of Lipid Extracts from Different Colors of Peach Palm Fruits-Red, Yellow, Green, and White-Obtained through Ultrasound-Assisted Green Extraction.

This study represents a pioneering investigation and comparative analysis of lipid extracts from four different colors of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunt) fruits-red, yellow, green, and white-by employing a green method based on ethanolic ultrasound-assisted extraction. This study examined the extraction yield, physico-chemical-quality attributes, chromatographic profiles (GC), color measurements, total carotenoid content, differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTA), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The obtained lipid extracts displayed a high quality, considering the physico-chemical parameters of the Codex Alimentarius, and a fatty acids profile characterized by unsaturated fatty acids, notably omegas (ω-3, ω-6, and ω-9). The indices of atherogenicity (A.I.), thrombogenicity (I.T.), and hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic ratios revealed superior outcomes for the red peach palm lipid extract (approximately 0.35, 0.52, and 2.75, respectively), along with higher levels of ß-carotene (748.36 µg of ß-carotene per 100 g-1 of lipid extract) compared to the yellow, green, and white counterparts. Consequently, this research successfully demonstrates the efficacy of using a green extraction method in preserving the lipid's quality, which can display cardiovascular functionality and thermal stability. These findings underscore the considerable potential of peach palm lipid extract as a valuable raw material for diverse industrial applications across various sectors. The results support its utilization in the production of functional food products and nutraceuticals due to its favorable fatty acid composition, potent antioxidant properties exhibited by its high ß-carotene content, and notable cardiovascular functionality indices.

Development of a Nutraceutical Product Derived from By-Products of the Lipid Extraction of the Brazil Nut (Bertolletia excelsa H.B.K).

The objective of this investigation was to develop a nutraceutical product, in bars, using defatted Brazil nut by-products. The methodological bases of analyses followed the guidelines of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists international and experimental tests of formulations. The bars presented with high protein content with high nutraceutical potential expressed as high levels of magnesium, sodium, calcium and potassium, with emphasis on selenium, supplying around 50% of the daily recommendations. The sulfur amino acids reach approximately the recommended chemical score (97%), the aromatic amino acids with a proportion close to 50% and those of the branched chain supplying the established recommendations for adults. In the sensory tests, the formulation that presented the best attributes and the greatest acceptance (91.78% for the flavor and 97.89% for the general impression) by the tasters was the bar formulation made with a 75:25 ratio of defatted Brazil nuts flour and isolated soy protein.

Nutritional and Technological Properties of Albino Peach Palm (Bactris gasipaes) from the Amazon: Influence of Cooking and Drying.

This study aimed to subject the albino peach palm to cooking and drying processes and characterize the raw pulp (RP), cooked pulp (CP), raw pulp flour (RPF), and cooked pulp flour (CPF). The product's chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and physicochemical, color, thermal, morphological, and functional-technological properties were evaluated. The proximate composition showed that carbohydrates were the main constituents of all the products (69.59-72.08 g/100 g). The cooking process decreased the lipids (10.21 to 8.63 g/100 g), dietary fiber (13.64 to 12.81 g/100 g), and total sugar content (59.18 to 49.10 g/100 g) of the CP. The colorimetric parameters indicated a significant browning of the CP and CPF, which can be attributed to the Maillard reaction and lipid oxidation. After cooking, the total phenolic compound and ascorbic acid content decreased in the pulp. The RPF and CPF displayed different thermogravimetric behaviors. The spectral patterns in the infrared region showed the characteristic bands of organic compounds that are present in the structure of starches. The scanning electron microscopy showed amyloplast and fiber bundles with starches in the RP and gelatinized starch granules in the CP and CPF. The RPF presented small and heterogeneous starch granules with isolated amyloplast. The RPF and CPF showed different granulometric patterns and technological indices. The results suggest that the pulp and flour from the pulp of albino peach palms can be exploited by the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological industries.

Effect of guarana seed powder on cholesterol absorption in vitro and in Caco-2 cells.

