Pollination Ecology, Breeding System, and Conservation of Butia lallemantii Deble & Marchiori (Arecaceae): A Useful Dwarf Palm Tree from the Pampa.

The Dwarf Palm, Butia lallemantii Deble & Marchiori, is an endangered species endemic to the Pampa biome and typically grows in sandy and rocky soils. Given its economic, ecological, and cultural relevance, it is crucial to understand the ecology and biology of this species to encourage its preservation and highlight its significance for the Pampa. This study aims to investigate whether this palm relies on animal vectors for pollination, analyze its breeding system, and propose strategies for its conservation and sustainable use. We conducted field observations on pollination ecology, identified floral visitors, and designed six breeding system experiments to test cross-compatibility, self-compatibility, and apomixis. Additionally, we conducted a literature review to propose conservation strategies. Butia lallemantii is pollinator-dependent and self-compatible. The flowers are mostly melittophilous and offer pollen and nectar for floral visitors. The main pollinators are native Meliponinae and Halictinae bees and the introduced Apis mellifera. This study represents the first comprehensive and complete examination of the breeding system and pollination process on Butia palms. This palm can provide materials for industries, but urgent actions are needed to preserve the remaining populations through effective policies and strategies. Furthermore, this palm should be integrated into diversified agroecosystems to evaluate its adaptability to cultivation.

Valorization of Different Fractions from Butiá Pomace by Pyrolysis: H2 Generation and Use of the Biochars for CO2 Capture.

This work valorizes butiá pomace (Butia capitata) using pyrolysis to prepare CO2 adsorbents. Different fractions of the pomace, like fibers, endocarps, almonds, and deoiled almonds, were characterized and later pyrolyzed at 700 °C. Gas, bio-oil, and biochar fractions were collected and characterized. The results revealed that biochar, bio-oil, and gas yields depended on the type of pomace fraction (fibers, endocarps, almonds, and deoiled almonds). The higher biochar yield was obtained by endocarps (31.9%wt.). Furthermore, the gas fraction generated at 700 °C presented an H2 content higher than 80%vol regardless of the butiá fraction used as raw material. The biochars presented specific surface areas reaching 220.4 m2 g-1. Additionally, the endocarp-derived biochar presented a CO2 adsorption capacity of 66.43 mg g-1 at 25 °C and 1 bar, showing that this material could be an effective adsorbent to capture this greenhouse gas. Moreover, this capacity was maintained for 5 cycles. Biochars produced from butiá precursors without activation resulted in a higher surface area and better performance than some activated carbons reported in the literature. The results highlighted that pyrolysis could provide a green solution for butiá agro-industrial wastes, generating H2 and an adsorbent for CO2.

Emerging Lipids from Arecaceae Palm Fruits in Brazil.

Arecaceae palm tree fruits (APTFs) with pulp or kernel rich in oil are widely distributed in six Brazilian biomes. APTFs represent a great potential for the sustainable exploitation of products with high added value, but few literature studies have reported their properties and industrial applications. The lack of information leads to underutilization, low consumption, commercialization, and processing of these fruit species. This review presents and discusses the occurrence of 13 APTFs and the composition, physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and potential applications of their 25 oils and fats. The reported studies showed that the species present different lipid profiles. Multivariate analysis based on principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) indicated a correlation between the composition of pulp and kernel oils. Myristic, caprylic, capric, and lauric acids are the main saturated fatty acids, while oleic acid is the main unsaturated. Carotenoids and phenolic compounds are the main bioactive compounds in APTFs, contributing to their high oxidative stability. The APTFs oils have a potential for use as foods and ingredients in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries. However, more studies are still necessary to better understand and exploit these species.

Bio-packaging based on cellulose acetate from banana pseudostem and containing Butia catarinensis extracts.

