ABSTRACT
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterised by progressive neuronal atrophy and the loss of neuronal function as a consequence of multiple pathomechanisms. Current AD treatments primarily operate at a symptomatic level to treat a cholinergic deficiency and can cause side effects. Hence, there is an unmet need for healthier lifestyles to reduce the likelihood of AD as well as improved treatments with fewer adverse reactions. Diets rich in phytochemicals may reduce neurodegenerative risk and limit disease progression. The native South American palm acai berry (Euterpe oleraceae) is a potential source of dietary phytochemicals beneficial to health. This study aimed to screen the nutraceutical potential of the acai berry, in the form of aqueous and ethanolic extracts, for the ability to inhibit acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase (ChE) enzymes and scavenge free radicals via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) or 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assays. In addition, this study aimed to quantify the acai berry's antioxidant potential via hydrogen peroxide or hydroxyl scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and the ability to reduce ferric ions. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were also determined. Acai aqueous extract displayed a concentration-dependent inhibition of acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase enzymes. Both acai extracts displayed useful concentration-dependent free radical scavenging and antioxidant abilities, with the acai ethanolic extract being the most potent antioxidant and displaying the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents. In summary, extracts of the acai berry contain nutraceutical components with anti-cholinesterase and antioxidant capabilities and may therefore provide a beneficial dietary component that limits the pathological deficits evidenced in AD.
Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Euterpe , Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy , Antioxidants/chemistry , Dietary Supplements , Euterpe/chemistry , Flavonoids/chemistry , Phytochemicals , Plant Extracts/chemistryABSTRACT
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are aerobic products generated during cellular respiration, but in the case of oxidative stress, they become key factors in the development of inflammatory processes and chronic diseases such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. In this work, Euterpe oleracea oil (EOO), as well as the complexes produced by slurry (S) and kneading (K), were analyzed for antioxidant capacity in vitro, while only the ß-cyclodextrin complex obtained by kneading (EOO-ßCD-K), which showed better complexation, was selected for anti-inflammatory assays in vivo. In the scavenging activity of OH·, the hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin complex obtained by kneading (EOO-HPßCD-K) exhibited an activity 437% higher than the pure oil. In the paw edema assay, EOO-ßCD-K reduced edema by 200% and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity by 112%. In an air pouch model, this treatment showed a reduction in leukocyte, MPO, and Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) levels; meanwhile those of glutathione and IL-10 were increased, demonstrating its ability to potentiate the anti-inflammatory effect of EOO.
Subject(s)
Euterpe/chemistry , Plant Oils/chemistry , Plant Oils/pharmacology , 2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin/administration & dosage , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Antioxidants/administration & dosage , Antioxidants/chemistry , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Edema/drug therapy , Female , In Vitro Techniques , Male , Mice , Phytochemicals/administration & dosage , Phytochemicals/chemistry , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Plant Oils/administration & dosage , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , beta-Cyclodextrins/administration & dosageABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to analyze the potential use of açaí seeds as an alternative ingredient in the feed of slow-growth broilers until 28 days of age. We carried out a bromatological analysis of fractions of the açaí fruit. The açaí seed without mesocarp was the best choice for formulation of the açaí seed bran (ASB), which was evaluated in terms of bird performance and economic viability of the supplemented feed. A total of 416 male chicks of the French Red-Naked Neck lineage were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 2, 6 and 10% inclusion of ASBin the feed) with eight replicates each. The results indicated that ASB can be included in proportions of up to 10% in the diet of slow growth broilers at early development stage without impairing performance. The 10% inclusion level also was economically equal to the control treatment, representing a viable alternative for broiler production, with potential for reduction of the negative impacts generated by açaí residue in the environment.
Objetivou-se analisar o potencial da utilização do caroço de açaí como ingrediente alternativo na alimentação de frangos de corte de crescimento lento, até 28 dias de idade. Primeiramente foi feita a análise bromatológica de frações do fruto do açaí, que resultou no caroço de açaí sem mesocarpo como sendo a melhor opção para a formulação do farelo de caroço de açaí (FCA). O farelo foi usado na composição de rações em um experimento de desempenho das aves. Ao final foi realizada uma análise da viabilidade econômica do uso de FCA em ração pata frangos. Utilizamos 416 pintos machos, da linhagem Francês Pescoço Pelado Vermelho, em um delineamento inteiramente casualisado com quatro tratamentos (0, 2, 6 e 10% de inclusão de FCA) de oito repetições cada. Concluímos que o FCA pode ser incluído em até 10% na dieta para frango de corte de crescimento lento em fase inicial, sem ocasionar prejuízo em seu desempenho. O nível de 10% de inclusão mostrou-se economicamente equivalente ao tratamento controle, sendo uma alternativa viável de insumo na produção de frangos, que pode contribuir para a redução do impacto negativo gerado pelo resíduo do açaí no meio ambiente.