Cardiovascular disease risk is related to oxidative stress and hypercholesterolemia. Guarana seed powder contains flavanols that possess antioxidant properties and cholesterol-lowering effects. However, the molecular mechanism through which guarana seed powder may decrease cholesterol uptake from the intestinal lumen remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of guarana powder aqueous extract on cholesterol absorption mechanisms. After simulated gastrointestinal digestion, we performed assays to determine enzymatic inhibitory capacity, bile acid binding capacity, and cholesterol micellar solubilization. Caco-2 cells were used for permeation and protein identification assays. Digested guarana powder extract inhibited pancreatic lipase in a dose-dependent manner (half-maximal inhibitory capacity: 1.033 µg/mL) and, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, bound 45.63 % of sodium taurocholate and decreased cholesterol micellar solubilization by 10.14 %. Moreover, incubation with the extract reduced cholesterol absorption by Caco-2 cells and decreased intracellular cholesterol transporter levels. These results indicate that guarana seed powder have potential applications for blood cholesterol management, presenting hypocholesterolemic effects owing to the presence of bioacessible polyphenols.

Nutraceutical potential of Amazonian oilseeds in modulating the immune system against COVID-19 - A narrative review.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 disease, medical and scientific communities are facing a challenge to contain its spread, develop effective treatments, and reduce its sequelae. Together with the therapeutical treatments, the use of dietary bioactive compounds represents a promising and cost-effective strategy to modulate immunological responses. Amazonian oilseeds are great sources of bioactive compounds, thus representing not only a dietary source of nutrients but also of substances with great interest for human health. This narrative review compiled the available evidence regarding the biochemical properties of some Amazonian oilseeds, especially Brazil nut, Açaí berry, Bacaba, Peach palm, Sapucaya and Tucuma fruits, on human health and its immune system. These effects were discussed from an etiological and pathophysiological perspective, emphasizing their potential role as a co-adjuvant strategy against COVID-19. Besides this, the cost associated with these strategies hinders their applicability in many nations, especially low-income countries and communities living in social insecurity.

CO2 supercritical fluid extraction of pulp and nut oils from Terminalia catappa fruits: Thermogravimetric behavior, spectroscopic and fatty acid profiles.

The aim of this study was to investigate the attributes of the pulp and nut oils from Terminalia catappa fruits obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with pressurized CO2. The yield, physico-chemical characterization and fatty acid profiles of both oils were assessed based on their acidity and peroxide indices, thermogravimetric behavior, infrared spectroscopic and gas chromatographic analyses. The extraction yields were 7.4% and 61.5% for the pulp and nut from T. catappa, respectively. The pulp and nut oils exhibited low levels of acidity, 3.3 and 1.9 mg KOH g-1, and peroxides, 3.8 and 1.7 mEq kg-1, respectively. These values are lower than the maximum recommended levels given by the Codex Alimentarius for virgin oils (4.0 mg KOH g-1 and 15 mEq Kg-1, respectively). Unsaturated fatty acids were a major constituent of the oils (58%), of which omegas 3 and 6 were predominant. The infrared spectroscopy of the nut oil showed high intensity bands between 2912 and 716 cm-1, representative of chemical groups commonly present in unsaturated fatty acids. The pulp oil displayed higher thermal stability than the nut oil, whereby the initial degradation temperatures (Tonset) were 280 °C and 230 °C, respectively. This difference may be related to a greater amount of saturated fatty acids in the pulp oil compared to the nut oil. Thus, both pulp and nut oils displayed good physicochemical properties, which are desirable in diverse industrial sectors.

