Physicochemical and Nutritional Properties of Vegetable Oils from Brazil Diversity and Their Applications in the Food Industry.

In this study, the oils of açaí, passion fruit, pequi, and guava were submitted to physicochemical analysis to investigate their potential application in the food industry. Gas chromatography associated with mass spectroscopy showed that oleic and linoleic acids are mainly responsible for the nutritional quality of açaí, passion fruit, pequi, and guava oils, which exhibited 46.71%, 38.11%, 43.78%, and 35.69% of the former fatty acid, and 18.93%, 47.64%, 20.90%, and 44.72% of the latter, respectively. The atherogenicity index of the oils varied from 0.11 to 0.65, while the thrombogenicity index was 0.93 for açaí, 0.35 for guava, and 0.3 for passion fruit oils, but 1.39 for pequi oil, suggesting that the use of the first three oils may lead to a low incidence of coronary heart disease. Thermogravimetry showed that all tested oils were thermally stable above 180 °C; therefore, they can be considered resistant to cooking and frying temperatures. In general, the results of this study highlight possible applications of these oils in the food industry, either in natura or in typical food production processes.

Exploring the Fluconazole-Resistance Modifying Activity and Potential Mechanism of Action of Fixed Oil from Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae) against Candida Species.

The fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. is used in the Chapada do Araripe region of Brazil for the treatment of genitourinary candidiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antifungal activity, reduction of fungal virulence, and the preliminary toxicity of the fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of C. coriaceum tested against three Candida yeasts. The oil was characterized by gas chromatography (GC-MS and GC-FID). Antifungal activity was assessed using the serial microdilution method. Additionally, the potential of the oil as an enhancer of fluconazole action was tested at sub-inhibitory concentrations (MIC/8). The mechanism of action of C. coriaceum fixed oil was determined by evaluating the inhibition of morphological transition in Candida spp. The chemical composition of the fixed oil of C. coriaceum comprised both unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Oleic (61 %) and palmitic (33 %) acids were the major constituents. Regarding its anti-Candida activity, the oil inhibited the growth of C. albicans (IC50 : 371 µg/mL) and C. tropicalis (IC50 : 830 µg/mL). Furthermore, the oil reversed the antifungal resistance of C. albicans and C. tropicalis, restoring the susceptibility to fluconazole and reducing their IC50 from 12.33 µg/mL and 362 µg/mL to 0.22 µg/mL and 13.93 µg/mL, respectively. The fixed oil of C. coriaceum completely inhibited the morphological transition of C. albicans and C. tropicalis at a concentration of 512 µg/mL, but exhibited limited low antifungal potential against C. krusei. The observed antifungal activity may be attributed to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the oil showed no toxic effect on the Drosophila melanogaster in vivo model. The fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of C. coriaceum emerge as a strong candidate for the development of new pharmaceutical formulations to treat infections caused by Candida spp.

Prebiotic Activity of Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) Shell on Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Strains: A Medicinal Food Ingredient.

Pequi is a native and popular fruit in Cerrado biome. The internal yellow-orange mesocarp is the edible fraction of the fruit, but its shell (peel and external mesocarp), which comprises 80% of the fruit, is not used by the agro-industry during fruit processing. There is a growing interest in the reduction of food loss and waste because of environmental, economic, and social impacts. So this study evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro prebiotic activity of pequi shell flour. Pequi shell flour was obtained from the lyophilization and milling of pequi shell. The content of dietary fibers, oligosaccharides, sugars, organic acids, total phenolics and tannins, polyphenol profile, and antioxidant capacity was determined in pequi shell flour. In addition, its prebiotic activity was evaluated on growth and metabolism of probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Pequi shell flour has a high content of dietary fibers (47.92 g/100 g), soluble fibers (18.65 g/100 g), raffinose (2.39 g/100 g), and phenolic compounds (14,062.40 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g). For the first time, the polyphenols epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2 were identified in this by-product. Pequi shell flour promoted greater growth of Lacticaseibacillus casei L-26 (at 24-48 h) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, as well as higher prebiotic activity scores than fructooligosaccharides (standard prebiotic). Pequi shell flour is rich in prebiotic compounds and has a high antioxidant and prebiotic potential. The promising results encourage its use as an ingredient with antioxidant and potential prebiotic properties to elaborate new functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Histological investigation in aging male and female gerbil prostates after prenatal exposure to pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) oil and 17α-ethinylestradiol.