Banana (Musa acuminata) pseudostem cellulose was extracted and acetylated (CA) to prepare membranes with potential use as bio-packages. The CA membrane was embedded by Butia seed (CA-BS) or Butia pulp (CA-BP) extracts obtained from Butia catarinenses (Butia). The produced CA, CA-BS, and CA-BP membranes were evaluated for their physical-chemical, mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties. The process for obtaining the cellulose yielded a material with about 92.17% cellulose (DS = 2.85). The purity, cellulose degree acetylation, and the incorporation of Butia extracts into the membranes were confirmed by FTIR. The CA-BS and CA-BP membranes showed a smaller contact angle and higher swelling ratio than the CA membrane. Furthermore, Butia seed or pulp extracts reduced the elastic modulus and deformation at break compared to the CA membrane. The DSC analysis suggested the compatibility between sections and the CA matrix, whereas the TGA analysis confirmed the thermal stability of the membranes. Moreover, less than 1% of the Butia seed and pulp extracts were put into a food simulant media from the membrane. Finally, the CA-BS and CA-BP membranes could inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli on their surface, confirming the potential use of these membranes as bio-packaging for food preservation.

Development and properties of endodontic resin sealers with natural oils.

OBJECTIVES: To synthesize and evaluate the physicochemical, antimicrobial, and cytocompatibility properties of experimental resin-based endodontic sealers containing butia or copaiba natural oils. METHODS: Experimental groups contained butia (Butia capitata) at 0.5 % (B0.5), 1 % (B1), 2 % (B2), and copaiba (Copaifera spp.) at 0.5 % (C0.5), 1 % (C1), and 2 % (C2). The control group contained no added oils (experimental material, EM) and the commercial group was a methacrylate-based resin material (RealSeal™, SybronEndo Corporation, Orange, CA, USA). Degree of conversion, film thickness, setting time, flow, water sorption and solubility, and radiopacity were measured. Meanwhile, antimicrobial (modified direct contact test) and cytotoxicity assays of the experimental groups and controls were performed. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the effect of the independent variable (material) on the degree of conversion, film thickness, radiopacity, flow, setting time, water sorption and solubility, and cytotoxicity. For antimicrobial assays, data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Sidák's test. RESULTS: The experimental groups containing natural oils showed higher values of degree of conversion, and lowest water sorption and solubility. EM, B0.5, B1, B2, and RS showed similar film thicknesses. The flow values were statistically similar in all groups. The experimental groups showed adequate cell compatibility. Copaiba oil at 2% increased the antimicrobial effect after 1 and 24 h (p < 0.05). The incorporation of butia or copaiba resulted in a slight modification in some physicochemical properties of the experimental resin sealers. CONCLUSION: Novel resin sealers containing natural oils are a promising alternative for endodontics, because of their good physicochemical properties, antimicrobial effects, and cytocompatibility when compared to a commercially available sealer. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Endodontic sealers containing butia or copaiba had satisfactory cytocompatibility, antimicrobial effects, and adequate physicochemical properties.

Systematic revision and morphological phylogenetic analysis of Anchylorhynchus Schoenherr, 1836 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Derelomini).

Anchylorhynchus Schoenherr is a genus of palm-associated weevils currently including 22 described species in the Neotropics. These weevils engage in brood pollination interactions with species in at least four genera of palms (Arecaceae), representing an emerging system for the study of mutualisms. Here we revise the taxonomy of Anchylorhynchus and propose the first phylogenetic hypothesis for the group, based on morphology. Anchylorhynchus chrysomeloides sp. nov., Anchylorhynchus goiano sp. nov., Anchylorhynchus imitator sp. nov., Anchylorhynchus latipes sp. nov., Anchylorhynchus multisquamis sp. nov. and Anchylorhynchus rectus sp. nov. are described, Anchylorhynchus gottsbergerorum Vanin is a new junior subjective synonym of Anchylorhynchus bicarinatus O'Brien, and Anchylorhynchus eriospathae Bondar and Anchylorhynchus pictipennis Hustache are new junior subjective synonyms of Anchylorhynchus tremolerasi Hustache, resulting in 25 valid species for the genus. We provide genus and species descriptions with a new dichotomous key to the species and updated information on geography and host associations based on museum records and extensive new collections. We also produce a new morphological matrix with 113 characters, 11 of them based on measurements while accounting for allometry, correlation and power to delimit groups. The software pipeline to produce these characters was encoded in a graphical user interface named DiscretzR, made available here. Analysis of this matrix under parsimony and Bayesian inference resulted in strong support for the monophyly of Anchylorhynchus, but weaker support for most clades within the genus. Reconstruction of the host plant associations indicates that the common ancestor of Anchylorhynchus visited flowers of Syagrus Mart., with later transitions to other genera restricted to one of the major clades of Anchylorhynchus. This taxonomic revision with the first phylogeny for the group provides a foundation for future evolutionary studies in the genus.

