Supplementation with Moringa oleifera Lam leaf and seed flour during the pregnancy and lactation period of Wistar rats: Maternal evaluation of initial and adult neurobehavioral development of the rat progeny

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) is a tree species of Indian origin popularly known as the "tree of life". In various cultures, it is used by pregnant women to increase milk production, yet studies on its effects during pregnancy and lactation are lacking.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the nutraceutical aspects of flours produced from the leaves and seeds of M. oleifera, and to evaluate the effect of supplementation of pregnant Wistar rats during the gestation and lactation period, with the aim of studying the weight gain and neonatal parameters of the pregnant rats, as well as effects on the neurobehavioral development and memory in their offspring.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The flour supplementation was conducted at a concentration of 100 mg per kg of animal body weight. For the memory tests, the Open Field Habituation test was performed and repeated after seven days. The Object Recognition test was conducted with the animal exposed to the open field in short and long familiarization sessions. The data obtained were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis tests for non-parametric data and one-way and two-way ANOVA for parametric data.

RESULTS

Flour produced from both the leaf and seed of M. oleifera was found to contain significant amounts of nutrients (protein, fibre, carbohydrates, etc.), making them suitable for supplementation. The exposure of pregnant rats to M. oleifera leaf and seed flours did not affect weight gain, did not have harmful effects on the birth of offspring, and did not result in abortions or mutations in the offspring. Regarding the supplemented group's offspring, early maturation of the senses in the offspring compared to the control group was observed in all tests were conducted; indicating that supplementation positively impacted cognitive development. Further, the offspring of the supplemented rats presented reduced locomotion and greater exploration of new objects compared to the control group offspring, indicating positive effects on learning.

CONCLUSION

This study describes for the first time the beneficial effects on pregnant Wistar rats and their offspring of maternal supplementation with flour products from the leaves and seeds of M. oleifera.

Characterization of flours from the aroeira leaf (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi), obtained by different drying methods

The present work aimed at the development and characterization of aroeira leaf flour (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi), obtained by lyophilization and drying in an air circulation oven. The technological, physical, physico-chemical, morphological, functional, and microbiological aspects were analyzed. Physico-chemical analysis identified the following properties with values provided respectively for fresh leaves (FOin) and flours (FES and FLIO): low water activity (0.984, 0.370, 0.387 g/100 g), moisture (64.52, 5.37, 7.97 g /100 g), ash (2.69, 6.51, and 6.89 g/100 g), pH (0.89, 4.45, 4.48 g/100 g), lipids (0.84, 1.67, 5.23 g/100 g), protein (3.29, 8.23, 14.12 g/100 g), carbohydrates (17.02, 53.12, 33.02 g/100 g), ascorbic acid (19.70, 34.20, 36.90 mg/100 g). Sources of fiber from plant leaves and flours (11.64, 25.1, 32.89 g/100 g) showed increased levels of luminosity. For NMR, the presence of aliphatic and aromatic compounds with olefinic hydrogens and a derivative of gallic acid were detected. The most abundant minerals detected were potassium and calcium. Micrographs identified the presence of irregular, non-uniform, and sponge-like particles. The main sugars detected were: fructose, glucose, and maltose. Malic, succinic, citric, lactic, and formic acids were found. Fifteen phenolic compounds were identified in the samples, highlighting: kaempferol, catechin, and caffeic acid. The values ​​found for phenolics were (447, 716.66, 493.31 mg EAG/100 g), flavonoids (267.60, 267.60, 286.26 EC/100 g). Antioxidant activity was higher using the ABTS method rather than FRAP for analysis of FOin, FES, and FLIO. Since the flours of the aroeira leaf have an abundant matrix of nutrients with bioactive properties and antioxidant activity, they have a potential for technological and functional use when added to food.