The female prostate, also known as Skene's gland, is present in both humans and rodents. Prenatal exposure to ethinylestradiol (EE2), a synthetic estrogen found in oral contraceptives, induces pormotes neoplasic prostate lesions in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Conversely, pequi oil (Pe), extracted from the Brazilian Cerrado fruit, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, mitigates risks associated with chronic diseases related to lifestyle and aging. This study evaluates the impact of prenatal exposure to Pe (300 mg/kg) on senile gerbil offspring's male and female prostates under normal conditions and EE2 exposure (15 µg/kg/day). Histological and morphometric analyses revealed that Pe reduced male body weight and prostate epithelial height, along with a thinner muscle layer. In females, EE2 exposure reduced prostatic weight, while Pe exposure lowered epithelial height and the relative stromal compartment volume, increasing the muscle layer. Pequi oil holds potential in mitigating alterations induced by exposure to the endocrine disruptor EE2.

Exploring the association between a standardized extract of pequi peels (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) and blue light as a photodynamic therapy for treating superficial wounds.

Natural products derived from plants can be used as photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) combining key therapeutic strategies for tissue repair while controlling microorganisms' growth. We investigated a standardized extract of pequi peels (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) as a brownish natural photosensitizer for aPDT using blue light. Three concentrations of the pequi extract (PE; 10, 30, or 90 µg/mL) were tested solely or associated with blue laser (445 nm, 100 mW, 138 J/cm2 , 6 J, 60 s). In vitro, we quantified reactive oxygen species (ROS), assessed skin keratinocytes (HaCat) viability and migration, and aPDT antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus or Staphylococcus strains. In vivo, we assessed wound closure for the most active concentration disclosed by the in vitro assay (30 µg/mL). Upon aPDT treatments, ROS were significantly increased in cell monolayers regardless of PE concentration. PE at low doses stimulates epithelial cells. Although PE stimulated cellular migration, aPDT was moderately cytotoxic to skin keratinocytes, particularly at the highest concentration. The antimicrobial activity was observed for PE at the lowest concentration (10 µg/mL) and mostly at PE 10 µg/mL and 30 µg/mL when used as aPDT photosensitizers. aPDT with PE 30 µg/mL presents antimicrobial activity without compromising the initial phases of skin repair.

Changing Despicable Me: Potential replacement of azo dye yellow tartrazine for pequi carotenoids employing ionic liquids as high-performance extractors.

Color is a crucial sensory attribute that guides consumer expectations. A high-performance pequi carotenoid extraction process was developed using ionic liquid-based ethanolic solutions and a factorial design strategy to search for a potential substitute for the artificial azo dye yellow tartrazine. All-trans-antheraxanthin was identified with HPLC-PAD-MSn for the first time in pequi samples. [BMIM][BF4] was the most efficient ionic liquid, and the maximization process condition was the solid-liquid ratio R(S/L) of 1:3, the co-solvent ratio R(IL/E) of 1:1 ([BMIM][BF4]: ethanol), and three cycles of extraction with 300 s each and yielded 107.90 µg carotenoids/g of dry matter. The ionic liquid-ethanolic solution recyclability was accomplished by freezing and precipitating with an average recovery of 79 %. In CIELAB parameters, pequi carotenoid extracted with [BMIM][BF4] was brighter and yellower than the artificial azo dye yellow tartrazine. A color change of 11.08 and a hue* difference of 1.26° were obtained. Furthermore, carotenoids extracted with [BMIM][BF4] showed antioxidant activity of 35.84 µmol of α-tocopherol. These findings suggest the potential of employing the pequi carotenoids to replace the artificial azo dye yellow tartrazine in foods for improved functional properties.

Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) Attenuates the Adverse Effects of Cyclical Heat Stress and Modulates the Oxidative Stress-Related Genes in Broiler Chickens.

