Amazonian Native Palm Fruits as Sources of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds

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.

Characterization of Lipid Extracts from Different Colors of Peach Palm Fruits-Red, Yellow, Green, and White-Obtained through Ultrasound-Assisted Green Extraction

This study represents a pioneering investigation and comparative analysis of lipid extracts from four different colors of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunt) fruits-red, yellow, green, and white-by employing a green method based on ethanolic ultrasound-assisted extraction. This study examined the extraction yield, physico-chemical-quality attributes, chromatographic profiles (GC), color measurements, total carotenoid content, differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTA), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The obtained lipid extracts displayed a high quality, considering the physico-chemical parameters of the Codex Alimentarius, and a fatty acids profile characterized by unsaturated fatty acids, notably omegas (ω-3, ω-6, and ω-9). The indices of atherogenicity (A.I.), thrombogenicity (I.T.), and hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic ratios revealed superior outcomes for the red peach palm lipid extract (approximately 0.35, 0.52, and 2.75, respectively), along with higher levels of β-carotene (748.36 µg of β-carotene per 100 g-1 of lipid extract) compared to the yellow, green, and white counterparts. Consequently, this research successfully demonstrates the efficacy of using a green extraction method in preserving the lipid's quality, which can display cardiovascular functionality and thermal stability. These findings underscore the considerable potential of peach palm lipid extract as a valuable raw material for diverse industrial applications across various sectors. The results support its utilization in the production of functional food products and nutraceuticals due to its favorable fatty acid composition, potent antioxidant properties exhibited by its high β-carotene content, and notable cardiovascular functionality indices.

Piranhea trifoliata extracts ameliorate muscular decline in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to Paraquat

In this study, we have demonstrated, for the first time, the muscular protective effects of Piranhea trifoliata bark extract against Paraquat (PQ)-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. Exposure of D. melanogaster (Canton Special) to PQ caused oxidative stress, as evidenced by protein carbonyl and elevated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity levels. However, a diet supplemented with the P. trifoliata extracts (0.1 mg/ml) for 10 days ameliorates protein carbonyl levels and enzymatic activities of AChE and citrate synthase to prevent PQ damage. Also, P. trifoliata bark extracts showed in phytochemical assays the presence of phenols, at 46.06 mg EAG/g extract of total phenolic compounds, and a 40% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl scavenging effect. The study showed the muscular protective function of the P. trifoliata extracts in D. melanogaster exposed to PQ. On the basis of the results, we contemplate that the bark of P. trifoliata might prevent and ameliorate human diseases caused by oxidative stress. The muscular action of the P. trifoliata extract can be attributed to the antioxidant constituents, while the precise mechanism of its action needs further investigation.

Understanding the Technical-Scientific Gaps of Underutilized Tropical Species: The Case of Bactris gasipaes Kunth

The extraction and commercialization of palm hearts is the most profitable activity involving the peach palm (Bactris gasipaes), while consumption of its fruits is limited to Amazonian communities. The excessive attention paid to the implementation of germplasm banks contributed to the lack of development of high-performance varieties, limiting the production and consumption of peach palm fruits and by-products. In addition, with the fragmentation of the Amazonian rainforest, wild populations are in danger of extinction. The species domestication, initiated by Native Amazonians, generated a large variety of peach palm populations, as evidenced by the diversity in fruit sizes and quality. Some advances in agronomic traits also took place. However, more research needs to be conducted to understand the implications of climatic changes on plant physiological performance. Indeed, the key point is that the exploitation of the full potential of B. gasipaes has not been completely exploited. Therefore, understanding the state-of-the-art research on the peach palm with a focus on its underutilized resources is essential for expanding plantations and, consequently, promoting the market expansion of the peach palm as a fruit crop.

Full Exploitation of Peach Palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth): State of the Art and Perspectives

The peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) is a palm tree native to the Amazon region, with plantations expanding to the Brazilian Southwest and South regions. This work is a critical review of historical, botanical, social, environmental, and nutritional aspects of edible and nonedible parts of the plant. In Brazil, the importance of the cultivation of B. gasipaes to produce palm heart has grown considerably, due to its advantages in relation to other palm species, such as precocity, rusticity and tillering. The last one is especially important, as it makes the exploitation of peach palm hearts, contrary to what happens with other palm tree species, a non-predatory practice. Of special interest are the recent efforts aiming at the valorization of the fruit as a source of carotenoids and starch. Further developments indicate that the B. gasipaes lignocellulosic wastes hold great potential for being upcycled into valuable biotechnological products such as prebiotics, enzymes, cellulose nanofibrils and high fiber flours. Clean technologies are protagonists of the recovery processes, ensuring the closure of the product's life cycle in a "green" way. Future research should focus on expanding and making the recovery processes economically viable, which would be of great importance for stimulating the peach palm production chain.

