Acaricidal activity of methanol extract of Acmella oleracea L. (Asteraceae) and spilanthol on Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) and Dermacentor nitens (Acari: Ixodidae).

We evaluated the acaricidal activity of Acmella oleracea methanol extract and spilanthol on Rhipicephalus microplus and Dermacentor nitens. The extract was made through maceration with methanol. From this extract, a dichloromethane fraction with 99% spilanthol was obtained and tested on R. microplus larvae and engorged females and D. nitens larvae. For evaluation against larvae, the modified larval packet test was used, and both the methanol extract and dichloromethane fraction were tested at concentrations of 0.2-50mg/mL. The modified larval packet test was also used in the lethal time (LT) test, with the methanol extract at a concentration of 12.5mg/mL and the percentage mortality was assessed after 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120min and 24h. The 50% lethal time calculation (LT50) was performed in this test. The engorged female test was performed with R. microplus only, at concentrations of 25-200mg/mL for methanol extract and 2.5-20.0mg/mL for spilanthol. The methanol extract caused 100% mortality of the R. microplus and D. nitens larvae at concentrations of 3.1 and 12.5mg/mL, respectively. Spilanthol resulted in 100% mortality of R. microplus larvae at concentration of 1.6mg/mL and of D. nitens at 12.5mg/mL. In the lethal time assay using the methanol extract, the mortality rate was 100% for R. microplus and D. nitens larvae after 120min and 24h, with LT50 values of 38 and 57min, respectively. In the test of females, the egg mass weight and the hatching percentage of the groups treated with concentrations equal to or higher than 50.0mg/mL of methanol extract were significantly reduced (p<0.05), while for spilanthol, the reduction of the egg mass weight and hatching percentage occurred from concentrations of 10.0mg/mL and 2.5mg/mL, respectively. Females treated with 200.0mg/mL of extract died before starting oviposition, resulting in 100% effectiveness, while the best efficacy for spilanthol was 92.9% at a concentration of 20.0mg/mL. Thus we conclude that the methanol extract of A. oleracea and spilanthol have acaricidal activity against R. microplus and D. nitens.

Evaluation of the effects of passion fruit peel flour (Passiflora edulis fo. flavicarpa) on metabolic changes in HIV patients with lipodystrophy syndrome secondary to antiretroviral therapy

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of using passion fruit peel flour together with diet therapy and counseling in 36 patients with HIV lipodystrophy who were in an ambulatory clinic in a university hospital. The patients were divided into two groups. One received 30 g of passion fruit peel flour daily for 90 days and diet therapy counseling. The other group received only diet therapy counseling. The metabolic changes were analyzed before and after the intervention, with a significance level predetermined at p ≤ 0.05. The use of passion fruit peel flour was effective in reducing total cholesterol and triacylglycerides after 30 days. The concentrations of LDL-C decreased, while HDL-C increased in the blood of lipodystrophy patients after 90 days passion fruit peel flour treatment. No significant differences in food consumption were seen between groups. The use of 30 g of passion fruit peel flour for 90 days together with diet therapy counseling was effective in improving plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triacylglycerides.

Spilanthol: occurrence, extraction, chemistry and biological activities

Abstract Spilanthol (C14H23NO, 221.339 g/mol) is a bioactive compound that is found in many different plants that are used as traditional remedies throughout the world. It is present in Heliopsis longipes and several species in the genus Acmella, including A. oleracea L., also known as paracress and jambu. Its leaves and flowers have sensory properties (pungency, tingling, numbing, mouth-watering) that make it a popular spice and ingredient in several Brazilian dishes. Spilanthol can exert a variety of biological and pharmacological effects including analgesic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antilarvicidal and insecticidal activities. So, the aim of this review is to present a literature review on the spilanthol that describes its occurrence, chemistry, extraction and biological activities.

Neurotoxicity of Dietary Supplements from Annonaceae Species.