The present study was conducted to determine the possible antioxidant protection of pequi oil (PO) against cyclic heat stress in broiler chickens and to highlight the application of PO as a promising additive in broiler feed. A total of 400 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to 2 × 5 factorially arranged treatments: two temperature-controlled rooms (thermoneutral-TN or heat stress-HS for 8 h/day) and five dietary PO levels (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 g/kg diet) for 42 days. Each treatment consisted of eight replicates of five birds. The results showed that HS increased glucose (p = 0.006), triglycerides (p < 0.001), and HDL (p = 0.042) at 21 days and reduced (p = 0.005) serum total cholesterol at 42 days. The results also showed that HS increased the contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In contrast, PO linearly decreased AST (p = 0.048) and ALT (p = 0.020) at 21 and 42 days, respectively. The heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the birds under HS was higher than in those in the TN environment (p = 0.046). Heat stress decreased (p = 0.032) the relative weight of their livers at 21 days. The superoxide dismutase activity increased (p = 0.010) in the HS treatments in comparison to the TN treatments, while the glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver decreased (p < 0.001) at 42 days; however, the activity of catalase had no significant effects. Meanwhile, increasing the dietary PO levels linearly decreased plasma malondialdehyde (p < 0.001) in the birds in the HS environment. In addition, PO reduced (p = 0.027) the expression of Hsp 70 in the liver by 92% when compared to the TN treatment without PO, mainly at the 6.0 g/kg diet level. The expression of Nrf2 was upregulated by 37% (p = 0.049) in response to PO with the 6.0 g/kg diet compared to the HS treatment without PO. In conclusion, PO supplementation alleviated the adverse effects of HS on broilers due to its antioxidant action and modulation of the genes related to oxidative stress, providing insights into its application as a potential feed additive in broiler production.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Toxicological Profile of Pulp Residue from the Caryocar Brasiliense, a Sustainable Raw Material.

Caryocar brasiliense Cambess is a plant species typical of the Cerrado, a Brazilian biome. The fruit of this species is popularly known as pequi, and its oil is used in traditional medicine. However, an important factor hindering the use of pequi oil is its low yield when extracted from the pulp of this fruit. Therefore, in this study, with aim of developing a new herbal medicine, we an-alyzed the toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of an extract of pequi pulp residue (EPPR), fol-lowing the mechanical extraction of the oil from its pulp. For this purpose, EPPR was prepared and encapsulated in chitosan. The nanoparticles were analyzed, and the cytotoxicity of the encapsu-lated EPPR was evaluated in vitro. After confirming the cytotoxicity of the encapsulated EPPR, the following evaluations were performed with non-encapsulated EPPR: in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, quantification of cytokines, and acute toxicity in vivo. Once the anti-inflammatory activity and absence of toxicity of EPPR were verified, a gel formulation of EPPR was developed for topical use and analyzed for its in vivo anti-inflammatory potential, ocular toxicity, and previous stability assessment. EPPR and the gel containing EPPR showed effective anti-inflammatory activity and lack of toxicity. The formulation was stable. Thus, a new herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory activity can be developed from discarded pequi residue.

Optimization Studies and Compositional Oil Analysis of Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) Almonds by Supercritical CO2 Extraction.

Caryocar brasiliense Cambess (pequi) is the fruit of the pequizeiro tree found in the Brazilian Cerrado (savanna). Supercritical fluids have been used to effectively extract bioactive chemicals. In light of the paucity of research on the supercritical extraction of pequi, in this study, experimental tests were conducted on the extraction of pequi almond oil using supercritical CO2; the optimal extraction conditions were determined, and the fatty acids and active compounds in the oil were characterized. The experiments were conducted using the Box-Behnken experimental design of a three-variable system: pressure (15, 20, and 25 MPa), temperature (303.15, 318.15, and 333.15 K), and flow rate (2, 3, and 5 g.min-1). The optimal extraction conditions were 318.15 K, 25 MPa, and 5.0 g.min-1, which yielded 27.6 wt% of oil. The experimental kinetic curves were described using a second-order quadratic model (based on the Sovová model), which demonstrated a satisfactory correspondence with the kinetic curves. Significant amounts of squalene, stigmasterol, oleic fatty acids, and palmitic fatty acids were detected in pequi almond oil.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense): A Systematic Review.

Disorders in the inflammatory process underlie the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. The utilization of natural products as anti-inflammatory agents is a well-established approach in both traditional medicine and scientific research, with studies consistently demonstrating their efficacy in managing inflammatory conditions. Pequi oil, derived from Caryocar brasiliense, is a rich source of bioactive compounds including fatty acids and carotenoids, which exhibit immunomodulatory potential. This systematic review aims to comprehensively summarize the scientific evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of pequi oil. Extensive literature searches were conducted across prominent databases (Scopus, BVS, CINAHL, Cochrane, LILACS, Embase, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, FSTA, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science). Studies evaluating the immunomodulatory activity of crude pequi oil using in vitro, in vivo models, or clinical trials were included. Out of the 438 articles identified, 10 met the stringent inclusion criteria. These studies collectively elucidate the potential of pequi oil to modulate gene expression, regulate circulating levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, and mitigate oxidative stress, immune cell migration, and cardinal signs of inflammation. Moreover, negligible to no toxicity of pequi oil was observed across the diverse evaluated models. Notably, variations in the chemical profile of the oil were noted, depending on the extraction methodology and geographical origin. This systematic review strongly supports the utility of pequi oil in controlling the inflammatory process. However, further comparative studies involving oils obtained via different methods and sourced from various regions are warranted to reinforce our understanding of its effectiveness and safety.