Butiá fruit extract (Butia eriospatha) protects against oxidative damage and increases lifespan on Caenorhabditis elegans.

Butiá (Butia eriospatha) is a fruit of a palm tree belonging to the family Arecaceae, native to South America. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of butiá extract using Caenorhabditis elegans as animal model. Initially, we performed survival experiments, reproduction, resistance to oxidative stress (post or pre-treatment with paraquat or hydrogen peroxide), longevity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase GFP reporters' expression. We observed that butiá extract did not affect the worms' survival. Similarly, egg laying also showed no significant difference between treatments. None of the extract concentrations tested was able to significantly protect or reverse paraquat-induced oxidative stress. However, they were able to reverse the oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. In addition, butiá extract increased C. elegans lifespan under stress and not per se. Our results demonstrate that the Butiá is able to extend the lifespan of the nematode C. elegans and that this effect may be mediated by an induced resistance to oxidative stress. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The practical applications of this research are to expand and bring scientific knowledge to the population about the benefits of the consumption of this native fruit from the southern region of Brazil. Many fruits and other plant foods are consumed and spread with benefits without proper scientific proof of these benefits. This fruit is widely cultivated and its production and consumption can be expanded from these results. Still, we point out that this is the first time that the benefits of this fruit are studied.

The Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Butia sp.: A Systematic Review and an Overview of the Technological Monitoring Process.

The Butia sp. are native South America trees, whose fruits are consumed in natura and have significant biological properties; however, trees of this genus plant are in danger of extinction. A systematic review of the literature and a technological overview were carried out to summarize the available evidence on the therapeutic uses and the phytochemical compounds of Butia sp. The following electronic databases were researched: MedLine (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, and the gray literature. Furthermore, the online system such as the US Patent and Trademark Office, Espacenet, National Institute of Industrial Property, and Google Patents were accessed to obtain patent data. The inclusion criteria were articles that describe either the therapeutic uses of Butia sp. (antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, antineoplastic activity) or studies describing phytochemical compounds of Butia sp. A limited amount of manual search was also undertaken. Reference lists were scanned to identify other relevant studies, and requests for unpublished data were conducted to people working in the field. Among 12 papers and 14 patents, 9 complete texts of scientific articles and 1 patent were scrutinised by two reviewers. We concluded that Butia has shown some antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity, and its use could have important implications for future therapeutic uses. Although there is evidence of pharmacological potential from in vitro studies, clinical studies must be conducted to confirm the effectiveness of Butia sp. The evidence of its therapeutic uses has not been extensively studied yet, and the available evidence still needs further confirmation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hormonal profile and the role of cell expansion in the germination control of Cerrado biome palm seeds.