Dietary supplements containing plant materials of Annonaceae species (Annona muricata L., A. squamosa L., A. mucosa JACQ., A. squamosa × cherimola Mabb.) were extracted by hot, pressurized ethyl acetate and analyzed for their effect in vitro on Lund human mesencephalic neurons. Cell viability was measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and cell death was determined by lactate dehydrogenase levels. Three supplements strongly decreased the cell viability at extract concentrations of 1 µg/mL, of which 1 decreased cell viability at 0.1 µg/µL. Also, strong neuronal toxicities of these supplements were found. Cell death was observed at concentrations of 10 µg/mL. The degree of toxicity was comparable to the ones found in Annonaceous fruit extracts. Two fruit pulps of Annonaceae (A. muricata and A. squamosa) showed a reduction in cell viability at lower concentrations. The fruit pulp extract of A. muricata revealed the strongest neurotoxic effect, with 67% cell death at a concentration of 1 µg/mL. A high reduction in cell viability coupled with pronounced cell death was found at 0.1 µg/mL for an Annonaceous seed extract. These results demonstrate that the intake of dietary supplements containing plant material from Annonaceae may be hazardous to health in terms of neurotoxicity.

The intake effects of Cyssus sicyoides drink on body mass, glycemia and femur parameters in male rats.

BACKGROUND: The Cissus sicyoides, popularly called insulin plant, the drink is widely used in folk medicine to control glycemia. However, there are not enough datas about the effect of Cissus sicyoides on bone physiology. Thus, the goal was evaluate the glycemia and femur parameters in male rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar male rats with 12 weeks were divided control group (C) and treated with 5% of Cissus sicyoides (CS). After 42 days of treatment the groups were sacrificed and the body mass (g), glycemia, body organs and femur parameters were assessed. RESULTS: In the last week the CS group showed significantly lower body mass and lower glycemia. After 42 days the CS showed heart and liver mass were significantly lower. In regard to bone paramaters, the mass and BMD of femur were significantly lower in CS group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the Cissus sicyoides drink decrease the glycemia, nevertheless it intake does not seem unfavorable for bone parameters.

Antecedentes: Los sicyoides Cissus, popularmente llamada planta de insulina, la bebida es ampliamente utilizado en la medicina popular para el control de la glucemia. Sin embargo, no hay datas suficientes sobre el efecto de sicyoides Cissus en la fisiología ósea. Por lo tanto, el objetivo era evaluar la glucemia y los parámetros de fémur en ratas macho. Material y métodos: Ratas Wistar macho con 12 semanas se dividió el grupo control (C) y se trata con un 5% de sicyoides Cissus (CS). Después de 42 días de tratamiento, los grupos fueron sacrificados y la masa corporal (g), la glucemia, los órganos del cuerpo y el fémur parámetros fueron evaluados. Resultados: En la última semana el grupo CS mostraron significativamente menor masa corporal y baja la glucemia. Después de 42 días el CS mostró corazón y de la masa del hígado fueron significativamente menores. En lo que respecta a Paramaters ósea, la masa y la BMD del fémur fueron significativamente inferiores en el grupo CS. Conclusiones: A pesar de la bebida Cissus sicyoides disminuir la glucemia, sin embargo la ingesta no parece desfavorable para los parámetros óseos.

The intake effects of Cyssus sicyoides drink on body mass, glycemia and femur parameters in male rats / Efectos de la bebida de Cyssus Sicyoides sobre masa corporal, glucemia y parámetros del fémur en ratas macho

BACKGROUND: The Cissus sicyoides, popularly called insulin plant, the drink is widely used in folk medicine to control glycemia. However, there are not enough datas about the effect of Cissus sicyoides on bone physiology. Thus, the goal was evaluate the glycemia and femur parameters in male rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar male rats with 12 weeks were divided control group (C) and treated with 5% of Cissus sicyoides (CS). After 42 days of treatment the groups were sacrificed and the body mass (g), glycemia, body organs and femur parameters were assessed.RESULTS: In the last week the CS group showed significantly lower body mass and lower glycemia. After 42 days the CS showed heart and liver mass were significantly lower. In regard to bone paramaters, the mass and BMD of femur were significantly lower in CS group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the Cissus sicyoides drink decrease the glycemia, nevertheless it intake does not seem unfavorable for bone parameters (AU)