Subject(s)
Animals , Food Analysis , Euterpe , Chickens/growth & development , Animal Feed/analysis , Garbage , SeedsABSTRACT
Brazilian berries present great nutritional, functional and economic characteristics comparable to temperate berries. They constitute an important innovation domain for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, due to their positive health effects and market potential. The main objective of this review was to describe the physicochemical, nutritional and biological aspects of six Brazilian small native wild fruits from the Arecaceae (açaí, buriti and pupunha), Mirtaceae (camu-camu and jaboticaba) and Malpighiaceae (murici) families, highlighting their antioxidant, anti-lipidaemic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antigenotoxic potential among others. It also discussed some relevant topics for new studies that could be of benefit to industry and improve the local economy where these fruits are found. Thus, the dissemination of the works already carried out with these fruits strategically relevant can stimulate new lines of research to consolidate this new field for the food industries.
Subject(s)
Arecaceae/chemistry , Dietary Supplements , Fruit/chemistry , Malpighiaceae/chemistry , Myrtaceae/chemistry , Nutritive Value , Plant Preparations/therapeutic use , Animals , Arecaceae/adverse effects , Brazil , Dietary Supplements/adverse effects , Fruit/adverse effects , Humans , Malpighiaceae/adverse effects , Myrtaceae/adverse effects , Plant Preparations/adverse effectsABSTRACT
The chemical features of xylan largely determine its physical and biological properties and its use in the industry. In this work, we describe the occurrence, purification and partial characterization of a xylan in edible açaí berries (Euterpe oleraceae), using a fairly simple and inexpensive method of purification from alkaline açaí extract. A mainly linear (1â4)-ß-d-xylan was found as the majority (70%) of alkali extract and 4.2% of the dry matter açaí pulp. This represents the biggest source of xylan found so far in a fruit pulp and could be suitable for applications in the industry and biomedical field.
Subject(s)
Euterpe/chemistry , Fruit/chemistry , Xylans/analysis , Food Handling , Plant Extracts/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
Açaí (Euterpe oleraceae Martius) is a typically Brazilian fruit and itis economically important. Popular reports indicate the medicinal use of its juice and articles which describe its chemical composition have demonstrated the presence of phenolic compounds, fibers, unsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols, suggesting its potential as a functional food. The present article aims at presenting a review about the fruit, stressing its chemical compounds and their bioactivity in vitro and in vivo. The focus on açaí is based on the fruit large consumption both in the internal market and abroad, and also on the investigations which have assessedits functional properties. The results of these investigations have shown that the fruit exhibits a high antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory properties and a hypocholesterolemic effect. Given these properties and health claims assigned to açaí, the study and consumption of this fruit should be encouraged.
Açaí (Euterpe oleraceae Martius) es una fruta típica de Brasil y económicamente importante. Informes populares indican el uso medicinal de su jugo y los trabajos que describen su composición química muestran la presenciade compuestos fenólicos, fibra, ácidos grasos insaturados y fitoesteroles, lo que sugiere su potencial como alimento funcional. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar una revisión sobre açaí, haciendo hincapié en sus componentes químicos y sus bioactividadin vitro e in vivo. El interés en el açaí se basa en el consumo generalizado de este producto tanto a nivel nacional como fuera del país y también en las investigaciones que evalúan sus propiedades funcionales. Los resultados de las investigaciones muestran que el fruto presenta elevada capacidad antioxidante, propiedad antiinflamatoria y efecto hipocolesterolémico. Considerando estas propiedades y las alegaciones saludables del consumo de açaí, el estudio y el consumo de esta fruta debe ser estimulado.
O açaí (Euterpe oleraceae Martius) é um fruto tipicamente brasileiro e economicamente importante. Relatos populares indicam o uso medicinal do seu suco e trabalhos que descrevem sua composição química, demonstram a presença de compostos fenólicos, fibras, ácidos graxos insaturados e fitosteróis, sugerindo seu potencial como alimentofuncional. Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar uma revisão sobre o açaí, enfatizando os seus componentes químicos e suas bioatividades in vitro e in vivo. O enfoque no açaí fundamenta-se no amplo consumo deste fruto tanto no mercado interno quanto fora do país e também nas investigações que avaliam suas propriedades funcionais. Os resultados dessas investigações mostram que este fruto exibe alta capacidade antioxidante, propriedades anti-inflamatórias e efeito hipocolesterolêmico. Diante dessas propriedades e as alegações de saúde designadas ao açaí, o estudo e o consumo deste fruto devem ser estimulados.