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.

MODELAGEM MATEMÁTICA E PROPRIEDADES TERMODINÂMICAS DA SECAGEM CONVECTIVA DA POLPA DE TUCUMÃ (Astrocaryum aculeatum)

A polpa de tucumã possui potencial para utilização industrial. Entretanto, o elevado conteúdo de umidade limita o seu uso. Assim, objetivou-se secar convectivamente a polpa de tucumã, a qual foi desidratada na espessura de 4 mm, nas temperaturas de 30, 40, 50 e 60 °C, com monitoramento da perda de umidade até equilíbrio higroscópico. Verificou-se que o aumento de temperatura reduziu os teores de umidade de equilíbrio. As taxas de secagem foram maiores em maiores temperaturas e teores de umidade. Os modelos de Dois termos (30 a 50 °C) e Midilli (60 °C) foram os mais adequados para descrever a secagem da amostra. Os coeficientes de difusão efetivos de umidade ficaram compreendidos entre 0,98 × 10-10 e 4,20 × 10-10 m2 s-1 e sua dependência com a temperatura foi descrita pela equação de Arrhenius, com energia de ativação de 42,15 kJ mol-1. As propriedades termodinâmicas evidenciaram um processo endergônica.

An experimental protocol for molecular biology lab at an Amazonian University

Laboratory-based practical classes are an essential component in teaching molecular biology for undergraduate students. Universidad Regional Amazonica Ikiam is a higher education institution located in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, a high biodiversity place, including amphibians. Based on this, we have established a practical molecular biology program with eight sessions that contextualize the biodiverse surroundings of the University. This program stimulates synchronization of information between theory and practice and improves research skills. During these sessions, students are motivated to identify and characterize antimicrobial peptides from Ecuadorian frog skin secretions, using molecular biology techniques and biochemistry and microbiology knowledge. This practical course was held twice with a total of 56 students from the fifth semester of the biotechnology engineering. The evaluation of the practical program was carried out through a questionnaire applied to students using the Likert scale. Overall, this form of teaching had high receptivity and presented benefits for student learning. Interestingly, 80% of respondents strongly agreed that this course provided tools and knowledge for the development of their undergraduate dissertation. Therefore, practical courses tailored to the student's context can stimulate student learning and interest. Additionally, this experimental methodology is interdisciplinary and can be applied to other research fields and subjects.

Three Amazonian palms as underestimated and little-known sources of nutrients, bioactive compounds and edible insects

Mauritia flexuosa, Bactris gasipaes, and Oenocarpus bataua are among the main palms in the Amazon used for food and medicinal purposes. The food most commonly derived from these are fruits, oil, and the larvae of the insect Rhynchophorus palmarum reared in their trunks. Palm fruits are used for oil extraction as they are rich in saturated fatty acids, fiber, pro-vitamin A, carotenoids, tocopherols, macro and microelements, and polyphenols. Furthermore, the larvae of R. palmarum are rich in lipids, vitamin E, and proteins. This review analyzes the chemical composition of the fruit and oil of these palm species, as well as the R. palmarum larvae that breed in them. Our aim is to present information that is not widely known in order to demonstrate the potential of these palms as sources of plant-based and animal food with high nutritional and functional values.

Bioacessibilidade in vitro de carotenoides e compostos fenólicos e capacidade antioxidante de farinhas do fruto pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.)