Antecedentes: Los sicyoides Cissus, popularmente llamada planta de insulina, la bebida es ampliamente utilizado en la medicina popular para el control de la glucemia. Sin embargo, no hay datas suficientes sobre el efecto de sicyoides Cissus en la fisiología ósea. Por lo tanto, el objetivo era evaluar la glucemia y los parámetros de fémur en ratas macho. Material y métodos: Ratas Wistar macho con 12 semanas se dividió el grupo control (C) y se trata con un 5% de sicyoides Cissus (CS). Después de 42 días de tratamiento, los grupos fueron sacrificados y la masa corporal (g), la glucemia, los órganos del cuerpo y el fémur parámetros fueron evaluados. Resultados: En la última semana el grupo CS mostraron significativamente menor masa corporal y baja la glucemia. Después de 42 días el CS mostró corazón y de la masa del hígado fueron significativamente menores. En lo que respecta a Paramaters ósea, la masa y la BMD del fémur fueron significativamente inferiores en el grupo CS. Conclusiones: A pesar de la bebida Cissus sicyoides disminuir la glucemia, sin embargo la ingesta no parece desfavorable para los parámetros óseos (AU)

Anion composition of açaí extracts.

Many products labeled açaí are presently marketed as natural supplements with various claimed health benefits. Authentic açaí is expensive; as a result, numerous products labeled as containing açaí are being sold that actually contain little or no açaí. Authentic açaí samples from Brazil and Florida as well as several reputed açaí products were analyzed by suppressed conductometric anion chromatography. Columns with different selectivities were used to obtain a complete separation of all anions. Tandem mass spectrometry was used for confirmation of the less common ions. Quinate, lactate, acetate, formate, galacturonate, chloride, sulfate, malate, oxalate, phosphate, citrate, isocitrate, and myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (phytate) were found. Only the Florida açaí had detectable levels of hexanoate. No açaí sample had any detectable levels of tartrate, which is present in abundance in grape juice, the most common adulterant. The highly characteristic anion profile and in particular the absence of tartrate can readily be used to identify authentic açaí products. Açaí from Florida had a 6 times greater level of phytate. The present analytical approach for phytate may be superior to extant methods.

Royal sun medicinal mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis (higher Basidiomycetes) and the attenuation of pulmonary inflammation induced by 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK).

Agaricus brasiliensis currently is one of the most studied fungi because of its nutritional and therapeutic properties as an anti-inflammatory agent and an adjuvant in cancer chemotherapy. The effects of orally administered aqueous A. brasiliensis extract (14.3- and 42.9-mg doses) on parenchymal lung damage induced by carcinogenic 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) were observed in Wistar rats. NNK treatment induced pulmonary inflammation, but not lung cancer, in the rats. The lungs of animals treated with NNK showed a higher level of inflammation than those of the control group according to histopathologic examinations (P < 0.01) and kurtosis analysis (P < 0.001) of a global histogram generated from thoracic computed tomography scans. There was no significant difference in the alveolar and bronchial exudates between animals treated with a 14.3-mg dose of A. brasiliensis extract and the control without NNK. However, a significant difference was found between animals treated with NNK, received a 42.9-mg dose of A. brasiliensis (P < 0.05), and the controls not treated with NNK. We did not observe a significant difference between the kurtoses of the A. brasiliensis (14.3 mg) and control groups. However, a 42.9-mg dose of A. brasiliensis resulted in lower kurtosis values than those observed in the control group (P < 0.001). In conclusion, a low dose of A. brasiliensis was more effective in attenuating pulmonary inflammation. Similar to the histopathological results, the computed tomography scans also showed a protective effect of A. brasiliensis at the lower dose, which prevented gross pulmonary consolidation.