Chromatographic profile and bioactive compounds found in the composition of pupunha oil (Bactris gasipaes Kunth): implications for human health / Perfil cromatográfico e compostos bioativos presentes na composição do óleo de pupunha (Bactris gasipaes Kunth): implicações para a saúde humana

ABSTRACT Objective The presence of dietary bioactive compounds in the human diet becomes a major factor in combating the etiology of different pathologies. Thus, the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the fatty acids profile, cardiovascular functionality indices, bioactive compounds and spectroscopic pattern of peach palm oil (pupunha oil) and their impact on human health. Methods The oil was obtained by soxhlet extraction; the oil yield and qualities were determined according to the standards of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. For the fatty acids profile, the practical recommendations of the American Oil Chemists' Society and of the International Organization for Standardization were followed. Total carotenoids and polyphenols were determined by spectrophotometry; the composition of the chemical groups was determined by infrared spectroscopy. The anti-atherogenic, antithrombogenic and hypocholesterolemic indices were obtained using mathematical models. Results The results showed good quality oil based on acid and peroxyde indices (2.45±0.33mg KOH g-1 and 5.47±1.05mEq kg-1). The main fruit bioactive compound was β-carotene (832.4±0.64µg/100g). The chromatographic profile showed a high saturated fatty acid content (53.74%); unsaturated (46.25%); fats were monounsaturated (39.66%) and polyunsaturated (6.59%). The antiatherogenic, antithrombogenic and hypocholesterolemic indices were, on average, 1.10, 2.04 and 0.84, respectively. The spectroscopic profile exhibited bands with variation from 2918.8cm-1 to 714cm-1. Conclusion The results indicate that the consumption of isolated lipid content of the pupunha palm oil provides health protection with emphasis on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

RESUMO Objetivo A presença de fontes alimentares ricas em compostos bioativos na dieta humana torna-se fator preponderante no combate à etiologia de diversas patologias. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o perfil de ácidos graxos, índices de funcionalidade cardiovasculares, compostos bioativos e padrão espectroscópico do óleo da pupunha vermelha e suas implicações para a saúde humana. Métodos O óleo foi obtido por extração via soxhlet; seu rendimento e qualidade foram determinados segundo as normas da Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Para o perfil de ácidos graxos, seguiram-se as recomendações práticas da American Oil Chemists' Society e da International Organization for Standardization. Os carotenoides e polifenóis totais foram estipulados por espectrofotometria; a constituição de grupos químicos, por espectroscopia de infravermelho. Os índices antiaterogênico, antitrombogênico e hipocolesterolêmico foram obtidos por modelos matemáticos. Resultados Os resultados evidenciaram um óleo com boa qualidade, com base nos índices de acidez e peróxido (2,45±0,33mg KOH g-1 e 5,47±1,05mEq kg-1). O principal composto bioativo desse fruto foi o β-caroteno (832,4±0,64µg/100g). O perfil cromatográfico revelou um elevado teor de ácidos graxos saturados (53,74%); os insaturados (46,25%) se mostraram distribuídos em monoinsaturados (39,66%) e poli-insaturados (6,59%). Os índices de antiaterogênico, antitrombogênico e hipocolesterolêmico foram, em média, respectivamente 1,10; 2,04 e 0,84. O perfil espectroscópico apresentou destaques com variação de 2918,8cm-1 a 714cm-1. Conclusão Os resultados indicam que o consumo do conteúdo lipídico isolado da pupunha atua na proteção da saúde, em especial para a prevenção de agravos cardiovasculares.

Indicadores de qualidade na terapia nutricional enteral em pacientes de hospital universitário no Pará / Quality indicators in enteral nutrition therapy in patients at a university hospital in Pará / Indicadores de calidad en terapia de nutrición enteral en pacientes de hospitales universitarios en Pará