Resumo Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a bioacessibilidade in vitro de α-caroteno, β-caroteno, licopeno e de compostos fenólicos, e a capacidade antioxidante em farinhas de amêndoa, polpa e casca do fruto pequi. Além disso, inter-relacionar estes resultados com a atividade de água, acidez e parâmetros de cor, por meio da análise de componentes principais. Os frutos foram coletados no estado de Mato Grosso, sendo higienizados, descascados, despolpados e retiradas as amêndoas. A quantificação das concentrações totais e bioacessíveis dos carotenoides e compostos fenólicos e a capacidade antioxidante foram feitas por espectrofotometria UV-Visível. Os ensaios de bioacessibilidade in vitro foram feitos por meio de três etapas: digestão salivar, gástrica e intestinal. As maiores concentrações de α-caroteno (63,81 µg/g), β-caroteno (59,83 µg/g) e licopeno (40,66 µg/g) foram obtidas para farinha da polpa do pequi. Porém, as maiores porcentagens de bioacessibilidade de α-caroteno (59,69%), β-caroteno (96,14%) e licopeno (44,13%) foram encontradas na farinha da amêndoa. Os teores de compostos fenólicos totais foram: 210,50, 402,21 e 9475,69 mg GAE/100g, para as farinhas de amêndoa, polpa e casca, respectivamente, sendo a maior porcentagem de bioacessibilidade (86,68%) encontrada na farinha da polpa. A farinha da casca do pequi apresentou maior capacidade antioxidante (EC50) 45,71 g/g de DPPH. Os maiores resultados de L* (42,19), a* (4,17), b* (8,39) e acidez titulável (17,83 mL NaOH/100 g) foram verificados na farinha da polpa e o menor pH (3,34), na farinha da casca. A análise de componentes principais indicou que o pH e a acidez titulável podem influenciar na bioacessibilidade de compostos fenólicos e carotenoides, e na capacidade antioxidante. Os resultados sugerem que as farinhas do pequi apresentam compostos bioativos bioacessíveis e boa capacidade antioxidante, e podem ser uma alternativa tecnológica no enriquecimento de produtos alimentícios.

Brazilian tucumã-do-Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum) and tucumã-do-Pará (Astrocaryum vulgare) fruits: bioactive composition, health benefits, and technological potential

Latin America has a wide range of native plants spread through its territory. The palms of the Astrocaryum genus are examples of crops occurring in Central and South America, including the large plant life in Brazil. Although not very well known, the Astrocaryum spp. possess edible and non-edible fractions with potential technological and medicinal uses, as evidenced by recent research. Two native Brazilian fruits, tucumã-do-Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum) and tucumã-do-Pará (Astrocaryum vulgare), typically found in the north and northeast of the country, respectively, stand out for their high antioxidant capacity and rich content in bioactive compounds, mainly carotenoids and phenolic compounds. Accordingly, experimental studies indicate their potential to prevent and treat inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions, including cancer. The tucumã plants have also been suggested as tools in the industry, for example for biofuel production, activated carbon technology, and as alternative packaging. Considering the importance of bringing light to underestimated yet culturally relevant native crops with potential benefits for small and large communities, this review aims to present and discuss the characteristics, bioactive composition, health effects, and technological potential of tucumã-do-Amazonas and tucumã-do-Pará fruits.

Population structure and spatial distribution of tucumã-do-pará (Astrocaryum vulgare Mart.) in Salvaterra, Marajó island, Pará

Astrocaryum vulgare Mart. is a palm tree that tolerates multiple environmental conditions, with complex development characteristics. The objective is to understand the population structure, the spatial distribution of this species in different environments and the effect of environmental gradients on its occurrence on Marajó Island, Pará. The hypothesis is that the population density of the species, as well as the spatial distribution, depends on the environment in which it is inserted. The study was carried out in 11 communities of residents of five different physiognomies, in which all individuals belonging to 42 sample units were mapped, measured and were categorized in height classes for further analysis. The results showed an abundance of juvenile individuals and a spatial distribution grouped across all physiognomies. The evidence points to a growing population, probably influenced by anthropic actions. Variables such as vegetation index of normalized difference, slope and distance from rivers were shown to be linked to the development of morphological characteristics. Finally, the occurrence of this species in physiognomies may be linked to the land use system, as it contributes to the creation of favorable environments for its development and, although differently, it has shown a high degree of adaptation to atypicals.

Functional and nutritional properties of selected Amazon fruits: A review

This review reports the nutritional, phytochemical compounds and biological properties of 4 fruits commonly consumed by people living in Amazon region, namely Biribá (Rollinia mucosa Jacq.), Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.), Pupunha (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) and Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum Meyer). These fruits have been high held nutritional, functional and economic potential and contribute to the daily intake of nutrients, energy and bioactive compounds by people living in Amazon rainforest region. Phytochemical compounds with biological properties were detected in these fruits, for instance (but not limited to), annonaceous acetogenins in Biribá, geraniin and corilagin in Rambutan, rutin and catechin in Pupunha, and β-carotene and flavonoids in Tucumã. The biological properties of Biribá, Rambutan, Pupunha and Tucumã have been evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assays, especially antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, these Amazonian fruits can be exploited by the food industry as a food and therapeutic plant-material to develop valuable products, such as medicine products and can be used as sources for obtaining compounds for the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications.