Sensorial evolution of cassava flour (Manihot esculenta crantz) added to protein concentrate cassava leaves.

Cassava is regarded as the nutritional base of populations in developing countries, and flour, product made of cassava, is the most consumed in the world. The cassava leaves are very rich in vegetable proteins, but a big amount is lost in processing the crop. The objective of this study was to do a sensory evaluation of cassava flour to which a protein concentrate obtained from cassava leaves (CPML) was added. The CPML was obtained from cassava leaves by isoelectric precipitation and added to cassava paste for preparation of flour in three parts 2.5, 5, and 10%. The acceptance test was done by 93 consumers of flour, using hedonic scale of 7 points to evaluate characteristics like color, scent, flavor, bitterness, texture, and overall score. By the method of quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), eight trained tasters evaluated the following characteristics: whitish color, greenish color, cassava flavor, bitter flavor, characteristic flavor, lumpiness, raw texture, leaf scent, and cassava scent. The acceptability test indicated that flour cassava with 2.5 was preferred. Whitish color, greenish color, cassava flavor, bitter flavor, salty flavor, characteristic flavor, lumpiness texture, raw texture, and the smell of the leaves and cassava flour were the main descriptors defined for flour cassava with CPML has better characteristics.

Effect of the yellow passion fruit peel flour (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa deg.) in insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

BACKGROUND: A study with the yellow passion fruit peel flour showed positive action in blood glucose control as therapies' adjuvant in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, we evaluated its effect on insulin sensitivity since there is a quest for studies that focus at better understanding of insulin resistance aspects in diabetic patients. Furthermore its relationship with chronic complications can also give good prospects for alternative treatments. METHODS: A total of 43 type 2 diabetes volunteers (28 females and 15 males) ingested 30 g/day of the yellow passion fruit peel flour for two months. The levels of blood glucose and fasting insulin, HOMA index and glycated hemoglobin were measured for each patient before and after dietary supplementation. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the fasting blood glucose values (P = 0.000) and glycated hemoglobin (P = 0.032) after supplementation. It was also seen a reduction in HOMA IR (P = 0.005) in the supplemented group, however it was not observed changes in insulin values for females. HOMA beta (P = 0.000) showed significant increase in its values for the studied group. CONCLUSIONS: The supplementation used decreased insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients, suggesting a positive action in blood glucose control as adjuvant therapy in conventional treatments.

Finding of pesticides in fashionable fruit juices by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS.

Products labelled as containing extracts from two mushrooms (cordyceps plus reishi) and the juices from açaí, goji, mangosteen, noni, pomegranate, and sea buckthorn have been analysed for 174 different pesticides, using the validated QuEChERS method for sample preparation and electrospray LC-MS/MS in the positive ion mode for analysis. Pesticides were found in 10 of the 21 samples analysed. Most pesticides found were below the tolerance levels (1-6 µg/g, depending on the pesticide), but some were not. This included boscalid, dimethomorph, iprovalicarb, pyridaben, pyrimethanil, and imazalil, for which there is no tolerance reported or zero tolerance in any fruit. However, genuine açaí that was harvested in the state of Pará and lyophilised in Rio de Janeiro had no detectable pesticides, when analysed by both LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, which can detect 213 more pesticides and industrial chemicals. Likewise no pesticides were found in one sample each of cordyceps plus reishi, sea buckthorn and noni.