Cactus flour (Opuntia ficus-indica) reduces brain lipid peroxidation and anxious-like behavior in old Wistar rats

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of cactus flour on the anxious-like behavior and cerebral lipid peroxidation in elderly rats (18 months of life). The rats were divided into four groups (n=10). control (CG) - received the AIN-93M ration. P5%. P10% and P15%. treated with the AIN-93M ration with the addition of 5, 10 and 15% of cactus flour respectively. In the elevated plus maze (EPM) groups P5%, P10% and P15% remained longer in the open arms. P15% remained longer in this region and less time in the closed arms. No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the time the rats remained in the center of the apparatus. P5%. P10% and P15% performed a greater number of head dips. Regarding the open field animals P5%. P10% and P15% performed a greater number of rearing and stayed for a longer time in the center of the apparatus with P15% being the group that remained for the longest time when compared to the other groups. There was no difference in locomotion and grooming. As for the light-dark box. P15% spent more time in the light part. less time in the dark part and performed a smaller number of transitions. P5%. P10% and P15% had the lowest concentrations of brain lipid peroxidation. Our data demonstrated that consumption of cactus flour by rats promoted anxiolytic effects and minimized brain lipid peroxidation in aging. Given the above, it can be deduced that cactus pear can contribute to the prevention and/or treatment of anxiety in the aging phase.Due to its concentrations of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, soluble fibers and antioxidant contents such as vitamin E and selenium.

Consumption of cashew nut induced anxiolytic-like behavior in dyslipidemic rats consuming a high fat diet

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cashew nut consumption on anxiety-like behavior in dyslipidemic rats. The groups formed were: Control (CONT), Dyslipidemic (DL) and Dyslipidemic cashew nuts (DLCN). Tests to assess anxiety parameters were performed after the treatment period. Brain fatty acid profiles were analyzed. The animals in the DLCN group showed more rearing than DL, without differing from the CONT and less grooming than either the DL and CONT in the Open Field. In the Elevated Plus Maze, DLCN spent more time on the open arms and in the central area compared to the other groups. As for brain fatty acids, there was a reduction in polyunsaturated fatty acids for the DLCN compared to the other groups. The cashew nut, rich in fatty acids, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, reduced the anxiogenic-like behavior caused by dyslipidemia in rats without altering brain fatty acids.

Mix of almond baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) and goat whey modulated intestinal microbiota, improved memory and induced anxiolytic like behavior in aged rats

The objective was to evaluate the effects of the consumption of a mix of baru almond and goat whey on memory performance and anxiety parameters related to the intestinal health of rats treated during aging. The animals were divided into three groups and treated by gavage for 10 weeks (n = 10/each group): Control (CT) - distilled water; Baru almond (BA) - 2000 mg of baru/kg of body weight; and Baru + Whey (BW) - 2000 mg of baru + 2000 mg of goat milk whey/kg of body weight. Anxiety behavior, memory, brain fatty acid profile and fecal microbiota were measured. BA and BW realized less grooming, spent more time in the central area of the open field and the open arms, and realized more head dipping in the elevated plus maze. A higher rate of exploration of the new object in the short and long-term memory was observed in BA and BW. There was an increase in the deposition of MUFAs and PUFAs and oleic acid in the brain of BA and BW. Regarding spatial memory, BA and BW performed better, with an emphasis on BW. There was a beneficial modulation of the fecal microbiota with a reduction of the pathogenic genus Clostridia_UFC-014 in BA and BW and an increase in the abundance of metabolic pathways of interest in the brain-gut axis. Thus, consumption of the mix is efficient in beneficially altering the intestinal microbiota, improving memory and anxiolytic-like behavior in rats during aging.

Maternal safflower oil consumption improve reflex maturation, memory and reduces hippocampal oxidative stress in the offspring rats treated during pregnancy and lactation

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the influence of maternal consumption of safflower oil on reflex maturation, memory and offspring hippocampal oxidative stress.

METHODOLOGY

Two groups were formed: control group (C), whose mothers received a standard diet, and Safflower group (SF), whose mothers received a normolipidic diet with safflower oil as lipid source. Treatment was given from the 14th day of gestation and throughout lactation. To evaluate newborn development, the reflex ontogeny indicators between the 1st and the 21st days of life were evaluated; to assess memory, from the 42nd day of life on these animals were examined on open field habituation and novel object recognition test. Following behavioral analysis, the animals were anesthetized and decapitated. Hippocampus was rapidly dissected. In the hippocampal tissues, we evaluated the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH).

RESULTS

SF offspring showed delayed maturation of reflexes and improvement of novel object recognition in short-term and long-term (p < 0.05). Safflower oil decreases lipid peroxidation evaluated by MDA levels (p < 0.001) and increases antioxidant defenses as shown by SOD, CAT, GST and GSH levels (p < 0.05). In our study, the composition of flavonoids present in the oil was not evaluated. Furthermore, in a future study, the effect of maternal consumption on female offspring should be verified.