Estrogenic and antiandrogenic activities of methoxyflavans isolated from the fruit of Mauritia Flexuosa (Moriche Palm)

Moriche palm is consumed as both a fresh fruit and processed food in Peru and Brazil. Although its fruit contains phytoestrogens, the active compounds have not yet been identified. Therefore, we purified moriche palm extract (MPE) and identified compounds exhibiting estrogenic and antiandrogenic activities. Estrogenic activity was assessed by the estrogen-dependent growth of MCF-7 cells and increases in uterine weights in mice. Antiandrogenic activity was evaluated by 5α-reductase inhibitory activity and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression in LNCaP cells. In vivo antiestrogenic activity was also assessed based on testosterone-induced prostate growth in castrated mice. Four methoxyflavans were isolated from MPE and all, except for 7,4'-dihydroxy-5-methoxyflavan, promoted MCF-7 cell growth, indicating estrogenic activity. Uterine and ovary weights increased in mice orally administered MPE (400 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Regarding antiandrogenic activity, among the four methoxyflavans isolated, 6,7,4'-trihydroxy-5-methoxyflavan (1 µg/ml) suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of PSA in LNCaP cells. Furthermore, prostate growth was suppressed in mice orally administered MPE (200 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. All methoxyflavans inhibited 5α-reductase activity with IC₅₀ less than 10 µg/ml. Collectively, the present results demonstrated that orally administered MPE exhibited estrogenic and antiandrogenic activities. Methoxyflavans, particularly 6,7,4'-trihydroxy-5-methoxyflavan, appear to be the active compounds for these activities. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The fruit of Mauritia flexuosa (moriche palm) has been used for beverages and processed foods. Although it is said to contain phytoestrogens, the active compounds have not yet been identified. In this study, we isolated and identified methoxyflavans exhibiting estrogenic and antiandrogenic activities. Among them, 6,7,4'-trihydroxy-5-methoxyflavan appeared to be the most effective compounds for these activities.

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∗).

Metabolite Profiling by UPLC-MSE, NMR, and Antioxidant Properties of Amazonian Fruits: Mamey Apple (Mammea Americana), Camapu (Physalis Angulata), and Uxi (Endopleura Uchi)

The metabolite profiling associated with the antioxidant potential of Amazonian fruits represents an important step to the bioactive compound′s characterization due to the large biodiversity in this region. The comprehensive bioactive compounds profile and antioxidant capacities of mamey apple (Mammea americana), camapu (Physalis angulata), and uxi (Endopleura uchi) was determined for the first time. Bioactive compounds were characterized by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS^E) in aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Globally, a total of 293 metabolites were tentatively identified in mamey apple, campau, and uxi extracts. The main classes of compounds in the three species were terpenoids (61), phenolic acids (58), and flavonoids (53). Ethanolic extracts of fruits showed higher antioxidant activity and total ion abundance of bioactive compounds than aqueous. Uxi had the highest values of phenolic content (701.84 mg GAE/100 g), ABTS (1602.7 μmol Trolox g⁻¹), and ORAC (15.04 μmol Trolox g⁻¹). Mamey apple had the highest results for DPPH (1168.42 μmol TE g⁻¹) and FRAP (1381.13 μmol FSE g⁻¹). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy results showed that sugars and lipids were the substances with the highest amounts in mamey apple and camapu. Data referring to chemical characteristics and antioxidant capacity of these fruits can contribute to their economic exploitation.

Characterization and oxidative stability of oils and bioactive compounds of the fruits of Byrsonima cydoniifolia A. Juss. at different ripening stages

BACKGROUND

Fruits present high concentrations of bioactive compounds that are beneficial to health due to their antioxidant properties. New alternatives to vegetable oils with such properties have been studied. We determined the chemical compounds of Byrsonima cydoniifolia A. Juss. fruits in three ripening stages as well as the optical behavior and quality level of the oils.

RESULTS

The ripening stage affected the chemical composition of the fruits and oils. The fruits presented high values of bioactive compounds, as ascorbic acid (1.46-1.82 g kg^-1 ) and total phenols (3.54-15.91 g gallic acid equivalents kg^-1 ), as well as showed excellent antioxidant activity. The ripe fruits showed high content of carotenoids (45.90 mg kg^-1 ) were lutein is the major carotenoid, representing 55.56%. The oil of the ripe fruits showed high lipid content (252.6 g kg^-1 ) and contained oleic (521.83 g kg^-1 ), palmitic (209.13 g kg^-1 ) and linoleic (195.4 g kg^-1 ) fatty acids. The oil of ripe fruits showed the best oxidative stability, with longer induction period (22.29 h) than the other oils.