Composição Química da casca de ovo de galinha em pó / Chemical composition of chicken egg shell powder

A casca de ovo de galinha constitui subproduto utilizado no preparo de multimisturas alimentares distribuídas no Brasil. A carência de informações químicas sobre a casca de ovo motivou a realização deste trabalho que visou desenvolver tecnologia para obtenção desse produto na forma de pó e determinar o seu conteúdo de nutrientes com vistas a sua utilização como fonte de cálcio. Depois de higienizadas e desidratadas, as cascas foram transformadas em pó com auxílio de moinho, tendo sido obtido rendimento de 98,45 ± 0,70%. Determinações analíticas revelaram que 100 g desse produto continha baixo teor de umidade (1,3490 ± 0,0274 g), resíduo mineral fixo equivalente a 91,9600 ± 0,2218 g e baixo teor calórico (30,6823 ± 4,9069 Kcal), provenientes de 4,3693 ± 0,3977 g de proteínas, 0,7837 ± 0,0560 g de lipídios e 1,5379 ± 0,7029 g de carboidratos totais, além de 30.263,72 mg de cálcio. Considerando que a ingestão diária de cálcio recomendada para adultos saudáveis é de 1000 mg, apenas 3,30 g de casca de ovo em pó supririam essa necessidade. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que esse subproduto constitui potencial fonte de cálcio para a alimentação, sendo necessários maiores estudos sobre a sua biodisponibilidade em humanos.

Caracterização química e avaliação do valor nutritivo de sementes de acerola / Chemical characterization and evaluation of the nutritional value of Malpighia punicifolia seeds

"Acerola" (Malpighia punicifolia, Linn) is one of the fruits which deserve emphasis in the light of the pleasant taste of its juice, one of the main natural vitamin C sources. The success of its industrialization is related to the amount of pulp that the fruit produces, however, the remains (the seeds) are considered agro-industrial residues and are not utilized. This study examined the chemical composition of the seeds for defining their nutritional value and possible use. After the seeds had been dried and processed into a flour, the analytical determinations were performed and revealed that this product had a high yield, 100g presenting a low water (9.4%) and high calorie contents (332kcal) due to 3.2 ± 0.02g lipids, 16.94 ± 0.81g protein and 57.24 ± 2.44g carbohydrates. In addition, it presents a high content of crude fiber (26.54%), ash (0.44%), ascorbic acid (66mg.g-1) and minerals such as iron (37.23mg.100g-1), calcium (41.76mg.100g-1), potassium (41.39mg.100g-1), magnesium (22.24mg.100g-1), zinc (0.09mg.100g-1), manganese (0.74mg.100g-1) phosphorus (0.08mg.100g-1) and copper (0.15?g.100g-1). Its lipid fraction has the following fatty acids: oleic (31.9%), linoleic (29.2%), palmitic (21.8%), stearic (13.9%) and linolenic (1.3%). The flour of this seed presents a great potential for use in the diet, since the inexistence of toxic and allergenic compounds is proven, thus favoring the rational application of this agroindustry residue.

La acerola es una fruta que se destaca por el agradable sabor de su jugo, una de las principales fuentes naturales de vitamina C. El éxito de la industrialización de la acerolas e relaciona con la cantidad de pulpa que los frutos producen, pero las semillas no se utilizan y son consideradas residuos de la agroindustria. Este estudio analizó la composición química de la semilla de acerola para definir el valor nutricional y las posibilidades de utilización.Las semillas secas fueron transformadas en harina y esta sometida a determinaciones analíticas que mostraron un producto de elevado rendimiento: 100g contienen bajo contenido de humedad (9,4%) y elevado contenido calórico (332kcal) oriundo de 3,2 ± 0,02 g de lípidos, 16,94 ± 0,81g de proteínas y 57,24 ± 2,44g de hidratos de carbono. Además de presentar un alto contenido de fibra brutao cruda (26,54%), cenizas (0,44%), ácido ascórbico (66mg) y minerales como hierro (37,23mg.100g-1), calcio (41,76mg.100g-1), potasio (41,39mg.100g-1), magnesio (22,24mg.100g-1), zinc (0,09mg.100g-1), manganeso (0,74mg.100g-1) , fósforo (0,08mg.100g-1) e cobre (0,15?g.100g-1). Sufracción lipídica tiene los ácidos grasos: oleico(31,9%), linoleico (29,2%), palmítico (21,8%), esteárico (13.9%) y linolénico (1,3%). La harina de esta semilla tiene un gran potencial para fines alimenticios desde que se descarte la presencia de compuestos tóxicos o alergénicos, posibilitando la aplicación racional de los residuos de la industria de la acerola.