Little information is currently available concerning the mechanisms controlling palm seed germination. We compared the anatomical and physiological aspects of seeds of two neotropical palm species showing different levels of dormancy. The seeds of Attalea vitrivir and Butia capitata were evaluated for the endogenous contents of hormones (ABA, GAs, CKs, BRs, IAA, JA, SA and the ethylene precursor ACC) in their cotyledonary petiole and operculum (structures involved in germination control), the force necessary to displace the operculum, endo-ß-mannanase activities, and embryo cell elongation. The analyses were carried out on with intact dry and imbibed seeds as well as with seeds with the operculum mechanically removed, 2, 5 and 10 days after sowing. The germinabilities of the intact seeds of A. vitrivir and B. capitata were 68% and 3%, respectively; the removal of the operculum increased germination to more than 90% in both species. Reductions of ABA and increases in GAs contents coincided with cell elongation, although there is no evidence that hormonal balance and endo-ß-mannanase activity are involved in operculum weakening. The ratio between the embryo length and the force required for operculum displacement (EL/OF) was found to be 1.9 times greater in A. vitrivir than in B. capitata, which means that very small elongations in each cell would be sufficient to promote germination, resulting in a lower level of dormancy in the former species. EL/OF and cell growth control are therefore important for defining dormancy level in palm seeds.

Pindo Palm fruit yield and its relationship with edaphic factors in natural populations in Rio Grande do Sul / Produção de frutos de butiazeiro e sua relação com fatores edáficos em populações naturais do Rio Grande do Sul

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the fruit yield of naturally occurring populations of Pindo palms ( Butia odorata ) in different habitats and agricultural ecosystems. Three areas were selected in the municipalities of Barra do Ribeiro, Tapes and Arambaré, all of which are located on the Litoral Médio in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Eleven 25x100m² plots were selected in the aforementioned areas, and fruit yield was evaluated in the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Chemical conditions of the soil in each plot, elevation of terrain, height, and density of the reproductive Pindo palms were also assessed. Data analysis revealed a strong correlation between the edaphic conditions and the yield from the Pindo palms. Tapes Pindo palms exhibited higher fruit yield as a result of an increase in the number of bunches produced per plant, along with highly fertile soils and greater availability of calcium and magnesium. The lowest fruit yields were linked to nutrient-poor soils in Brachiaria pastures, as well as sandy plains containing high levels of sodium. Changes in the characteristics of the soils associated with habitat and management influenced the fruit yield of Pindo palms.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produtividade de butiazeiros ( Butia odorata ) em áreas de ocorrência natural sob a influência de diferentes habitats e agroecossistemas. Três áreas correspondentes aos Municípios de Barra do Ribeiro, Tapes e Arambaré, situados no Litoral Médio do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul foram selecionadas. Nessas áreas, foram distribuídas 11 parcelas de 25x100m² e avaliada a produção nas frutificações de 2008 e 2009. Em cada parcela, também foram avaliadas as condições químicas do solo, a elevação do terreno, a altura e a densidade de butiazeiros reprodutivos. As análises dos dados revelaram uma forte relação entre as condições edáficas e a produtividade dos butiazeiros. O butiazal de Tapes apresentou maior produção de frutos, resultante do aumento de cachos produzidos por planta, estando associada aos solos mais férteis e com maior disponibilidade de cálcio e magnésio. A menor produção de frutos foi relacionada com solos pobres em nutrientes, cobertos com pastagens de braquiária, assim como em planícies arenosas, com elevados teores de sódio. Mudanças nas características do solo, associadas com o habitat e o manejo, influenciam na produção de frutos de butiazeiro.

Bioactive compounds in pindo palm (Butia capitata) juice and in pomace resulting of the extraction process.

BACKGROUND: Pindo palm (Butia capitata, Becc. 1916) is a tropical fruit native to South America and is relatively rich in bioactive compounds. It is often consumed as juice. The aim of this study was, first, to identify the degradation of these compounds by pasteurization and by cold storage (4 °C) of pindo palm juice. Physicochemical properties and concentrations of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and vitamin C have been evaluated on fresh and pasteurized juices. Moreover, another objective was to characterize the nutritional composition and the bioactive compounds of pindo palm pomace, the by-product of juice processing. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a degradation of carotenoids with pasteurization and a degradation of vitamin C with both pasteurization and cold storage of juices. Furthermore, the evaluation of pindo palm pomace showed that it is relatively rich in total phenols (20.06 g gallic acid equivalents kg(-1) dry matter) and in ß-carotene (0.22 g kg(-1) dry matter). CONCLUSION: Thus, from the nutrition viewpoint, it does not seem interesting to pasteurize juice. On the other hand, extraction of carotenoids and phenolic compounds from the pomace appears to be a relevant process.

