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Lima RC, Carvalho APAD, Almeida AECCD, Conte-Junior CA. Bioactive compounds and benefits of by-products of Amazon babassu oil production: potential for dietary supplement, biomedical and food applications. Food Funct 2024. [PMID: 38814112 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo01594k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Babassu coconut (Attalea speciosa syn. Orbignya phalerata) contains an oil-rich nut and is primarily found in South America's Amazon region. Future market researchers predict an increase in the babassu oil market from USD 227.7 million in 2022 to USD 347.0 million by 2032, and the yield of babassu oil from babassu-processed waste could reach 90%. Of these, mesocarp flour is an underrated by-product used only for animal feed purposes by local producers. This comprehensive review focuses on advances in knowledge and understanding of phytochemicals from babassu oil by-products considering the mechanisms of action - covering antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. Babassu coconut fruit contains free fatty acids, (poly)phenols, phytosterols, and triterpenes. Pytochemicals, antiparasitic and antibacterial activities of babassu mesocarp flour were shown, but fungi and viruses can get more attention. Beyond its antioxidant capacity, babassu mesocarp flour showed potential as a dietary food supplement. Aqueous suspensions of mesocarp flour with a higher preference for cancer cells than normal cells and an antithrombotic effect were also identified, probably related to the antioxidant capacity of its secondary metabolites. Mesocarp flour, a starch-rich fraction, is promising for application as biodegradable packaging to improve the oxidative stability of foods. Finally, low-added value fractions can be considered bio-waste/co-products, and their phytochemicals may attract interest for applications in medicine and nutrition. Toxicological concerns, trends, and gaps are discussed for the future of foods and related sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayssa Cruz Lima
- Graduate Program in Sanitary Surveillance (PPGVS), National Institute of Health Quality Control, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040900, Brazil.
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941909, Brazil
- Research Support Group on Nanomaterials, Polymers, and Interaction with Biosystems (BioNano), Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941909, Brazil
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941598, Brazil
- Analytical and Molecular Laboratorial Center (CLAn), Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941909, Brazil
| | - Anna Paula Azevedo de Carvalho
- Graduate Program in Sanitary Surveillance (PPGVS), National Institute of Health Quality Control, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040900, Brazil.
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941909, Brazil
- Research Support Group on Nanomaterials, Polymers, and Interaction with Biosystems (BioNano), Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941909, Brazil
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941598, Brazil
- Analytical and Molecular Laboratorial Center (CLAn), Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941909, Brazil
| | - Antonio Eugenio Castro Cardoso de Almeida
- Graduate Program in Sanitary Surveillance (PPGVS), National Institute of Health Quality Control, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040900, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
- Graduate Program in Sanitary Surveillance (PPGVS), National Institute of Health Quality Control, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040900, Brazil.
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941909, Brazil
- Research Support Group on Nanomaterials, Polymers, and Interaction with Biosystems (BioNano), Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941909, Brazil
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941598, Brazil
- Analytical and Molecular Laboratorial Center (CLAn), Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941909, Brazil
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Agostini-Costa TDS. Bioactive compounds and health benefits of some palm species traditionally used in Africa and the Americas - A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 224:202-229. [PMID: 29842962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE According to previous ethno-medicinal reviews, Cocos nucifera, Elaeis guineensis and Phoenix dactylifera are among the main palms which are often used on the American and African continents to treat infections, infestations and disorders in the digestive, respiratory, genito-urinary, dermal, endocrine, cardiovascular, muscular-skeletal, mental and neural systems, as well as neoplasms, dental issues and metabolic and nutritional disorders. In addition, one or more species of the wild genera Acrocomia, Areca, Astrocaryum, Attalea, Bactris, Borassus, Calamus, Chamaedorea, Chamaerops, Euterpe, Hyphaene, Mauritia, Oenocarpus and Syagrus have a high number of records of these ethno-medicinal uses. The most used parts of the palm tree are the fruits, followed by roots, seeds, leaves and flower sap. AIM OF THE STUDY This review discusses the phytochemical composition and the pharmacological properties of these important ethno-medicinal palms, aiming to provide a contribution to future research prospects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Significant information was compiled from an