A acerola é uma das frutas que merecem destaque em função do sabor agradável de seu suco, uma das principais fontes naturais de vitamina C. O sucesso da industrialização da acerola está relacionado à quantidade de polpa que a fruta produz, porém, o restante, as sementes, não são aproveitadas, consideradas resíduos agroindustriais. Este trabalho analisou a composição química das sementes da acerola para definição do valor nutricional e possível aproveitamento. Após as sementes serem desidratadas e transformadas em farinha, as determinações analíticas foram realizadas e revelaram que este produto demonstrou elevador endimento, e que 100g contêm baixo teor de umidade (9,4%) e alto teor calórico (332kcal) oriundo de 3,2 ± 0,02g de lipídios, 16,94 ± 0,81g de proteína e 57,24 ± 2,44g de carboidratos. Além de apresentar alto conteúdo de fibra bruta (26,54%), cinzas (0,44%), ácido ascórbico (66mg) e minerais como ferro (37,23mg.100g-1), cálcio (41,76mg.100g-1), potássio (41,39mg.100g-1), magnésio (22,24mg.100g- 1) , zinco (0,09mg.100g-1), manganês (0,74mg.100g-1), fósforo (0,08mg.100g-1) e cobre (0,15?g.100g-1). Na fração lipídica estão presentes os ácidos graxos: oleico (31,9%), linoleico (29,2%), palmítico (21,8%), esteárico (13,9%) e linolênico(1,3%). A farinha desta semente evidencia grande potencial para fins alimentícios desde que seja comprovada a inexistência de compostos tóxicos e alergênicos, favorecendo a aplicação racional do resíduo da agroindústria da acerola.

Efeito da farinha da casca do maracujá-amarelo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.) nos níveis glicêmicos e lipídicos de pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 / Effect of the flour of the yellow passion fruit peel (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.) in the glycemic and lipid levels of type 2 diabetes patients

A suplementação da dieta com fibras solúveis pode ser considerada uma importante medida terapêutica no tratamento de pacientes diabéticos e obesos. Para avaliar o efeito da farinha da casca de maracujá amarelo rica em pectina, foi realizado um ensaio clínico fase II com 43 pacientes portadores de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. Estes receberam diariamente 30 g do produto testado durante 60 dias. Observou-se diferença estatística significante na glicemia de jejum (p = 0,000) acompanhada pela redução nos valores médios da hemoglobina glicada (p = 0,032). Em relação ao perfil lipídico, não foi verificado redução dos níveis de colesterol total e colesterol LDL nos pacientes ao longo deste estudo; entretanto, houve redução nos níveis de Triglicerídeos e aumento do colesterol HDL nos mesmos. Os níveis glicêmicos apresentados pelos pacientes antes e após o uso da farinha da casca do maracujá são compatíveis com uma ação positiva no controle da glicemia como adjuvante das terapias convencionais.

The supplementation of diet with soluble dietary fiber can be considered an important therapy measure in the treatment of diabetic and obese patients. In order to evaluate the effect of the flour of the yellow passion fruit peel which is rich in pectin, a phase II clinical trial with 43 patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was performed. They received daily 30 g of the tested product for 60 days. Statistically significant difference was observed in fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.000) accompanied by a reduction in the average values of glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.032). In relation to the lipid profile, there were no reduced levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in patients during this study; however, there were reduction in the levels of Triglycerides and increase in HDL cholesterol in them. The glycemic levels presented by the patients before and after the use of the passion fruit peel flour are compatible to a positive action to control blood glucose as an adjunct of conventional therapies.