Bioactive and yield potential of jelly palms (Butia odorata Barb. Rodr.).

In this descriptive study, Butia odorata genotypes were evaluated for yield, fruit number, pulp yield, bioactive content (including phenolic compounds, carotenoid, anthocyanin, L-ascorbic acid, and fibre content), antioxidant potential, and phenotypic characteristics. Genotype 117 was the highest yielding, with an estimated fruit yield of 22,000 kg ha(-1) and pulp yield of 12,000 kg ha(-1). On the other hand, the lowest yielding genotype, accession 49, showed an estimated fruit yield of 8400 kg ha(-1). Jelly palm fruit were generally rich in phenolic content (280.50-398.50 mg 100(-1)g), carotenoid content (2.80-4.08 mg 100 g(-1)), and L-ascorbic acid content (34.63-63.84 mg 100g(-1)). While the highest yielding genotype was not the richest in bioactive content, the lowest yielding genotype showed the highest l-ascorbic acid content. Although fruit yield and phytochemical composition are desirable attributes in jelly palm fruit, none of the genotypes evaluated showed high levels of both. Therefore, fruit yield and bioactive phytochemical content appear to be inversely proportional.

Antioxidant capacity and bioactive compounds of four Brazilian native fruits.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of extracts from araçá (Psidium cattleianum), butiá (Butia eriospatha), and pitanga (Eugenia uniflora) fruits with different flesh colors (i.e., purple, red, and orange), and blackberries (Rubus sp.; cv. Xavante and Cherokee) collected in the southern region of Brazil. The content of ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, and phenolics were determined. The profile of the phenolic compounds was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The antioxidant activity was determined using the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) assay, total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP) assay, and total antioxidant reactivity (TAR) assay. The Xavante blackberry and purple-fleshed pitanga showed the highest total phenolic content [816.50 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100g and 799.80 mg GAE/100g, respectively]. The araçá and red-fleshed pitanga showed the highest carotenoid content (6.27 ug ß-carotene/g and 5.86 ug ß-carotene/g, respectively). The fruits contained several phenolic compounds such as quercetin derivatives, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, and cyanidin derivatives, which may contribute differentially to the antioxidant capacity. The highest scavenging activity in the DPPH assay was found for purple-fleshed pitanga (IC50 36.78 mg/L), blackberries [IC50 44.70 (Xavante) and IC50 78.25 mg/L (Cherokee)], and araçá (IC50 48.05 mg/L), which also showed the highest FRAP, followed by orange- and red-fleshed pitanga. Our results revealed that some fruits grown in southern Brazil such as purple-fleshed pitanga, blackberries, and araçá are rich sources of phenolic compounds and have great antioxidant activity.

Phytochemical and biological studies of Butia capitata Becc. leaves cultivated in Egypt.

OBJECTIVE: To study the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Butia capitata (B. capitata) leaf extracts along with phytochemical analysis of the proposed bioactive constituents. METHODS: Different successive extracts of B. capitata Becc. leaves were prepared with selective organic solvents and screened for their anti-inflammatory activities in tested animals and in-vitro antioxidant effect. An extensive phytochemical investigation of the bioactive extracts through paper chromatography, thin layer chromatography, column chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), high pressure liquid chromatography and spectral analysis. GC-Mass, ultraviolet, hydrogen and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance, electron ionization-mass spectrometry, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation and heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation were carried out. RESULTS: Results showed that different extracts possess promising antioxidant effect and significant anti-inflammatory activity with variable degrees. The results of the phytochemical investigation of the bioactive extracts revealed the presence of volatile substances, lipoidal matter, α-tocopherol, free sugars, polysaccharides and flavonoidal compounds. CONCLUSIONS: B. capitata leaf extracts were shown to possess variable antioxidant effect, the most promising was methanol extract. Both polar and non polar extracts were proved to have anti-inflammatory activity, the non polar extract was superior in this respect. The bioactivity of the extracts was ascribed to the presence of flavonoids, sterols and α-tocopherol.