CONCLUSION

Maternal intake of safflower oil could: (1) change neonate reflex parameters, (2) promote improvement of cognitive development in adolescence (3) improve antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic defenses in the hippocampus.

Autochthonous adjunct culture of Limosilactobacillus mucosae CNPC007 improved the techno-functional, physicochemical, and sensory properties of goat milk Greek-style yogurt

We evaluated the performance of Limosilactobacillus mucosae CNPC007 as an autochthonous adjunct culture in the production of goat milk Greek-style yogurt. The techno-functional, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics of the control yogurt (containing only starter culture, CY) and the probiotic yogurt (with the probiotic strain added, PY) were assessed during 28 d of refrigerated storage. Furthermore, we determined the survival of the strain throughout the gastrointestinal tract under simulated conditions. The PY yogurt had a lower extent of proteolysis index and a higher depth of proteolysis index. These results indicate that the proteolytic enzymes of L. mucosae may have a possible action in PY. The PY formulation exhibited viscosity almost 1.5 times as high as CY over the refrigeration period, probably due to higher production of exopolysaccharides by the probiotic strain, which directly interferes with the microstructure, texture, and viscosity of the product. The PY formulation received higher scores for color, flavor, and global acceptance at 1 d of storage and higher texture scores at 28 d. The counts of L. mucosae remained high (>7 log cfu/g and >8.5 log cfu/g) throughout mouth-ileum digestion and storage, respectively, in PY. The autochthonous adjunct culture of L. mucosae CNPC007 can be used for production of a novel potentially probiotic goat yogurt without negatively affecting the general characteristics of the product quality, adding value associated with maintaining its functional potential.

Ruminant fat intake improves gut microbiota, serum inflammatory parameter and fatty acid profile in tissues of Wistar rats

This study tested the hypothesis that naturally and industrially produced trans-fatty acids can exert distinct effects on metabolic parameters and on gut microbiota of rats. Wistar rats were randomized into three groups according to the diet: CONT-control, with 5% soybean oil and normal amount of fat; HVF-20% of hydrogenated vegetable fat (industrial); and RUM-20% of ruminant fat (natural). After 53 days of treatment, serum biochemical markers, fatty acid composition of liver, heart and adipose tissue, histology and hepatic oxidative parameters, as well as gut microbiota composition were evaluated. HVF diet intake reduced triglycerides (≈ 39.39%) and VLDL levels (≈ 39.49%). Trans-fatty acids levels in all tissue were higher in HVF group. However, RUM diet intake elevated amounts of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (≈ 14.7%) compared to CONT, but not to HVF. Furthermore, RUM intake led to higher concentrations of stearic acid and conjugated linoleic acid in all tissue; this particular diet was associated with a hepatoprotective effect. The microbial gut communities were significantly different among the groups. Our results show that ruminant fat reversed the hepatic steatosis normally caused by high fat diets, which may be related to the remodelling of the gut microbiota and its anti-inflammatory potential.

Maternal consumption of conjugated linoleic acid improves tolerance to glucose and hdl-cholesterol in the rat progeny

Our study evaluates the impacts of maternal consumption of different levels of CLA during pregnancy and lactation on physical and metabolic changes in the rat progeny. Three groups were formed: control (CG) - diet without CLA; CLA1 - diet containing 1% CLA; and CLA3 - diet containing 3% CLA. Murinometry, body fat collection, biochemical analysis, glycemic curves, liver fat amount, and fatty acid profiles of the liver were studied. The data were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by the Tukey test (p < 0.05). The CLA3 group presented highest body weight, feed intake and BMI (p < 0.05). The retroperitoneal fat, epididymal fat, and body fat index were higher in the CLA1 and CLA3 groups (p < 0.05) but no difference was observed for mesenteric fat. Yet in contrast, the experimental groups presented lower abdominal circumference and glycemic curves when compared to the CG (p < 0.05). CLA1 and CLA3 groups presented higher values of total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05), yet no difference was found in serum triglycerides or LDL. The CLA3 group presented less n-3, n-6, total PUFA, and arachidonic acid in liver fat (p < 0.05). The CLA1 and CLA3 groups were higher in total MUFA in the liver fat. In conclusion, CLA when consumed during gestation and lactation increased: tolerance to glucose, HDL, and the body fat index in the offspring. Only the CLA3 group presented reduced total PUFA, n-3, n-6 and arachidonic acid in the offspring's liver.

