Phytochemistry Profile, Nutritional Properties and Pharmacological Activities of Mauritia flexuosa

Amazonian Fruits for Treatment of Non-Communicable Diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The Amazon region has a high biodiversity of flora, with an elevated variety of fruits, such as Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dúbia), Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum and Astrocaryum vulgare), Fruta-do-conde (Annona squamosa L.), Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), Graviola (Annona muricata L.), Guarana (Paullinia cupana Kunth var. sorbilis), and Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora), among many others, that are rich in phytochemicals, minerals and vitamins with prominent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies evaluating the chemical composition of these fruits have observed a high content of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Such components are associated with significant biological effects in treating various non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and related complications. Regular intake of these fruits from Amazonas emerges as a potential therapeutic approach to preventing and treating NCDs as a nutritional strategy to reduce the incidence or mitigate common complications in these patients, which are the leading global causes of death. As studies remain largely unexplored, this narrative review discusses the possible health-beneficial effects for patients with NCDs.

Antiulcer activity of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. (Arecaceae) pulp oil: An edible Amazonian species with functional properties

Mauritia flexuosa, known as buriti in Brazil, is a widespread palm tree in Amazonia. It has many ethnobotanical uses, including food, oil, and medicine. The oil obtained from buriti's fruit pulp has high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, and tocopherols, and is used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries for its antioxidant properties. Many biological activities have been reported for buriti oil, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, chemopreventive, and immunomodulatory. Due to its high content of bioactive compounds, buriti oil is considered a functional ingredient with possible benefits in preventing oxidative stress and chronic diseases, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. Peptic ulcer disease is a multifactorial disorder, involving lesions in the stomach and duodenum mucosa, which has a complex healing process. In this context, some nutrients and bioactive compounds help the maintenance of gastrointestinal mucosal integrity and function, such as carotenoids, tocopherols, and unsaturated fatty acids, which makes buriti oil an interesting candidate to be used in the prevention and management of gastrointestinal diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective and antiulcer effects of buriti oil and its possible mechanisms of action. Buriti oil reduced the ulcerative area and lipid peroxidation induced by ethanol. The gastroprotective activity of buriti oil partially depends on nitric oxide and sulfhydryl compounds. In acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers, buriti oil accelerated healing and stimulated the formation of new gastric glands. These results demonstrated the potential of buriti oil as a functional ingredient to promote health benefits in the gastrointestinal tract.

Amazonian palm tree fruits: From nutritional value to diversity of new food products

The rapid growth of the world population has increased the demand for new food sources, constituting a major challenge concerning the maximum use of existing food resources. The fruits of Amazonian palm trees have excellent nutritional composition and bioactive compounds. This review highlights four fruits of Amazonian palm trees that are still little explored by the food industry: açai (Euterpe oleracea), pupunha (Bactris gasipaes), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), and tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum). This paper aims to inspire new ideas for researching and developing products for the food industry. It also explores the impacts of Amazonian palm fruits on health, highlighting their role in disease prevention through their nutritional effects.

Effects of Mauritia flexuosa L. f. buriti oil on symptoms induced by Bothrops moojeni snake envenomation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Brazil, there are species of snakes that become involved in accidents and cause serious health problems to the inhabitants, highlighting the genus Bothrops for being responsible for approximately 90% of accidents reported annually. In the northern region of the country, this genus is responsible for the largest number of accidents, especially among rural dwellers. These populations invest in alternative treatments for with the purpose of improving the symptoms caused by snakebites. The species Mauritia flexuosa L. f., known as buriti, is traditionally used for the treatment of envenomation by snakes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the antiophidic potential of the oil of Mauritia flexuosa L. f. for Bothrops moojeni H. venom, confronting cultural and scientific knowledge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The physicochemical properties were determined, and the components present in the oil, extracted from fruit pulp, were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry. The in vitro inhibitory capacity of the oil for phospholipase, metalloprotease and serine protease activities was investigated. In the in vivo studies, male Swiss mice were used to evaluate the effect of oil on lethality and toxicity, and hemorrhagic, myotoxic and edematogenic activities were assessed.