Curculio Curculis lupus: biology, behavior and morphology of immatures of the cannibal weevil Anchylorhynchus eriospathae G. G. Bondar, 1943.

Weevils are one of the largest groups of living organisms, with more than 60,000 species feeding mostly on plants. With only one exception, their described larvae are typical plant-feeders, with mouthparts adapted to chewing plant material. Here we describe the second case of a weevil with early-instar larvae adapted to killing conspecifics. We have studied the life history of Anchylorhynchus eriospathae G. G. Bondar, 1943 (Curculioninae: Derelomini sensuCaldara, Franz & Oberprieler (2014)), a species whose immatures feed internally on palm flowers and fruits. We provide detailed descriptions of all immature stages, including the extremely modified first-instar larva. Unlike other weevils and later instars, this stage exhibits a flat body with very long ventropedal lobe setae, a large and prognathous head with a gula, and falciform mandibles, each with a serrate retinaculum, that are used to fight with and eventually kill other first-instar larvae. We also provide biological notes on all stages and the results of behavioral tests that showed that larval aggression occurs only among early life stages. Finally we show that adult size is highly dependent on timing of oviposition. This specialized killer first instar probably evolved independently from the one other case known in weevils, in Revena rubiginosa (Conoderinae: Bariditae sensuPrena, Colonnelli & Hespenheide (2014)). Interestingly, both lineages inhabit the same hosts, raising the possibility that both intra- and inter-specific competition shaped those phenotypes. Given the scarcity of knowledge on early larval stages of concealed insect herbivores, it is possible that our findings represent an instance of a much broader phenomenon. Our observations also allowed us to conclude that Anchylorhynchus eriospathae and A. hatschbachi G. G. Bondar, 1943 are actually the same species, which we synonymize here by considering the latter as a junior synonym (new synonymy).

Phytochemical and biological studies of Butia capitata Becc. leaves cultivated in Egypt

Objective: To study the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Butia capitata (B. capitata) leaf extracts along with phytochemical analysis of the proposed bioactive constituents.Methods:organic solvents and screened for their anti-inflammatory activities in tested animals and in-vitro antioxidant effect. An extensive phytochemical investigation of the bioactive extracts through paper chromatography, thin layer chromatography, column chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), high pressure liquid chromatography and spectral analysis. GC-Mass, ultraviolet, hydrogen and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance, electron ionization-mass spectrometry, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation and heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation were carried out.Results:Results showed that different extracts possess promising antioxidant effect and Different successive extracts of B. capitata Becc. leaves were prepared with selective significant anti-inflammatory activity with variable degrees. The results of the phytochemical investigation of the bioactive extracts revealed the presence of volatile substances, lipoidal matter, α-tocopherol, free sugars, polysaccharides and flavonoidal compounds.Conclusions: B. capitata leaf extracts were shown to possess variable antioxidant effect, the most promising was methanol extract. Both polar and non polar extracts were proved to have anti-inflammatory activity, the non polar extract was superior in this respect. The bioactivity of the extracts was ascribed to the presence of flavonoids, sterols and α-tocopherol.