electronic search in widely used international scientific databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, SciFinder, Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley on line Library, Scielo, ACS Publications), and additional information was obtained from dissertations, theses, books and other relevant websites. RESULTS Palms, in general, are rich in oils, terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Fruits of many species are notable for their high content of healthy oils and fat-soluble bioactive compounds, mainly terpenoids, such as pigment carotenoids (and provitamin A), phytosterols, triterpene pentacyclics and tocols (and vitamin E), while other species stood out for their phenolic compounds derived from benzoic and cinnamic acids, along with flavan-3-ol, flavone, flavonol, and stilbene compounds or anthocyanin pigments. In addition to fruits, other parts of the plant such as seeds, leaves, palm heart, flowers and roots are also sources of many bioactive compounds. These compounds are linked to the ethno-medicinal use of many palms that improve human health against infections, infestations and disorders of human systems. CONCLUSIONS Palms have provided bioactive samples that validate their effectiveness in traditional medicine. However, the intensive study of all palm species related to ethno-medicinal use is needed, along with selection of the most appropriate palm accessions, ripe stage of the fruit and /or part of the plant. Furthermore, the complete profiles of all phytochemicals, their effects on animal models and human subjects, and toxicological and clinical trials are suggested, which, added to the incorporation of improved technological processes, should represent a significant advance for the implementation of new opportunities with wide benefits for human health.
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Torres OJM, Santos OJD, Moura RSD, Serra HO, Ramos VP, Melo SPDC, Loureiro CMB. ACTIVITY OF ORBIGNYA PHALERATA AND EUTERPE EDULES IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF PEPTIC ULCER IN RATS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 31:e1390. [PMID: 30133682 PMCID: PMC6097162 DOI: 10.1590/0102-672020180001e1390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peptic ulcer is considered a public health problem associated with loss of quality of life. Does not exist optimal therapeutic regimen. The search for alternative treatments using foods or plants that may assist in gastric protection may become marked in this population because of their easy access and low cost. AIM To study the antiulcerogenic activity of extracts of Orbignya phalerata (babaçu) and Euterpe edules (juçara) in Wistar rats after induction of peptic ulcer, compared with Omeprazole. METHOD Forty Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: group I, II, III, IV (10 rats each) subjected to extract of Orbignya phalerata, Euterpe edules, Omeprazole and ethanol, respectively. Each group of 10 rats was divided into subgroups of five for prophylaxis and therapeutic study. RESULTS The pre-treatment with juçara extract has provided a significant protection against peptic ulcer induced by ethanol. In the prophylactic subgroup, Omeprazole resulted in protection. In addition to protection against peptic ulcer, inflammation and neocapillarization were also variables with a statistical significance in the prophylaxis subgroups using omeprazole and juçara. In the therapeutic subgroup, omeprazole, juçara and babaçu were statistically different as for protection against the presence of inflammation and the healing of ulcers. CONCLUSION The extracts of juçara and babaçu behaved as the omeprazole, evidencing the therapeutic activity of these extracts.
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Antileishmanial and Immunomodulatory Effect of Babassu-Loaded PLGA Microparticles: A Useful Drug Target to Leishmania amazonensis Infection. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:3161045. [PMID: 30046335 PMCID: PMC6036798 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3161045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The immunological and the anti-Leishmania amazonensis activity of babassu-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) [PLGA] microparticles was evaluated. The anti-Leishmania activity was evaluated against promastigotes or amastigotes forms, in Balb/c macrophages. The size of the microparticles ranged from 3 to 6.4 μm, with a zeta potential of −25 mV and encapsulation efficiency of 48%. The anti-Leishmania activity of the PLGA microparticles loaded with the aqueous extract of babassu mesocarp (MMP) (IC50) was 10-fold higher than that free extract (Meso). MMP exhibited overall bioavailability and was very effective in eliminating intracellular parasites. MMP also reduced ex vivo parasite infectivity probably by the increased production of nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and TNF-α indicating the activation of M1 macrophages. The overexpression of TNF-α did not impair cell viability, suggesting antiapoptotic effects of MMP. In conclusion, babassu-loaded microparticles could be useful for drug targeting in the treatment of leishmaniasis, due to the immunomodulatory effect on macrophage polarization and the increased efficacy as an anti-Leishmania product after the microencapsulation. These findings are of great relevance since the development of new drugs for the treatment of neglected diseases is desirable, mainly if we consider the high morbidity and mortality rates of leishmaniasis worldwide.