Effects of the aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri Linn during pregnancy and lactation on neurobehavioral parameters of rats' offspring

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phyllanthus niruri L. (Phyllanthaceae) is a plant used in traditional medicine, mainly to treat kidney stones. However, the effects of maternal exposure to P. niruri remain poorly explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of administration of aqueous extract of P. niruri (AEPN) during pregnancy and lactation, in maternal toxicity, reflex maturation, and offspring memory.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pregnant rats were divided into three groups (n = 8/group): Control (vehicle), AEPN 75, and AEPN 150 (each respectively treated with P. niruri at a dose of 75 and 150 mg/kg/day). The animals were treated via intragastric gavage during pregnancy and lactation. Weight gain, feed intake, and reproductive performance were analyzed in the mothers. In the offspring, the following tests were performed: Neonatal Reflex Ontogeny, Open Field Habituation Test and the Object Recognition Test in adulthood.

RESULTS

Maternal exposure to AEPN did not influence weight gain, feed intake, or reproductive parameters. In the offspring, anticipation of reflex ontogenesis (time of completion) was observed (p < 0.05). During adulthood, the AEPN groups presented decreases in exploratory activity upon their second exposure to the Open Field Habituation Test (in a dose-dependent manner) (p < 0.05). In the Object Recognition Test, administration of the extract at 75 and 150 mg/kg induced significant dose-dependent improvements in short and long-term memory (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Administration of the AEPN accelerated the reflex maturation in neonates, and improved offspring memory while inducing no maternal or neonatal toxicity.

Microbiological, immunological, and histological changes in the gut of Salmonella Enteritidis-challenged rats fed goat cheese containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus EM1107

Cheeses are able to serve as suitable matrices for supplying probiotics to consumers, enabling appropriate conditions for bacteria to survive gastric transit and reach the gut, where they are assumed to promote beneficial processes. The present study aimed to evaluate the microbiological, immunological, and histological changes in the gut of Salmonella Enteritidis-challenged rats fed goat cheese supplemented with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus EM1107. Thirty male albino Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 5 experimental groups with 6 animals each: negative (NC) and positive (PtC) control groups, control goat cheese (CCh), goat cheese added with L. rhamnosus EM1107 (LrCh), and L. rhamnosus EM1107 only (EM1107). All animals, except NC group were challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis (10⁹ cfu in 1 mL of saline through oral gavage). Microbial composition was assessed with high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing by means of Illumina MiSeq (Illumina, San Diego, CA). Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) from the animal cecum tissue was determined by real-time PCR and interleukins (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, and IFN-γ) by means of ELISA. Myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde levels were determined biochemically. The administration of the L. rhamnosus EM1107 probiotic strain, either as a pure culture or added to a cheese matrix, was able to reduce Salmonella colonization in the intestinal lumen and lessen tissue damage compared with rats from PtC group. In addition, the use of cheese for the probiotic strain delivery (LrCh) was associated with a marked shift in the gut microbiota composition toward the increase of beneficial organisms such as Blautia and Lactobacillus and a reduction in NF-κB expression. These findings support our hypothesis that cheeses might be explored as functional matrices for the efficacious delivery of probiotic strains to consumers.

Caracterização física e físico-química de Iogurte Caprino Prebiótico Adicionado de Geleia de Mandacaru e Maracujá