Objetivo: analisar indicadores de qualidade na terapia nutricional enteral em pacientes hospitalizados. Método: foi realizado um estudo transversal, no período de setembro a novembro de 2018, com pacientes em terapia nutricional enteral admitidos em um hospital universitário em Belém, Pará. Foram analisados os prontuários de 21 pacientes. Registraram-se as variáveis sociodemográficas, gênero, idade, diagnóstico clínico, estado nutricional, dieta enteral prescrita e tempo de terapia enteral. Analisou-se indicadores de qualidade para diagnóstico nutricional, estimativa das necessidades calórico-proteicas, prescrição dietética, volume administrado e adequação calórico-proteicas. Resultados: a desnutrição grave (52%) prevaleceu de maneira significativa entre os pacientes pesquisados. Apenas 81% dos pacientes foram diagnosticados nutricionalmente antes de iniciar a terapia e 71,4% destes não foram estimadas as necessidades calóricas e proteicas. A prescrição dietética foi elaborada para 23,8% dos casos. Nenhum dos pacientes sob cuidado nutricional teve o volume administrado nas últimas 24 horas registrado em prontuário e 85,7% deles não tiveram a adequação calórica e proteica calculada. Conclusão: as inadequações dos indicadores de qualidade nutricional apresentados influenciam de forma negativa na saúde do paciente e na relação custo-benefício referente à implantação desta terapia.

Objective: to analyze quality indicators in enteral nutrition therapy in hospitalized patients. Method: a cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2018, with patients undergoing Enteral Nutritional Therapy admitted at a university Hospital in Belém, Pará. The medical records of 21 patients were analyzed. Sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, clinical diagnosis, nutritional status, prescribed enteral diet and time of enteral therapy were recorded. Quality indicators for nutritional diagnosis, estimation of caloric-protein needs, dietary prescription, volume administered and caloricprotein adequacy were analyzed. Results: severe malnutrition (52%) prevailed significantly among the patients surveyed. Only 81% of the patients were nutritionally diagnosed before starting teraphy and 71.4% of them did not estimate their caloric and protein needs. The dietary prescription was elaborated for 23.8% of the cases. None of the patients under nutritional care had the volume administered in the last 24 hours recorded in the medical records and 85.7% of them did not have the caloric and protein adequacy calculated. Conclusion: the inadequacies of the nutritional quality indicators presented negatively influence the patient's health and cost-benefit ratio regarding the implementation of this therapy.

Objetivo: analizar los indicadores de calidad en la terapia de nutrición enteral en pacientes hospitalizados. Método: se realizó un estudio transversal de septiembre a noviembre de 2018, con pacientes sometidos a terapia nutricional enteral ingresados en unHospital universitario en Belém, Pará. Se analizaron los registros médicos de 21 pacientes. Se registraron variables sociodemográficas, diagnóstico clínico, estado nutricional, dieta enteral prescrita y tiempo de terapia enteral. Se analizaron los indicadores de calidad para el diagnóstico nutricional, la estimación de las necesidades calóricas/proteicas, la prescripción dietética, el volumen administrado y la adecuación calórica/proteica. Resultados: la desnutrición (94.1%) prevaleció significativamente entre los pacientes encuestados. Solo el 81% de los pacientes fueron diagnosticados nutricionalmente antes de comenzar ENT y el 71.4% de ellos no estimaron sus necesidades calóricas y proteicas. La prescripción dietética se elaboró para el 76,2% de los casos. Ninguno de los pacientes bajo atención nutricional tuvo el volumen administrado en las últimas 24 horas registrado en los registros médicos y el 85.7% de ellos no tenía la adecuación calórica y proteica calculada. Conclusión: las inadecuaciones de los indicadores de calidad nutricional apresentados influenciam de forma negativa en la salud del paciente y en la relación custo-beneficio con la implantación de la terapia.

Quality parameters and thermogravimetric and oxidative profile of Muruci oil ( Byrsonima crassifolia L.) obtained by supercritical CO2

Abstract These researches aimed determine the quality parameters, the nutritional profile, and the thermogravimetric and oxidative behavior of Muruci (Byrsonima crassifolia L .) oil obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction. The results showed an average oil yield of 5.50%. The acidity and peroxide values show good quality and conservation standards, according to the Brazilian legislation. The fatty acid profile indicates a predominance of unsaturated fatty acids with levels above 60%, highlighting the presence of fatty acids omega-6 and omega-9. The thermogravimetric curves showed oil stability at temperatures around 200 °C and exothermic peaks characteristic of mass loss close to 250 °C. The data of oxidative induction time determined by the Rancimat method showed thermal oxidative stability of 20.85 h for the oil obtained. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic profile evidenced chemical compounds with predominantly unsaturated structures, confirming its fatty acid profile. Based on the results of the oil analysis, it is possible to recognize the potential of this species in terms of nutritional, functional, and thermo-oxidative stability aspects.