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Barroqueiro ESB, Prado DS, Barcellos PS, Silva TA, Pereira WS, Silva LA, Maciel MCG, Barroqueiro RB, Nascimento FRF, Gonçalves AG, Guerra RNM. Immunomodulatory and Antimicrobial Activity of Babassu Mesocarp Improves the Survival in Lethal Sepsis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2016; 2016:2859652. [PMID: 27630733 PMCID: PMC5007311 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2859652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Attalea speciosa syn Orbignya phalerata Mart. (babassu) has been used in the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases. Aim of the study. To investigate the antimicrobial and immunological activity of babassu mesocarp extract (EE). Material and Methods. The in vitro antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion assay and by determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The flavonoids and phenolic acids content were determined by chromatography. The in vivo assays were performed in Swiss mice submitted to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The mice received EE subcutaneously (125 or 250 mg/Kg), 6 hours after the CLP. The number of lymphoid cells was quantified and the cytokines production was determined by ELISA after 12 h. Results. EE was effective as antimicrobial to E. faecalis, S. aureus, and MRSA. EE is rich in phenolic acids, a class of compounds with antimicrobial and immunological activity. An increased survival can be observed in those groups, possibly due to a significant inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6. Conclusions. The EE showed specific antimicrobial activity in vitro and an important antiseptic effect in vivo possibly due to the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S. B. Barroqueiro
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratorio de Imunofisiologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Cidade Univesitária Dom Delgado, No. 1966, Avenida dos Portugueses, 6080-580 São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Dayanna S. Prado
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratorio de Imunofisiologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Cidade Univesitária Dom Delgado, No. 1966, Avenida dos Portugueses, 6080-580 São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Priscila S. Barcellos
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratorio de Imunofisiologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Cidade Univesitária Dom Delgado, No. 1966, Avenida dos Portugueses, 6080-580 São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Tonicley A. Silva
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratorio de Imunofisiologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Cidade Univesitária Dom Delgado, No. 1966, Avenida dos Portugueses, 6080-580 São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Wanderson S. Pereira
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratorio de Imunofisiologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Cidade Univesitária Dom Delgado, No. 1966, Avenida dos Portugueses, 6080-580 São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Lucilene A. Silva
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratorio de Imunofisiologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Cidade Univesitária Dom Delgado, No. 1966, Avenida dos Portugueses, 6080-580 São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Márcia C. G. Maciel
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratorio de Imunofisiologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Cidade Univesitária Dom Delgado, No. 1966, Avenida dos Portugueses, 6080-580 São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo B. Barroqueiro
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratorio de Imunofisiologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Cidade Univesitária Dom Delgado, No. 1966, Avenida dos Portugueses, 6080-580 São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Flávia R. F. Nascimento
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratorio de Imunofisiologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Cidade Univesitária Dom Delgado, No. 1966, Avenida dos Portugueses, 6080-580 São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Azizedite G. Gonçalves
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratorio de Imunofisiologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Cidade Univesitária Dom Delgado, No. 1966, Avenida dos Portugueses, 6080-580 São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Rosane N. M. Guerra
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratorio de Imunofisiologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Cidade Univesitária Dom Delgado, No. 1966, Avenida dos Portugueses, 6080-580 São Luís, MA, Brazil
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Amorim E, Saad Junior R, Salgado Filho N, Melo GCFD, Silva GEB, Santos RAP, Marchi DDD, Carli RCD, Malafaia O, Ribas-Filho J. The effects of aqueous extract of babassu (Orbignya phalerata) on the pleura and lung parenchyma in rats. Acta Cir Bras 2016; 31:243-9. [PMID: 27168536 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-865020160040000004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate macro and microscopically, changes following the use of the aqueous extract of babassu (Orbignya phalerata) in the lung parenchyma and pleura of rats. METHODS Sixty adult male rats with average weight of 350 g, were randomized into two groups of 30 animals (experimental and control) further divided into sub-groups of 10 to be sacrificed at 48 h, 72 h and 21 days. The substance was injected into the right pleura of the animals. RESULTS There was intense pleuropulmonary macroscopic reaction with statistically significant differences between groups respectively (p<0.05, p<0.02, p<0.03). Microscopically, no statistically significant difference was evident (p>0.05). CONCLUSION The aqueous extract of babassu (Orbignya phalerata) was found to be highly irritating to the pleura and lung of rats, evidenced macroscopically by numerous adhesions and inflammation while no major changes were evident microscopically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Amorim