Objetivou-se com a pesquisa, elaborar iogurte caprino prebiótico adiciona de geleia da polpa do fruto de mandacaru e do maracujá e, posteriormente, realizar análises físicas e físico-químicas. Foram processados 2 tratamentos de iogurtes caprinos adicionados de 15% de geleia de mandacaru (Cereus jamacaru) e maracujá (Passiflora edulis Sims.), a citar:  IC (Iogurte Caprino Controle), adicionado da cultura starter Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophillus e IPREB (Iogurte Caprino Prebiótico), adicionado da fibra prebiótica oligofrutose (FOS), além da cultura starter. Os tratamentos foram submetidos a análises físicas e físico-químicas, o processamento dos iogurtes foi realizado em triplicata, os quais foram analisados nos tempos 1, 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias de armazenamento refrigerado (4 ±1 °C). Diante dos dados analisados, os iogurtes apresentaram propriedades físicas e físico-químicas adequadas ao produto. Para alguns parâmetros, houve influência da cultura utilizada; da fibra e da geleia, com destaque para os parâmetros de Acidez, pH e Lactose.  Os resultados deste estudo apresentaram uma incorporação bem sucedida (cultura, FOS e geleia), como ingredientes a serem inseridos num novo produto lácteo caprino.

Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Memory and Reflex Maturation in Rats Treated During Early Life

In the critical period of neurodevelopment (gestation and lactation), maternal consumption of essential fatty acids (FAs) can alter the offspring cognitive function permanently causing damage. Lipids can regulate neurotrophin and compose brain tissue. However, the effects of maternal consumption of a mixture of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on an offspring nervous system are not completely clear. We aimed to investigate the impacts of different CLA concentrations mixed into the maternal diet during early life on neonatal reflex maturation and cognitive functions of the offspring. Three groups were formed: control (CG): receiving a standard diet; CLA1: receiving a diet containing 1% of CLA, and CLA3: receiving a diet containing 3% of CLA, offered during gestation and lactation. After birth, the reflex responses of the offspring were observed from the 1st to the 21st day. After weaning, the animals’ anxiety and memory were assessed using open field (OF) and novel object recognition tests. Fatty acids in the breast milk and the offspring’s brain were also quantified. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal–Wallis test. CLA1 presented accelerated palmar grasp disappearance versus CLA3 and negative-geotaxis versus CG; and the CLA3 presented increases for most reflexes (cliff-avoidance, vibrissa-placing, negative-geotaxis, and auditory-startle response), and decrease in reflexes palmar grasp and free-fall righting versus CG (p < 0.05). CLA3 group explored less of the OF in the second exposure. CLA1 and CLA3 presented an increased exploration ratio for new objects, which indicates memory improvement. The milk tested from CLA3 demonstrated an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and a decrease in monounsaturated fatty acids. The amount of CLA in milk was greater in CLA1 and CLA3 and in the brain offspring both presented moderated amounts of CLA. Maternal treatment with the CLA mixture induced anticipated reflex maturation and improved memory in the offspring. Even though CLA was detected in the brains in only trace amounts, offspring’s brain PUFA and SFA levels were increased. Further studies aimed to delineate the effect of maternal CLA supplementation on offspring’s brain lipid metabolism and long-term neurologic outcome are needed to confirm these findings.

Maternal Supplementation With Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Pulp and Oil Alters Reflex Maturation, Physical Development, and Offspring Memory in Rats

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is an oleaginous fruit source of fatty acids with high levels of neuroprotective phytocomplexes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the development of reflex and somatic maturation, fatty acid profiles in the brain, and memory in different stages of life in the offspring of dams supplemented with avocado pulp and oil during gestation and lactation. The dams were randomly divided into three groups (n = 15 pups/group), and recieved by gavage supplementation: control group (CG)-distilled water; Avocado Oil (AO)-3,000 mg avocado oil/kg animal weight, and Avocado Pulp (AP)-3,000 mg avocado pulp/kg animal weight. We performed the following tests: Analysis of Somatic Development and Ontogeny of Postnatal Reflex (T0 to T21), the Open Field Habituation Test and the Object Recognition Test (ORT) in the adolescent (T45) and adult (T90) phases. The cerebral fatty acids content was evaluated at times T0, T21, T45, and T90. The results were analyzed using the statistical program GraphPad Prism and significant statistics were considered when p < 0.05. Acceleration of reflex maturation and reflex ontogeny was observed in the offspring of AO and AP fed dams, with the results being more pronounced in the pulp fed group (p < 0.05). All groups presented a decrease in the ambulation parameter in the second exposure to the Open Field Habituation Test, at T45 and T90 (p < 0.05). In the ORT, the AO and AP offspring presented memory improvements in the short and long term in the adult and adolescent phases (p < 0.05). The results of the brain fatty acid profiles presented higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content in the AO and AP groups at T21, T45, and T90. The docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) content was higher at T21 (AO and AP), at T45 (AO and AP), and at T90 (AP) (p < 0.05). The arachidonic acid (ARA) content was higher at T45 (AO and AP), and at T90 (AO) (p < 0.05). Maternal supplementation with avocado oil and pulp anticipates reflex maturation and somatic postnatal development, and improves memory during the adolescent and adult phases.