Evaluation of Biocompatibility, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antinociceptive Activities of Pequi Oil-Based Nanoemulsions in In Vitro and In Vivo Models.

Pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense) contains bioactive compounds capable of modulating the inflammatory process; however, its hydrophobic characteristic limits its therapeutic use. The encapsulation of pequi oil in nanoemulsions can improve its biodistribution and promote its immunomodulatory effects. Thus, the objective of the present study was to formulate pequi oil-based nanoemulsions (PeNE) to evaluate their biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive effects in in vitro (macrophages­J774.16) and in vivo (Rattus novergicus) models. PeNE were biocompatible, showed no cytotoxic and genotoxic effects and no changes in body weight, biochemistry, or histology of treated animals at all concentrations tested (90−360 µg/mL for 24 h, in vitro; 100−400 mg/kg p.o. 15 days, in vivo). It was possible to observe antinociceptive effects in a dose-dependent manner in the animals treated with PeNE, with a reduction of 27 and 40% in the doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg of PeNE, respectively (p < 0.05); however, the treatment with PeNE did not induce edema reduction in animals with carrageenan-induced edema. Thus, the promising results of this study point to the use of free and nanostructured pequi oil as a possible future approach to a preventive/therapeutic complementary treatment alongside existing conventional therapies for analgesia.

Seasonal mite population distribution on Caryocar brasiliense trees in the Cerrado domain / Distribuição sazonal da população de ácaros em árvores de Caryocar brasiliense no domínio do Cerrado

Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) trees have a wide distribution in the Cerrado, and it is protected by federal laws. The need to monitor and understand pest damage to crops and forests is a major motivation for the study of population distribution. The mites (Acari) population distributions on C. brasiliense are unknown. We studied seasonal mite population distribution and their ecological indices on C. brasiliense trees in Cerrado areas during three years. Greatest number of Agistemus sp. (Stigmaeidae), Histiostoma sp. (Histiostomidae), Proctolaelaps sp. (Ascidae), and diversity and species richness on leaves of C. brasiliense occurred in the autumn; Tetranychus sp.1 (Tetranychidae) on leaves in the autumn and winter; Histiostoma sp., and Proctolaelaps sp. in fruits in the summer. No significant effect of season was observed in the abundance of Eutetranychus sp., Tetranychus sp.2 (Tetranychidae) and Acaridae. The populations of Acaridae, Eutetranychus sp., Proctolaelaps sp. and Tetranychus sp.1 negatively correlated with temperature. Proctolaelaps sp. and Tetranychus sp.1 correlated negatively with rainfall and Eutetranychus sp. and Proctolaelaps sp. positively with sunlight. The period with low rainfall and relative humidity increases the phytophagous mites and their predators, especially Agistemus sp.. The Tetranychus sp. and Histiostoma sp. species may become pests in C. brasiliense in the Cerrado domain.

As árvores Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) têm ampla distribuição no Cerrado e são protegidas por leis federais. A necessidade de monitorar e entender os danos causados pelas pragas às culturas e florestas é uma das motivações para o estudo da distribuição populacional que para ácaros (Acari) em C. brasiliense é desconhecida. A distribuição sazonal de populações de ácaros e seus índices ecológicos em C. brasiliense em áreas de Cerrado foram estudados durante três anos. Maior número de Agistemus sp. (Stigmaeidae), Histiostoma sp.(Histiostomidae), Proctolaelaps sp. (Ascidae) e diversidade e riqueza de espécies nas folhas de C. brasiliense ocorreram no outono; Tetranychus sp.1 (Tetranychidae) no outono e inverno; Histiostoma sp. e Proctolaelaps sp. em frutos ocorreram no verão. Não foram observados efeitos das estações na abundância de Eutetranychus sp., Tetranychus sp.2 (Tetranychidae) e Acaridae. As populações de Acaridae, Eutetranychus sp., Proctolaelaps sp. e Tetranychus sp.1 correlacionaram-se negativamente com a temperatura. Correlações negativas foram observadas entre chuva e Proctolaelaps sp. e Tetranychus sp.1 e positivas entre luz solar e Eutetranychus sp. e Proctolaelaps sp.. Baixa pluviosidade e umidade relativa do ar aumentaram os ácaros fitófagos e seus predadores, principalmente Agistemus sp.. As espécies Tetranychus sp. e Histiostoma sp. podem se tornar pragas em C. brasiliense no domínio do Cerrado.