- Department of Surgery, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Sao Luis, MA, Brazil
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Pessoa RS, França EL, Ribeiro EB, Lanes PKD, Chaud NGA, Moraes LCA, Honorio-França AC. Microemulsion of babassu oil as a natural product to improve human immune system function. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2014; 9:21-31. [PMID: 25565770 PMCID: PMC4274040 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s73756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a babassu oil microemulsion system and determine the effect of this microemulsion on the functional activity of phagocytes. Methods The microemulsion was formulated using distilled water, babassu as the oil phase component, Sorbitan monooleate-Span 80® (SP), Polysorbate 80-Tween 80® (TW), and 1-butanol (BT). Pseudoternary diagrams were prepared, and microemulsion diagram regions were preselected. Rheological characterization and preliminary and accelerated stability tests were performed. The effect of the microemulsion on the interactions between leukocytes and bacteria was determined by superoxide release, phagocytosis, and microbicidal activity. Results The developed formulation SP/TW/BT (4.2/4.8/1.0) was classified as oil/water, showed a Newtonian profile, and had linear viscosity. When we assessed the interaction of the microemulsion or babassu oil with phagocytes, we observed an increase in superoxide, phagocytosis, and microbicidal activity. Conclusion The babassu oil microemulsion system is an option for future applications, including for vaccine delivery systems. Babassu oil is a natural product, so is an alternative for future immunotherapy strategies, in particular for infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Souza Pessoa
- Post Graduate Program in Material Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Luzia França
- Post Graduate Program in Material Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil ; Institute of Biological and Health Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
| | - Elton Brito Ribeiro
- Post Graduate Program in Material Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Kelly Dias Lanes
- Post Graduate Program in Material Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
| | | | | | - Adenilda Cristina Honorio-França
- Post Graduate Program in Material Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil ; Institute of Biological and Health Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
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Santos OJD, Malafaia O, Ribas-Filho JM, Czeczko NG, Santos RHP, Santos RAP. [Influence of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (aroeira) and Carapa guianensis Aublet (andiroba) in the healing process of gastrorraphies]. ABCD-ARQUIVOS BRASILEIROS DE CIRURGIA DIGESTIVA 2014; 26:84-91. [PMID: 24000017 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-67202013000200003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gastrorraphy isolated or associated with the use of biological adhesives formed throughout the history of surgery the usual way to promote healing in gastric lesions; however, the use of herbal medicine has been increasingly employed to help the wound healing. AIM To evaluate the wound healing caused in the stomach of rats using extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi and Carapa guianensis Aublet oil. METHODS Ninety rats, adult males were divided into three groups: aroeira, andiroba and control group, which were subdivided into three subgroups of five animals according to the time of the deaths (seven, 14 and 21 days). All underwent the same surgical procedure (injury and suture the stomach) differing only to the animals in groups aroeira and andiroba that received a daily dose of 100 mg / kg of hydroalcoholic extract and oil, by gavage, while the control group received normal saline. The parameters evaluated were the macroscopic and microscopic test of resistance to air insufflation and test the traction force. RESULTS All animals showed good healing of gastric and abdominal wall without infection and dehiscence. Both groups presented neighboring organs adhesions on the gastric surface. The endurance test for air insufflation showed higher average pressure within seven days and the test revealed greater traction force of rupture between seven and 14 days in groups aroeira and andiroba. The intensity of chronic inflammation revealed statistically significant differences in angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation. CONCLUSION The use of extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi and Carapa guianensis Aublet oil favored the gastric wound healing in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando José Dos Santos
- Departmento de Medicina II, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Campus do Bacanga, São Luís, MA, Brasil.