Valor nutricional da polpa de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart) liofilizada / Lyophilized açaí pulp (Euterpe oleracea, Mart) nutritional value

O Brasil é o maior produtor, consumidor e exportador da bebida açaí produzida a partir dos frutos do açaizeiro. Esta bebida ou a polpa de açaí são normalmente comercializadas a temperatura ambiente ou na forma congelada, levando à perdas nutricionais importantes. Este trabalho objetivou analisar alguns nutrientes da polpa de açaí liofilizada. Os resultados de determinações analíticas mostraram que esse produto na forma de pó é um alimento altamente calórico, 489,39 Kcal/100 g de polpa liofilizada principalmente em função dos altos conteúdos de lipídeos (40,75 por cento), dos quais 52,70 por cento representado pelo ácido oléico (C18:1) e 25,56 por cento pelo palmítico (C16:0). O teor de carboidratos totais foi de 42,53 por cento ± 3,56 e o de proteínas foi de 8,13 g ± 0,63 por 100 g de açaí liofilizado. Na avaliação do perfil de minerais foi demonstrado que o potássio (900 mg/100 g de polpa de açaí liofilizado) e o cálcio (330 mg/100 g de polpa de açaí liofilizada) foram os minerais observados em maior abundância. O magnésio também apresentou concentrações importantes (124,4 mg em 100 g de polpa liofilizada), diferente do ferro (4,5 mg em 100 g de polpa liofilizada). Diante dos resultados obtidos na avaliação da composição nutricional da polpa de açaí liofilizada, é possível concluir que esse processo pode ser considerado como uma excelente alternativa de conservação dessa polpa devido a presença de importantes componentes nutricionais encontrados na mesma.

Brazil is the biggest producer, consumer and exporter of açaí drink, made from the açaí palm's fruit. This drink or açaí pulp is usually commercialized under room temperature or in a frozen way resulting in important nutritional losses. This study aimed to evaluate some nutrients from the lyophilized açaí pulp. Humidity, total solids, ash and total lipids values were analyzed using the AOAC method. Carbohydrates including fibers were calculated by difference and the total nitrogen values were investigated by AACC method. Mineral concentration was analyzed in a mass spectrophotometer and fats by methyl esters preparation identified in a gas chromatography. Results from analytical determinations showed that the powder product is a very caloric food, 489.39 Kcal/ 100 g lyophilized pulp, specially due to the high lipid contents (40.75 percent), from which 52.70 percent are represented by oleic acid (C18:1) and 25.56 percent by the palmitic (C16:0). Total carbohydrate content was 42.53 percent ± 3.56 and the protein's was 8.13 g ± 0.63/100 g. Mineral profile evaluation demonstrated that the potassium (900 mg/100 g lyophilized açaí) and the calcium (330 mg/100 g lyophilized açaí) were the minerals observed in abundance. Magnesium has also shown important concentrations (124.4 mg/100 g lyophilized açaí), different from the iron (4.5 mg/100 g lyophilized açaí). Based on the results obtained on the nutritional composition evaluation of the lyophilized açaí pulp, it is possible to conclude that this process can be considered as an excellent alternative for preserving this pulp due to the important nutritional compounds found in it.

Composição química e do conteúdo de energia do cariru (Talinum esculentum, Jacq) / Chemical composition and energy content of cariru (Talinum esculentum, Jacq)