Seasonal mite population distribution on Caryocar brasiliense trees in the Cerrado domain

Abstract Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) trees have a wide distribution in the Cerrado, and it is protected by federal laws. The need to monitor and understand pest damage to crops and forests is a major motivation for the study of population distribution. The mites (Acari) population distributions on C. brasiliense are unknown. We studied seasonal mite population distribution and their ecological indices on C. brasiliense trees in Cerrado areas during three years. Greatest number of Agistemus sp. (Stigmaeidae), Histiostoma sp. (Histiostomidae), Proctolaelaps sp. (Ascidae), and diversity and species richness on leaves of C. brasiliense occurred in the autumn; Tetranychus sp.1 (Tetranychidae) on leaves in the autumn and winter; Histiostoma sp., and Proctolaelaps sp. in fruits in the summer. No significant effect of season was observed in the abundance of Eutetranychus sp., Tetranychus sp.2 (Tetranychidae) and Acaridae. The populations of Acaridae, Eutetranychus sp., Proctolaelaps sp. and Tetranychus sp.1 negatively correlated with temperature. Proctolaelaps sp. and Tetranychus sp.1 correlated negatively with rainfall and Eutetranychus sp. and Proctolaelaps sp. positively with sunlight. The period with low rainfall and relative humidity increases the phytophagous mites and their predators, especially Agistemus sp.. The Tetranychus sp. and Histiostoma sp. species may become pests in C. brasiliense in the Cerrado domain.

Resumo As árvores Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) têm ampla distribuição no Cerrado e são protegidas por leis federais. A necessidade de monitorar e entender os danos causados pelas pragas às culturas e florestas é uma das motivações para o estudo da distribuição populacional que para ácaros (Acari) em C. brasiliense é desconhecida. A distribuição sazonal de populações de ácaros e seus índices ecológicos em C. brasiliense em áreas de Cerrado foram estudados durante três anos. Maior número de Agistemus sp. (Stigmaeidae), Histiostoma sp. (Histiostomidae), Proctolaelaps sp. (Ascidae) e diversidade e riqueza de espécies nas folhas de C. brasiliense ocorreram no outono; Tetranychus sp.1 (Tetranychidae) no outono e inverno; Histiostoma sp. e Proctolaelaps sp. em frutos ocorreram no verão. Não foram observados efeitos das estações na abundância de Eutetranychus sp., Tetranychus sp.2 (Tetranychidae) e Acaridae. As populações de Acaridae, Eutetranychus sp., Proctolaelaps sp. e Tetranychus sp.1 correlacionaram-se negativamente com a temperatura. Correlações negativas foram observadas entre chuva e Proctolaelaps sp. e Tetranychus sp.1 e positivas entre luz solar e Eutetranychus sp. e Proctolaelaps sp.. Baixa pluviosidade e umidade relativa do ar aumentaram os ácaros fitófagos e seus predadores, principalmente Agistemus sp.. As espécies Tetranychus sp. e Histiostoma sp. podem se tornar pragas em C. brasiliense no domínio do Cerrado.

Seasonal mite population distribution on Caryocar brasiliense trees in the Cerrado domain / Distribuição sazonal da população de ácaros em árvores de Caryocar brasiliense no domínio do Cerrado

Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) trees have a wide distribution in the Cerrado, and it is protected by federal laws. The need to monitor and understand pest damage to crops and forests is a major motivation for the study of population distribution. The mites (Acari) population distributions on C. brasiliense are unknown. We studied seasonal mite population distribution and their ecological indices on C. brasiliense trees in Cerrado areas during three years. Greatest number of Agistemus sp. (Stigmaeidae), Histiostoma sp. (Histiostomidae), Proctolaelaps sp. (Ascidae), and diversity and species richness on leaves of C. brasiliense occurred in the autumn; Tetranychus sp.1 (Tetranychidae) on leaves in the autumn and winter; Histiostoma sp., and Proctolaelaps sp. in fruits in the summer. No significant effect of season was observed in the abundance of Eutetranychus sp., Tetranychus sp.2 (Tetranychidae) and Acaridae. The populations of Acaridae, Eutetranychus sp., Proctolaelaps sp. and Tetranychus sp.1 negatively correlated with temperature. Proctolaelaps sp. and Tetranychus sp.1 correlated negatively with rainfall and Eutetranychus sp. and Proctolaelaps sp. positively with sunlight. The period with low rainfall and relative humidity increases the phytophagous mites and their predators, especially Agistemus sp.. The Tetranychus sp. And Histiostoma sp. species may become pests in C. brasiliense in the Cerrado domain.

As árvores Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) têm ampla distribuição no Cerrado e são protegidas por leis federais. A necessidade de monitorar e entender os danos causados pelas pragas às culturas e florestas é uma das motivações para o estudo da distribuição populacional que para ácaros (Acari) em C. brasiliense é desconhecida. A distribuição sazonal de populações de ácaros e seus índices ecológicos em C. brasiliense em áreas de Cerrado foram estudados durante três anos. Maior número de Agistemus sp. (Stigmaeidae), Histiostoma sp. (Histiostomidae), Proctolaelaps sp. (Ascidae) e diversidade e riqueza de espécies nas folhas de C. brasiliense ocorreram no outono; Tetranychus sp.1 (Tetranychidae) no outono e inverno; Histiostoma sp. e Proctolaelaps sp. em frutos ocorreram no verão. Não foram observados efeitos das estações na abundância de Eutetranychus sp., Tetranychus sp.2 (Tetranychidae) e Acaridae. As populações de Acaridae, Eutetranychus sp., Proctolaelaps sp. E Tetranychus sp.1 correlacionaram-se negativamente com a temperatura. Correlações negativas foram observadas entre chuva e Proctolaelaps sp. e Tetranychus sp.1 e positivas entre luz solar e Eutetranychus sp. e Proctolaelaps sp..Baixa pluviosidade e umidade relativa do ar aumentaram os ácaros fitófagos e seus predadores, principalmente Agistemus sp.. As espécies Tetranychus sp. e Histiostoma sp. podem se tornar pragas em C. brasiliense no domínio do Cerrado.

Intestinal GLUT5 and FAT/CD36 transporters and blood glucose are reduced by a carotenoid/MUFA-rich oil in high-fat fed mice.

AIMS: Intestinal nutrient absorption plays a vital role in developing obesity, and nutrient transporters expressed in the enterocytes facilitate this process. Moreover, previous studies have shown that specific foods and diets can affect their cell levels. Herein, we investigated the effects of pequi oil (PO), which is high in several bioactive compounds, on intestinal nutrient transporter levels as well as on intestinal morphology and metabolic biomarkers. MAIN METHODS: Groups of male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a standard (C) or a high-fat diet (HFD) and pequi oil (CP and HFDP with PO by gavage at 150 mg/day) for eight weeks. Food intake and body weight were monitored, serum metabolic biomarkers, intestinal transporter levels and histological analyses were performed. KEY FINDINGS: PO increased caloric intake without increasing body or fat mass regardless of diet. The HFD group treated with PO reduced fasting blood glucose and villus width. PO did not affect GLUT2, L-FABP, FATP4, NPC1L1, NHE3 or PEPT1 content in CP or HFDP groups. GLUT5 and FAT/CD36 levels were reduced in both CP and HFDP. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data suggest that PO attenuated monosaccharide and fatty acid absorption, contributing to lower fasting glycemia and higher food intake without affecting body weight or visceral fat of high-fat feed mice.

Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) by-product for lambs: Performance, feed intake, and nutrient digestibility / Subproducto de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) para corderos: Desempeño, consumo y digestibilidad de nutrientes / Subproduto de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) em cordeiros: Desempenho, consumo e digestibilidade dos nutrientes

Abstract Background: The use of pequi by-product as animal feed is an appealing alternative to reduce overall production costs. However, little is known regarding its effects on animal performance as well as the ideal inclusion level in the diet. Objective: To evaluate performance, intake, and digestibility of confined lambs receiving diets containing different levels of pequi by- product as a partial substitute for corn silage. Methods: The experiment was conducted in Curvelo, Brazil, using twenty-five crossbred Santa Inês male lambs (17.83 ± 1.73 kg) aged six months for 92 days. Increasing levels of pequi by-product (0, 6, 12, 18, and 24%) replacing corn silage were evaluated in a completely randomized design. Analysis of variance and regression were performed, with 5% significance level. Results: Inclusion of pequi by-product did not influence (p>0.05) average daily gain, total weight gain, or feed conversion ratio. No effect (p>0.05) was also observed on intake of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients. However, a linear decrease was observed (p<0.05) in the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients with increasing inclusion of pequi by-product. Conclusion: Pequi by-product is a potential substitute for corn silage in lamb diets because it does not influence animal performance and feed intake. However, digestibility decreases with increasing dietary inclusion levels of pequi by-product.

Resumen Antecedentes: la inclusion de subproductos de pequi en alimentación animal es una estrategia atractiva para reducir los costos de producción. Sin embargo, todavía se sabe poco sobre el efecto de este subproducto en el rendimiento de los animales, así como su nivel ideal de inclusión en la dieta. Objetivo: evaluar el rendimiento, consumo y digestibilidad en corderos confinados recibiendo dietas con subproducto de pequi en reemplazo parcial del ensilado de maíz. Métodos: el experimento se realizó en Curvelo, Brasil, utilizando 25 corderos machos cruzados de raza Santa Inês (17,83 ± 1,73 kg) y 6 meses de edad, durante 92 días. Se evaluaron niveles crecientes del subproducto de pequi (0, 6, 12, 18 y 24%) para sustituir el ensilado de maíz siguiendo un diseño completamente aleatorio. Los análisis de varianza y regresión se llevaron a cabo usando un nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados: la inclusión del subproducto de pequi no influyó (p>0,05) en la ganancia de peso diaria, ganancia de peso total, ni conversión alimenticia. No se observó efecto (p>0,05) en la ingesta de materia seca, materia orgánica, extracto etéreo, proteína bruta, fibra detergente neutra, carbohidratos totales y nutrientes digestibles totales. Sin embargo, se observó una reducción lineal (p<0,05) en la digestibilidad aparente de materia seca, materia orgánica, extracto etéreo, proteína bruta, fibra detergente neutra, carbohidratos totales y nutrientes digestibles totales con el aumento del nivel de inclusión del subproducto. Conclusión: el subproducto de pequi puede utilizarse como sustituto parcial del ensilado de maíz, ya que no afecta la ganancia de peso ni la ingesta de nutrientes. Sin embargo, la digestibilidad disminuye al aumentar el nivel de inclusión del subproducto en la dieta.

Resumo Antecedentes: o uso de subprodutos do pequi na alimentação animal é uma estratégia atraente que busca a redução dos custos de produção. Entretanto, pouco ainda se sabe sobre o efeito desse subproduto no desempenho animal assim como qual seria o nível ideal da sua inclusão na dieta. Objetivo: avaliar o desempenho, consumo e digestibilidade em cordeiros confinados recebendo dietas contendo subproduto de pequi em substituição à silagem de milho. Métodos: o experimento foi conduzido em Curvelo, Brasil, utilizando 25 cordeiros machos cruzados da raça Santa Inês (17,83 ± 1,73 kg) com 6 meses de idade durante 92 dias. Níveis crescentes do subproduto de pequi (0, 6, 12, 18 e 24%) foram avaliados em substituição à silagem de milho em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. A análise de variância e regressão foram conduzidas adotando 5% como nível de significância. Resultados: a inclusão do subproduto de pequi não influenciou (p>0,05) o ganho de peso médio diário, o ganho de peso total e a conversão alimentar. Também não foi observado efeito (p>0,05) no consumo de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, extrato etéreo, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, carboidratos totais e nutrientes digestíveis totais. Entretanto, foi observada redução linear (p<0,05) na digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, extrato etéreo, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, carboidratos totais e nutrientes digestíveis totais com o aumento da inclusão do subproduto. Conclusão: o subproduto de pequi pode ser utilizado como substituto parcial à silagem de milho uma vez que não influenciou o desempenho animal ou o consumo de nutrientes. No entanto, a digestibilidade diminuiu com o aumento do nível de inclusão do subproduto na dieta.

Profile of bioactive compounds in pequi (Caryocar brasilense Camb.) peel flours.