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Souza MHSL, Monteiro CA, Figueredo PMS, Nascimento FRF, Guerra RNM. Ethnopharmacological use of babassu (Orbignya phalerata Mart) in communities of babassu nut breakers in Maranhão, Brazil. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 133:1-5. [PMID: 20832463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.08.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2010] [Revised: 08/04/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Products derived from the palm tree Orbignya phalerata Mart, a species popularly known in Brazil as babassu, are used for the treatment of different diseases such as rheumatism, ulcers and inflammatory processes. The objective of this study was to perform a sociodemographic survey among communities of babassu nut breakers in the region of Médio Mearim, Esperantinópolis, Maranhão, Brazil, and to evaluate the frequency and main forms of therapeutic use of babassu products and subproducts. MATERIALS AND METHODS A semiquantitative method was used for the survey, with the application of semistructured interviews consisting of closed and semi-open questions. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 16.0 software for Windows (2007). RESULTS The results showed that 82% of female nut breakers had a household income of less than US$ 280.00 and only 2% earned more than US$ 500.00. With respect to race and educational level, 61% of the interviewed women were mulattoes and 33% had a low educational level. The babassu-derived products most frequently used for medicinal purposes were the mesocarp, a residue called "borra", and oil. The mesocarp flour was used by 90% of nut breakers for the treatment of gastritis and inflammation and by 77% for leukorrhea. Babassu residue was mainly used for the treatment of wounds (60%) and the oil was used for woundhealing (16%) and leukorrhea (8%). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the products derived from babassu are used for the treatment of gastritis, leukorrhea and wounds. In addition, most of the interviewed subjects apply these products topically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mércia H S L Souza
- Laboratório de Microbiologia, Centro Universitário do Maranhão, São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil.
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Sosnowska J, Balslev H. American palm ethnomedicine: a meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2009; 5:43. [PMID: 20034398 PMCID: PMC2804589 DOI: 10.1186/1746-4269-5-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2009] [Accepted: 12/24/2009] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many recent papers have documented the phytochemical and pharmacological bases for the use of palms (Arecaceae) in ethnomedicine. Early publications were based almost entirely on interviews that solicited local knowledge. More recently, ethnobotanically guided searches for new medicinal plants have proven more successful than random sampling for identifying plants that contain biodynamic ingredients. However, limited laboratory time and the high cost of clinical trials make it difficult to test all potential medicinal plants in the search for new drug candidates. The purpose of this study was to summarize and analyze previous studies on the medicinal uses of American palms in order to narrow down the search for new palm-derived medicines. METHODS Relevant literature was surveyed and data was extracted and organized into medicinal use categories. We focused on more recent literature than that considered in a review published 25 years ago. We included phytochemical and pharmacological research that explored the importance of American palms in ethnomedicine. RESULTS Of 730 species of American palms, we found evidence that 106 species had known medicinal uses, ranging from treatments for diabetes and leishmaniasis to prostatic hyperplasia. Thus, the number of American palm species with known uses had increased from 48 to 106 over the last quarter of a century. Furthermore, the pharmacological bases for many of the effects are now understood. CONCLUSIONS Palms are important in American ethnomedicine. Some, like Serenoa repens and Roystonea regia, are the sources of drugs that have been approved for medicinal uses. In contrast, recent ethnopharmacological studies suggested that many of the reported uses of several other palms do not appear to have a strong physiological basis. This study has provided a useful assessment of the ethnobotanical and pharmacological data available on palms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Sosnowska
- W. Szafer Institute of Botany, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lubicz 46, 31-512 Cracow, Poland
| | - Henrik Balslev
- Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biological Sciences, Aarhus University, Build. 1540, Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C., Denmark
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