Phytochemical and biological studies of Butia capitata Becc. leaves cultivated in Egypt

Objective: To study the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Butia capitata (B. capitata) leaf extracts along with phytochemical analysis of the proposed bioactive constituents. Methods: Different successive extracts of B. capitata Becc. leaves were prepared with selective organic solvents and screened for their anti-inflammatory activities in tested animals and in-vitro antioxidant effect. An extensive phytochemical investigation of the bioactive extracts through paper chromatography, thin layer chromatography, column chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), high pressure liquid chromatography and spectral analysis. GC-Mass, ultraviolet, hydrogen and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance, electron ionization-mass spectrometry, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation and heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation were carried out. Results: Results showed that different extracts possess promising antioxidant effect and significant anti-inflammatory activity with variable degrees. The results of the phytochemical investigation of the bioactive extracts revealed the presence of volatile substances, lipoidal matter, α-tocopherol, free sugars, polysaccharides and flavonoidal compounds. Conclusions: B. capitata leaf extracts were shown to possess variable antioxidant effect, the most promising was methanol extract. Both polar and non polar extracts were proved to have anti-inflammatory activity, the non polar extract was superior in this respect. The bioactivity of the extracts was ascribed to the presence of flavonoids, sterols and a-tocopherol.

Phytochemical and biological studies of Butia capitata Becc. leaves cultivated in Egypt

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of Butia capitata (B. capitata) leaf extracts along with phytochemical analysis of the proposed bioactive constituents.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Different successive extracts of B. capitata Becc. leaves were prepared with selective organic solvents and screened for their anti-inflammatory activities in tested animals and in-vitro antioxidant effect. An extensive phytochemical investigation of the bioactive extracts through paper chromatography, thin layer chromatography, column chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), high pressure liquid chromatography and spectral analysis. GC-Mass, ultraviolet, hydrogen and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance, electron ionization-mass spectrometry, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation and heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation were carried out.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Results showed that different extracts possess promising antioxidant effect and significant anti-inflammatory activity with variable degrees. The results of the phytochemical investigation of the bioactive extracts revealed the presence of volatile substances, lipoidal matter, α-tocopherol, free sugars, polysaccharides and flavonoidal compounds.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>B. capitata leaf extracts were shown to possess variable antioxidant effect, the most promising was methanol extract. Both polar and non polar extracts were proved to have anti-inflammatory activity, the non polar extract was superior in this respect. The bioactivity of the extracts was ascribed to the presence of flavonoids, sterols and α-tocopherol.</p>

Use of palmae wax hydrocarbon fractions as chemotaxonomical markers in Butia and Syagrus / Uso de frações de hidrocarbonetos de palmeiras como marcadores quimiotaxonômicos em Butia e Syagrus

The wax hydrocarbon fractions of native Butia and Syagrus species collected from Palms in different regions of the of Rio Grande do Sul state (Brazil) and in Rocha (Uruguay) were analyzed to evaluate their potential as chemotaxonomic markers. The wax was extracted with chloroform and the resulting wax was fractionated by preparative TLC. The hydrocarbon fractions were analyzed by GC-MS. Statistical analyses were completed with the Statistica 5.0 program. The total crude wax yields averaged 0.31% w.w–1 dried leaves for Butia samples and 0.28% for Syagrus samples. The linear hydrocarbons represented on average 15% of the total waxes in the case of Butia samples and 13.7% in Syagrus samples. Hentriacontane and triacontane were the main components of all samples. The comparison of the means showed significant differences among Butia and Syagrus samples, and amongst Butia samples collected in different localities. In the case of the Syagrus collections no consistent groupings could be made. In the case of Butia samples the formation of three groupings could be observed, which were consistent with the species described for their geographical distribution. These results are discussed in the paper.

Frações de hidrocarbonetos das ceras de espécies nativas de Butia e Syagrus coletadas de palmeiras em diferentes regiões do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil) e em Rocha (Uruguai) foram analisadas para avaliar o seu potencial como marcadores quiomiotaxonômicos. As ceras foram extraídas com clorofórmio e fracionadas por TLC preparativo. As frações de hidrocarbonetos foram analisadas por CG-EM. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com auxílio do programa Statistica 5.0. O rendimento total de cera das folhas secas foi de 0,31% g.g–1 para as amostras de Butia e de 0,28% para Syagrus. Os hidrocarbonetos lineares representaram em média 15 e 13% do total das ceras para Butia e Syagrus, respectivamente. Hentriacontano e triacontano foram os compostos majoritários em todas as amostras. A comparação de médias mostrou diferenças significativas entre as amostras de Butia e Syagrus e entre as amostras de Butia coletadas em diferentes localidades. As amostras de Syagrus não formaram agrupamentos relacionados com os locais de coleta. Já no caso de Butia, três agrupamentos puderam ser observados e são consistentes com a distribuição geográfica desta espécie. Estes resultados são discutidos no trabalho.