The bioactive compounds of pequi peel flours were characterized. Flavonoid contents ranged from 19.67 to 87.61 mg/100 g, high in comparison to many vegetables described in the literature. Gallic acid (11.52-418.67 mg/100 g), gallate ethyl (2026.75 - 5205.90 mg/100 g), ellagic acid (509.47 - 1630.66 mg/100 g), lutein (0.17-1.36 mg/100 g), ß-carotene (0.82 - 1.49 mg/100 g), and ß-cryptoxanthin (0.07 - 0.11 mg/100 g) were identified by HPLC, contributing to a greater valorization of the pequi peel flours. Phytochemical tests indicated the presence of hydrolyzable tannins and saponins. The detection of these compounds makes the product commercially attractive, in addition to generating value for an agro-industrial residue. The results obtained in this study confirm the multifunctional potential of pequi peel flour as a functional ingredient.

Bioguided chemical characterization of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) fruit peels towards an anti-diabetic activity.

Pequi fruit peels are an underexploited source of polyphenols. The anti-diabetic potential of an extract and fractions from the peels were evaluated in a panel of assays. The extract and fractions thereof inhibited the release of cytokines involved in insulin resistance - TNF, IL-1ß, and CCL2 - by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 cells. The ethyl acetate fraction inhibited in vitro α-glucosidase (pIC50 = 4.8 ± 0.1), an enzyme involved in the metabolization of starch and disaccharides to glucose, whereas a fraction enriched in tannins (16C) induced a more potent α-glucosidase inhibition (pIC50 = 5.3 ± 0.1). In the starch tolerance test in mice, fraction 16C reduced blood glucose level (181 ± 10 mg/dL) in comparison to the vehicle-treated group (238 ± 11 mg/dL). UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analyses disclosed phenolic acids and tannins as constituents, including corilagin and geraniin. These results highlight the potential of pequi fruit peels for developing functional foods to manage type-2 diabetes.

Potential interactions between herbivorous arthropods and of their natural enemies on Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae) trees

ABSTRACT The study of arthropod communities foraging on monocultures of native plants (e.g. Caryocar brasiliense) in biodiversity hotspots (e.g. Brazilian Cerrado) is important to understand the processes driving their performance. This study evaluated the possible interactions between galling herbivores, free-feeding arthropods, and of their natural enemies on C. brasiliense trees, in an orchard (monoculture). The possible competition observed were: i) between galling insects with defoliators and phytophagous mites, ii) between sucking insects, iii) between phytophagous mites and, iv) between Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) with Histiostoma sp. (Acari: Histiostomidae) on C. brasiliense trees. Numbers of predators and prey, parasitoids and hosts, and predators and parasitoids were directly related among them. The competitive interactions between herbivorous predator and parasitoid may reduce Eurytoma sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) populations, a potential pest of C. brasiliense. The predator Zelus armillatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and the parasitoids Sycophila sp. (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) and Ablerus magistretti (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) are important to determine the numbers of Eurytoma sp. and of its galls. These natural enemies may be important to control this galling insect on C. brasiliense trees. The arthropod competition affected their guild associated to C. brasiliense trees.

Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess)-Loaded Nanoemulsion, Orally Delivered, Modulates Inflammation in LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice.

Pequi is a Brazilian fruit used in folk medicine for pulmonary diseases treatment, but its oil presents bioavailability limitations. The use of nanocarriers can overcome this limitation. We developed nanoemulsions containing pequi oil (pequi-NE) and evaluated their effects in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury model. Free pequi oil or pequi-NE (20 mg/kg) was orally administered to A/J mice 16 and 4 h prior to intranasal LPS exposure, and the analyses were performed 24 h after LPS provocation. The physicochemical results revealed that pequi-NE comprised particles with mean diameter of 174-223 nm, low polydispersity index (0.11 ± 0.01), zeta potential of -7.13 ± 0.08 mV, and pH of 5.83 ± 0.12. In vivo evaluation showed that free pequi oil pretreatment reduced the influx of inflammatory cells into bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF), while pequi-NE completely abolished leukocyte accumulation. Moreover, pequi-NE, but not free pequi oil, reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO), TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, MCP-1, and KC levels. Similar anti-inflammatory effects were observed when LPS-exposed animals were pre-treated with the nanoemulsion containing pequi or oleic acid. These results suggest that the use of nanoemulsions as carriers enhances the anti-inflammatory properties of oleic acid-containing pequi oil. Moreover, pequi's beneficial effect is likely due its high levels of oleic acid.