RESULTS

GC‒MS analysis identification of 90.95% of the constituents of the oil, with the main components being 9-eicosenoic acid, (Z)- (34.54%), n-hexadecanoic acid (25.55%) and (E)-9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (12.43%). For the substrates, the outcomes indicate that the oil inhibited the activity of the main classes of toxins present in Bothrops moojeni H. venom (VBm) at the highest dose tested (0.5 μL), with inhibition of 84% for the hydrolysis of the selective substrate for serine protease and inhibition of 60% for the hydrolysis of substrates for PLA₂ and metalloproteases. The antiophidic activity in vivo was evaluated with two concentrations of the oil: 1.5 mg, the dosage the population, diluted in mineral oil to a volume of 1 tablespoon and 15 mg, administered by gavage 30 min before poisoning and at time zero (concomitant to poisoning), and both concentrations administered by gavage in combination with topical use at time zero. The bleeding time in the group treated with oil at a concentration of 15 mg administered at time zero was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). However, a greater inhibition of bleeding time was observed when local application was combined with the gavage treatment at both concentrations tested at time zero (p < 0.05). In the myotoxicity test, oil was efficient in reducing the myotoxic effects induced by the venom at the two concentrations tested, with gavage administration at time zero and gavage plus topical administration at time zero (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The data obtained show that the oil is safe to use at the concentrations studied and contains fatty acids that may collaborate for cellular-level repair of the injuries caused by Bm poisoning. The in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that oil inhibits the main proteolytic enzymes present in the venom and that it has important activities to control the local effects caused by bothropic venom.

Characterization of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) Pulp Oil and the Effect of Its Supplementation in an In Vivo Experimental Model

Mauritia flexuosa (Buriti) pulp oil contains bioactive substances and lipids that are protective against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. We performed physical and chemical analyses to verify its quality and stability. Buriti oil was stable according to the Rancimat test, presenting an induction period of 6.6 h. We evaluated the effect of supplementation with crude buriti oil and olive oil on metabolic parameters in 108 Swiss mice for 90 days. We investigated six groups: extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) 1 and 2 (1000 and 2000 mg/kg), buriti oil (BO) 1 and 2 (1000 and 2000 mg/kg), synergic (S) (BO1 + EVOO1), and control (water dose 1000 mg/kg). The animals were euthanized to examine their blood, livers, and fats. The supplementation did not interfere with food consumption, weight gain, and histological alterations in the liver. Group S showed the strongest relationship with the fractions HDL-c and non-HDL-c, indicating a possible cardioprotective effect. Moreover, we observed significantly higher IL-6 levels in the control, EVOO2, and BO1 groups than in the EVOO1 group. Resistin was also significantly higher for the synergic treatment than for the control. We conclude that BO combined with EVOO could be an excellent food supplement for human consumption.

Production of Oil and Phenolic-Rich Extracts from Mauritia flexuosa L.f. Using Sequential Supercritical and Conventional Solvent Extraction: Experimental and Economic Evaluation

Mauritia flexuosa L.f. is a palm from the Amazon. Pulp and oil are extracted from its fruits, with a high content of bioactive compounds. This study presents the economic evaluation of two extraction processes: (a) Conventional solvent extraction (CSE) with 80% ethanol for the recovery of phenolic-rich extracts; and (b) Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) followed by CSE to obtain oil and phenolic-rich extracts. The objective of this study was to compare the feasibility of both extraction processes. The economic evaluation and the sensitivity study were evaluated using the SuperPro Designer 9.0® software at an extraction volume of 2000 L. Similar global extraction yields were obtained for both processes; however, 8.4 and 2.4 times more total polyphenol and flavonoid content were extracted, respectively, using SFE+CSE. Cost of manufacturing (COM) was higher in SFE+CSE compared to CSE, USD 193.38/kg and USD 126.47/kg, respectively; however, in the first process, two by-products were obtained. The sensitivity study showed that the cost of the raw material was the factor that had the highest impact on COM in both extraction processes. SFE+CSE was the most economically viable process for obtaining bioactive compounds on an industrial scale from M. flexuosa L.f.

Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of fruits and by-products from Mauritia flexuosa, an exotic plant with functional benefits. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2021;84:441-457. [PMID: 33641623 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2021.1881672]

Mauritia flexuosa L., traditionally known as "buriti", exhibits chemoprotective properties including antioxidant, antithrombotic, and nutritional actions. The aim of this study was to examine the oral anti-inflammatory activity of epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp obtained from M. flexuosa fruits using in vivo models to verify physiological benefits. The anti-edematogenic action was determined using phlogistic agents to induce paw edema and peritonitis. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, cell migration of peritoneal cells, histological changes, and abdominal swelling induced by acetic acid were also investigated. Carrageenan-induced edema was found to be decreased in mice pre-treated with epicarp by 50.8%, 53.7% and 39.2% and mesocarp by 41.8%, 65.3% and 71.9% after 2, 3, and 4 hr stimuli, respectively. Edema initiated by specific agents such as compound 48/80, histamine, serotonin, and prostaglandin E₂ were also reduced, and better outcomes were found against histamine-induced edema, as evidenced by the decline at all times analyzed (30-120 min) with both doses of water extract of mesocarp (500 or 1000 mg/kg). Mesocarp-pre-treatment reduced inflammatory tissue parameters such as number of peritoneal leukocytes and TNF-α levels, but only epicarp diminished abdominal pain. In summary, M. flexuosa fruits, especially mesocarp, exhibited oral physiological benefits and capacity to modify biochemical and cellular steps in the inflammatory cascade, indicating that dietary supplements containing these fruits may be combined with pharmacological tools to ameliorate or prevent diseases of inflammatory origin.

Bioactive compounds, phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity and effectiveness against lipid peroxidation of cell membranes of Mauritia flexuosa L. fruit extracts from three biomes in the Ecuadorian Amazon

The bioactive compounds, total antioxidant capacity and protective effect against lipid oxidative damage of red blood cell (RBC) membranes of Mauritia flexuosa L. extracts from three altitude levels (low, middle and high zones) were analyzed. The identification of the main polyphenols in the fruit was performed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry analysis, while High-Performance Liquid Chromatography - Diode Array Detector was applied for the vitamin C and carotenoid analysis. The ability of the extracts (methanolic, free polyphenols and bound polyphenols) to protect RBC membranes against oxidative destruction was assessed utilizing the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assay (TBARS) assay. Among the 14 phenolic compounds identified, quercetin glycosides were the most predominant ones. The fruit from the middle altitude zone showed higher vitamin C and lutein contents than those from the low and high areas, whilst higher values of β-Carotene were obtained in M. flexuosa L. from the low zone. The contents of flavonoids and total polyphenols were lower in fruit from the low zone, whilst the fruit from the middle zone had the highest values. Similar results were observed in the results of the antioxidant capacity assays. However, a significant difference was not found in the protective effect of the extracts from the three altitude zones against lipid peroxidation in RBC membranes.

Phytochemical screening and DPPH radical scavenging activity of three morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. from Peru, and thermal stability of a milk-based beverage enriched with carotenoids from these fruits

Mauritia flexuosa L.f. is a palm tree which presents great morphological variability (morphotypes), represented mainly by the mesocarp color of its fruits. The objective of the study was to characterize the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of three morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. (“Yellow”, “Colour” and “Shambo”) of greater economic importance in the Peruvian Amazon. “Shambo” showed a significantly high content of bioactive compounds (total phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids) and DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to the “Yellow” and “Colour” morphotypes (p ≤ 0.05). There was a significant correlation between DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids (p ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, milk-based beverages enriched with carotenoids of those morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. have been shown to be a good source of bioactive compounds for use in the food industry. The milk-based beverages enriched with carotenoids of those morphotypes of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. showed higher lightness (L∗) and yellowness (b∗).

Gelatin nanoparticles enable water dispersibility and potentialize the antimicrobial activity of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) oil

Background

Buriti oil presents numerous health benefits, but due to its lipophilic nature and high oxidation, it is impossible to incorporate it into aqueous food matrices. Thus, the present study evaluated whether powder nanoparticles based on porcine gelatin (OPG) and in combination with sodium alginate (OAG) containing buriti oil obtained by O/W emulsification followed by freeze-drying enabled water dispersibility and preserved or increased the antimicrobial activity of the oil.