Qualidade pós-colheita de frutos de butiá em função do estádio de maturação na colheita e do manejo da temperatura / Postharvest quality of jelly palm fruits as a result of maturity stage at harvest and temperature management

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos do estádio de maturação na colheita, da temperatura de armazenamento e do tempo para o resfriamento na preservação da qualidade pós-colheita de frutos de butiá. Os frutos foram colhidos em três estádios de maturação (verde, verde-amarelo e amarelo) e armazenados a 0±2°C e 20±2°C. Frutos armazenados a 0±2°C apresentaram melhor retenção de firmeza, de cor verde da epiderme, de acidez total titulável (ATT) e de sólidos solúveis totais (SST), em relação àqueles armazenados a 20±2°C. Os benefícios da refrigeração na preservação pós-colheita foram maiores para frutos colhidos em estádio verde, apesar da sua qualidade inferior, caracterizada pelos altos valores de ATT e baixos valores de SST em relação aos colhidos nos estádios verde-amarelo e amarelo. Frutos armazenados a 0±2°C não apresentaram sintoma de injúria por frio. Durante todo o período de armazenamento, não foi possível observar a ocorrência de climatério respiratório. Não houve diferença significativa nas taxas respiratórias pós-colheita entre os estádios de maturação dos frutos na colheita. O incremento na temperatura de armazenamento de 0 a 30°C ocasionou um aumento significativo nas taxas respiratórias de 50,26 a 658,35 nmol CO2 kg-1 s-1, segundo um modelo sigmoidal, ou seja, um rápido incremento entre 0 a 10°C, seguido de um aumento gradual, tendendo a um equilíbrio na temperatura de 30°C. Houve efeito positivo da imediata refrigeração dos frutos após a colheita na preservação da firmeza, da cor verde da epiderme e da ATT, mas não dos teores de SST. A alta perecibilidade de butiá requer o imediato resfriamento a 0°C, de frutos colhidos no estádio de maturação verde-amarelo, visando a preservar a sua qualidade pós-colheita.

This research was carried out to assess the effects of maturity stage at harvest, storage temperature, and cooling delay on postharvest quality preservation of jelly palm fruits. The fruits were harvested at three maturity stages (green, yellow-green, and yellow) and stored at 0 2°C and 20 2°C. Fruits stored at 0 2°C showed better retention of firmness, green color of the skin, total titratable acidity (TTA), and total soluble solids (TSS) than fruits stored at 20 2°C. Fruits harvested at the green maturity stage showed the best benefit from cold storage for postharvest preservation, despite of its poorest sensorial quality, characterized by the higher values of TTA and lower values of TSS than fruits harvested at yellow-green and yellow maturity stages. Fruits stored at 0 2°C did not show any symptom of chilling injury. Along the entire storage period, the fruits did not exhibit a climacteric respiratory pattern. Fruits harvested at different maturity stages did not show significant difference in terms of respiration rates. Thee increment of storage temperature from 0 to 30°C significantly increased the respiration rates from 50.26 to 658.35nmol CO2 kg-1 s-1. This respiratory increase followed a sigmoid model, with a rapid increase between 0 and 10°C, and a more modest increase towards the temperature of 30°C. There was a positive effect of immediate cooling after harvest on fruit retention of firmness, skin green color, and TTA, but not on TSS. Since jelly palm fruit is highly perishable, it should be harvested at the yellow-green maturity stage and then immediately stored at 0°C to preserve its postharvest quality.