Maternal suppplementation with conjugated linoleic acid reduce anxiety and lipid peroxidation in the offspring brain

BACKGROUND

Maternal consumption of fatty acids can alter neuronal membrane function, synaptic connections, and protect the brain from alterations caused by disturbances such as lipid peroxidation and anxiety in the offspring. We aimed to investigate how the maternal consumption of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) interferes in anxiety behavior of the offspring and cerebral lipid peroxidation.

METHODS

Three groups were formed: control (CG) - diet without CLA; CLA1 - diet containing 1% of CLA; and CLA3 - diet containing 3% of CLA. These diets were offered to the mothers from the 7th day of gestation until the end of lactation. The following behavioral tests were used: Elevated plus maze (EPM), Open Field (OF) and Light-dark Box (LDB). Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione were measured in the offspring's brains. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Holm-Sidak post-test or the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

CLA1 and CLA3 showed higher number of entries in the open arms and time spent in the central area in EPM, they translocated and ambulated more in the clear area of the LDB and presented more rearing in the OF compared to CG (p < 0.05); moreover, they presented higher concentration of glutathione and lower MDA in brain tissue (p < 0.05).

LIMITATIONS

We evaluated the effect of maternal consumption of CLA on anxiety and lipid peroxidation in rats' offspring, but a similar study should be performed in humans.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal intake of CLA induced a decrease in the parameters of anxiety and cerebral lipid peroxidation in the offspring.

Maternal intake of cashew nuts accelerates reflex maturation and facilitates memory in the offspring

Essential fatty acids, being indispensable during the stages of pregnancy, lactation and infancy influence the transmission of nerve impulses and brain function, and cashew nuts are a good source of these fatty acids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of cashew nut consumption on reflex development, memory and profile of fatty acids of rat offspring treated during pregnancy and lactation. The animals were divided into three groups: Control (CONT), treated with 7% lipid derived from soybean oil; Normolipidic (NL) treated with 7% lipids derived from cashew nuts; and Hyperlipidic (HL) treated with 20% lipids derived from cashew nuts. Reflex ontogeny, Open-field habituation test and the Object Recognition Test (ORT) were assessed. The profile of fatty acids in the brain was carried out when the animals were zero, 21 and 60days old. Accelerated reflex maturation was observed in animals treated with cashew nuts (p<0.05). NL presented better memory in the Open-field habituation test; the NL and HL showed improvement of short-term memory in the ORT, but long term damage in HL (p<0.05). The results of the lipid profile of the brain at the end of the experiment showed an increase in levels of saturated fatty acids and less Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in animals of the HL. The data showed that maternal consumption of cashew nuts can accelerate reflex maturation and facilitate memory in offspring when offered in adequate quantities.

Intake of cookies made with buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa) improves vitamin A status and lipid profiles in young rats

The oil extracted from Mauritia flexuosa (buriti) is rich in vitamin A, tocopherols and unsaturated fatty acids. This study evaluated the retinol status, blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, food efficiency rates (FERs), food conversion rates (FCRs) and murine anthropometric parameters of Wistar rats fed cookies made with buriti oil (BOC). The content of β-carotene and monounsaturated fatty acids in the cookies was enhanced (p < 0.05) using buriti oil. Rats fed BOC showed an increase (p < 0.05) in serum and hepatic retinol levels compared to rats fed cookies made with soy oil (SOC - control). Rats fed BOC showed lower (p < 0.05) total and LDL cholesterol than the control; however, no changes in blood glucose levels or murine anthropometric parameters were observed. Serum retinol contents showed a strong correlation (r > 0.8) with hepatic retinol, and both groups of rats showed moderate correlations (r > 0.6 < 0.5) with FERs, FCRs and weight gain. Taken together, these results indicated that buriti is an alternative to increase vitamin A in baked goods, particularly in cookies. Intake of BOC improves lipid profiles and retinol status without affecting blood glucose in young rats.