Results

OPG presented spherical shape, smooth surface, smaller particle size and polydispersity index [51.0 (6.07) nm and 0.40 (0.05)], and better chemical interaction between the nonpolar amino acids and the hydrophobic oil chain. OPG also presented a higher dispersibility percentage [85.62% (7.82)] than OAG [50.19% (7.24)] (p < 0.05), and significantly increased the antimicrobial activity of the oil by 59, 62, and 43% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively.

Conclusions

Thus, nanoencapsulation in gelatin is a promising strategy to increase the potential to use buriti oil in foods.

Bioactives From Agri-Food Wastes: Present Insights and Future Challenges

Sustainable utilization of agri-food wastes and by-products for producing value-added products (for cosmetic, pharmaceutical or food industrial applications) provides an opportunity for earning additional income for the dependent industrial sector. Besides, effective valorisation of wastes/by-products can efficiently help in reducing environmental stress by decreasing unwarranted pollution. The major focus of this review is to provide comprehensive information on valorisation of agri-food wastes and by-products with focus laid on bioactive compounds and bioactivity. The review covers the bioactives identified from wastes and by-products of plants (fruits, exotic fruits, vegetables and seeds), animals (dairy and meat) and marine (fish, shellfish seaweeds) resources. Further, insights on the present status and future challenges of sustainably utilizing agri-food wastes/by-products for value addition will be highlighted.

Chemical analysis and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of fruit fractions of Mauritia flexuosa L. f. (Arecaceae)

Background

Fruit consumption is currently considered beyond the nutritional aspects because of the important roles in disease prevention and benefits to health. The objective of this study was to characterize the chemical profile and evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of different fractions obtained from fruit pulps of Mauritia flexuosa (MFFs).

Methods

Initially, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanol fractions were obtained from the pulps. Quantifications of total phenols and flavonoids were performed using the methods of Folin-Ciocalteu and complexation with aluminum chloride, respectively. Standard samples were used to identify and quantify phenolic acids and flavonoids using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD). The antioxidant capacity of the fractions was verified by sequestration of the free radical 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and iron chelating activity. The antimicrobial activity was determined using the microdilution method and the modulating activity was determined using sub-inhibitory concentrations of the fractions in association with antibiotics.

Results

The chemical analyzes revealed the presence of catechin, caffeic acid, rutin, orientin, quercetin, apigenin, luteolin and kaempferol, where all are present in the ethyl acetate fraction. The fractions exhibited moderate antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Candida strains in addition to modulating the activity of conventional antibiotics. The most expressive result was obtained from the association of the chloroform fraction with cefotaxime, which produced a synergistic effect, reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antibiotic from 1,024 to 256 μg/mL.

Discussion

The fractions presented a constitution rich in phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids. The data obtained demonstrated that the fractions presented moderate antioxidant activity by acting both as primary and secondary antioxidants. The fractions presented antimicrobial and antibiotic potentiating activities, being the first record of modulating effect of fractions of this species against the studied microbial strains, but failed in modulating the activity of antifungal drugs, indicating that this plant has the potential to be used in the development of therapeutic alternatives against resistant bacteria. The constitution phenolic the fractions may be responsible for their pharmacological properties in vitro.

In Vitro and Ex Vivo Chemopreventive Action of Mauritia flexuosa Products

Mauritia flexuosa (Arecaceae), known as "Buriti," is a Brazilian palm tree with high economic potential for local communities. Herein, we investigated the phytochemistry profile and antioxidant potential of M. flexuosa fruits and determined the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds. Peels revealed upper values for phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, tannins, and ascorbic acid when compared to the pulps and endocarps. All samples showed capacity to scavenger free radicals (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg/mL) but peels presented higher scavenger action in all methods explored. Phenolic compounds identified by HPLC displayed reduced bioaccessibility after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion for pulp (38.7%), peel (18.7%), and endocarp (22.3%) extracts (P < 0.05). Buriti fruits also protected rat blood cells against lysis induced by peroxyl radicals. We demonstrated the promising chemopreventive potentialities of M. flexuosa fruits and their by-products and peels with higher quantities of bioactive compounds and phenolic substances before and after in vitro bioaccessibility investigation. In Brazil, these parts are discarded or underused, mainly as feed for ruminant animals. Consequently, it is extremely important to explore nutritional characteristics of these by-products for human/livestock foods and to install biofriendly techniques and sustainable biotechnology handling of natural resources.