Estudo das potencialidades da castanha-do-brasil: produtos e subprodutos / Study of Brazil nut potential: products and by-products

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar o potencial de produtos e subprodutos da castanha-do-brasil, focou-se primariamente em sua forma in natura, em seguida no óleo extraído desse fruto e seu respectivo subproduto convertido em farinha. Inicialmente apresenta-se uma breve revisão de literatura vislumbrando aspectos relevantes a investigações, com respeito aos potenciais dessas oleaginosas. Em seguida foca-se a avaliação microbiológica, de micotoxinas e a caracterização em macro e micronutrientes dessa amêndoa. Após isso, apresenta-se um estudo sobre as formas de extrações lipídicas, avaliando as características físico-químicas, colorimétricas e perfis de ácidos graxos dos óleos obtidos, analisando seu comportamento térmico, sua estabilidade oxidativa e o perfil espectroscópico, correlacionando as diferenças impostas ao material de acordo com o método de extração. Posteriormente, aborda-se o estudo do subproduto da extração lipídica e sua transformação em farinha, por meio de análises de composição física; físico-químicas; propriedades funcionais e tecnológicas; análises de minerais e a composição em aminoácidos. O estudo inicial confirmou a potencialidade da castanha-do-brasil nos mais diversos segmentos industriais e suas inúmeras possibilidades de pesquisas. Os dados relacionados à composição desse fruto coadunam com as pesquisas que relatam sua alta qualidade nutricional e funcional. Com relação à extração lipídica foi possível observar que a forma de extração com utilização de fluido supercrítico com dióxido de carbono (CO2) apresentou o melhor rendimento e manutenção da qualidade do material extraído. As comparações dos eventos termogravimétricos e diferenciais em diferentes atmosferas mostraram maior estabilidade térmica nos óleos extraídos com fluidos supercríticos (CO2). A avaliação acelerada da estabilidade oxidativa dos óleos via análise por Rancimat em comparação com o DSC evidenciam diferenças entre aos métodos de avaliação e entre as formas de...

The objective of this research was to investigate the potential of products and by-products of Brazil nut focusing primarily on the in natura fruit, followed by the oil extracted from this fruit and the resulting by-product that is converted into flour. Firstly, a brief literature review of published relevant information on the potential of this oilseed is presented. Next, the microbiological evaluation for the presence of mycotoxins and the characterization of macro- and micronutrients of this kernel are performed. Then, a study on lipid extractions is presented evaluating the physicochemical and colorimetric characteristics and the fatty acid profiles of the oils obtained analyzing their thermal behavior, oxidative stability, and spectroscopic profile and correlating the differences in the materials according to the method of extraction. Lastly, the by-product obtained from the lipid extraction and processing into flour is evaluated through the analysis of physical composition and physicochemical, functional, and technological properties as well as the analysis of minerals and amino acid composition. The preliminary study confirmed the potential use of Brazil nut in many different industries and its many possibilities for research. The data obtained from the analysis of this fruit composition are consistent with those of studies reporting its high nutritional and functional quality. With regard to the extraction of lipids, it was observed that the extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) showed the best performance maintaining the quality of the extracted material. The comparison of the thermogravimetric and differential events under different atmospheres showed higher thermal stability for the oils extracted with supercritical fluids (CO2). The evaluation of the accelerated oxidative stability of the oils by Rancimat analysis compared to DSC showed differences between the methods of evaluation and different types of oil extraction. The evaluation...