Estudos recentes têm relatado o estado pluricarencial da população dos estados da Região Norte do Brasil. Paradoxalmente nessa região encontra-se uma grande biodiversidade da flora com variadas frutas e hortaliças, ainda não tão conhecidas, mas que os pesquisadores acreditam ser altamente nutritivas. Entre elas, tem-se o cariru, planta herbácea da família Portulacea, hortaliça própria da região amazônica e de fácil cultivo. Amostras dessa verdura foram submetidas a determinações analíticas a fim de obter maiores informações sobre seu valor nutricional. A maior fração desse vegetal é a água (92,24 por cento), seguida de lipídeos (3,04 por cento), carboidratos (2,94 por cento), minerais totais (1,71 por cento) e de proteína (0,07 por cento), constituindo um alimento de reduzido valor calórico (40 Kcal/100g). Tendo em vista os resultados encontrados na análise de minerais, essa folhosa pode ser considerada como excelente fonte de ferro, zinco e molibdênio, já que o consumo de 200 g/dia desse alimento atenderia as necessidades diárias desses nutrientes. Chama-se atenção para os conteúdos de selênio e manganês, onde 100g dessa biomassa fresca podem fornecer duas e três vezes, respectivamente, as quantidades recomendadas para adultos pelos órgãos internacionais de saúde, com as devidas precauções, já que excessos desses oligominerais podem causar danos à saúde. Sendo assim, recomenda-se a inclusão dessa folhosa no hábito alimentar brasileiro, por apresentar minerais em quantidades suficientes para minimizar o estado carencial de muitas pessoas, residentes na região Norte do país, exatamente onde é encontrada em abundância e com custo reduzido.

Recent studies have been related a food lacking state of population in states from north of Brazil. Paradoxically in this region a great biodiversity in the flora can be found with various fruits and vegetables, not very known so far, but researchers believe in their high nutritional values. One of them is Cariru, an herbaceous plant to Portulacea family, vegetable native from Amazon region and easy to grow. Sample of this vegetable was transformed in biomass and submitted to a quantitative analysis in order to have a lot of information about nutritional value. Analysis showed that the biggest amount was moisture (92.44 percent), followed by lipids (3.04 percent), carbohydrates (2.94 percent), total minerals (1.71 percent) and protein (0.07 percent), compound a reduced caloric food, 40 kcal/100g. Analyzing the mineral results, cariru can be consider as an excellent iron, zinc and molybdenum source, that the consumption of 200 gin the vegetable/day would attend daily needs of these nutrients. This is very important to selenium and manganese contents, because 100g fresh of biomass can supply 2 or 3 times, respectively, the RDI for adult. The excess of this oligominerals can be hazardous for human body. Therefore, the inclusion of this vegetable on a diet of Brazilian is recommended, because it presents enough minerals to minimize the food lacking state of people who lives in North of Brazil.

Uso de Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa na redução do colesterol / Use of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa on cholesterol reduction

A farinha da casca de maracujá é rica em uma fibra solúvel chamada pectina. Para avaliar o efeito dessa farinha na redução do colesterol foi realizado um estudo clínico piloto com dezenove mulheres, com idade entre 30 e 60 anos e apresentando hipercolesterolemia (colesterol > 200 mg/dL). Elas foram tratadas diariamente com 30 g da farinha da casca de maracujá por 60 dias. Após esse tempo foi observada uma redução estatisticamente significante (p < 0,05) nos níveis colesterol total (p = 0,00000) e colesterol LDL (p = 0,01193). Os resultados sugerem que a farinha da casca de maracujá seja utilizada na alimentação humana, juntamente com os alimentos, ou como matéria prima na produção de outros produtos, com o objetivo de reduzir o colesterol.

The flour of the passion fruit peel is rich in a soluble fiber called pectin. In order to evaluate the effect of this flour on cholesterol reduction, a pilot clinical study, was carried out with nineteen women, aged between 30 and 60 years, all of whom presented high cholesterol level (cholesterol > 200 mg/dL). The treatment consisted of daily doses of 30 g of the flour during 60 days. At the end of the 60 days it was observed a statistical reduction (p < 0.05) of the total cholesterol (p = 0,00000) and LDL-cholesterol (p = 0,01193) levels. The results suggested that the passion fruit peel flour, rich in pectin, can be used in human diet, with a large variety of foods, or as a raw material for other products intending to reduce cholesterol levels.