CONCLUSION

Fruits of B. cydoniifolia A. Juss. demonstrate to possess a promising potential for the use as functional ingredients. The oil of the ripe fruits was more stable and presents a greater potential to be used for edible purposes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bioactive compounds and health benefits of some palm species traditionally used in Africa and the Americas - A review

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.

Peels of tucumã (Astrocaryum vulgare) and peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) are by-products classified as very high carotenoid sources

Tucumã (Astrocaryum vulgare) and peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) are Amazonian fruits with high potential to be used as source of carotenoids due to the remarkable yellow-orange colour of their pulp and peel. In this study, for the first time, both the extraction of carotenoids from the peel of tucumã and peach palm fruits and their carotenoid profile were investigated. The carotenoid contents of the peel of both fruits were higher than those found in the pulp. The highest yield of carotenoids from both fruit peels were obtained at the solid-liquid ratio of 1:7 (w/v), 80 min of shaking and by adding 30% of ethyl acetate in acetone, being β-carotene the major carotenoid (7.8 and 7.3 mg/100 g for tucumã and peach palm, respectively), followed by γ-carotene and δ-carotene. Thus, peels of tucumã and peach palm fruits were classified as very high carotenoid sources to be used by any potential interested industry.

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.

Anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and cytoprotective potential of the Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng. pulp oil

The anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and cytoprotective activity of the Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng pulp oil was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo methods. As for the chemical profile, the antioxidant activity was performed by spectrophotometry, and the profile of carotenoids and amino acids by chromatography. Our data demonstrated that A. phalerata oil has high carotenoid content, antioxidant activity and the presence of 5 essential amino acids. In the in vitro models of inflammation, the oil demonstrated the capacity to inhibit COX1 and COX2 enzymes, the production of nitric oxide and also induces macrophages to spreading. In the in vivo models of inflammation, the oil inhibited edema and leukocyte migration in the Wistar rats. In the in vitro model of antiproliferative and cytoprotective activity, the oil was shown inactive against the kidney carcinoma and prostate carcinoma lineage cells and with cytoprotective capacity in murine fibroblast cells, inhibiting the cytotoxic action of doxorubicin. Therefore, it is concluded that A. phalerata pulp oil has anti-inflammatory effects with nutraceutical properties potential due to the rich composition. Moreover, the oil also has cytoprotective activity probably because of its ability to inhibit the action of free radicals.

Phenolic compounds are highly correlated to the antioxidant capacity of genotypes of Oenocarpus distichus Mart. fruits

This research aimed to evaluate 32 genotypes of Oenocarpus distichus fruits regarding the contents of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, flavanols, monomeric anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH assays), and the phenolic compound profiles of the five genotypes that presented the highest yields of bioactive compounds. The genotypes were harvested in three different locations in Pará State, Northern Brazil, (Belém, São João do Araguaia and Marabá). Among the 32 genotypes, the highest bioactive compound contents and antioxidant capacity were found for three genotypes harvested in Belém (B-3, B-7 and B-8) and two harvested in São João do Araguaia (SJ-1 and SJ-4), and the total phenolic compounds varied from 131.97 to 363.01 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g, total flavonoids from 24.23 to 38.19 mg quercetin equivalent/100 g, total flavanols from 72.29 to 259.18 mg catechin equivalent/100 g, and monomeric anthocyanins from 21.31 to 67.76 mg cyanidin 3-rutinoside/100 g. The main phenolic compounds tentatively identified in the five selected genotypes were cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside (48.47 to 196.51 μg/g), which could be identified and quantified as the major phenolic compound in Oenocarpus distichus fruits, for the first time, followed by chlorogenic acid (0.71 to 64.56 μg/g) and rutin (13.98 to 56.76 μg/g).

Evaluation of cytogenotoxicity, antioxidant and hypoglycemiant activities of isolate compounds from Mansoa hirsuta D.C. (Bignoniaceae)

Mansoa hirsuta (Bignoniaceae) is a native plant from caatinga in Brazilian semiarid. This plant has been locally used as antimicrobial and hypoglycemiant agents, but their action mechanisms and toxicity remain largely unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the composition and antioxidant, cytoprotective and hypoglycemiant effects of raw extract, fractions and compounds from leaves of M. hirsuta. The cytogenotoxic effects of ursolic and oleanolic acids, the main phytotherapic components of this plant, were assessed. The raw extract and fractions presented steroids, saponins, flavonols, flavanonols, flavanones, xanthones, phenols, tannins, anthocyanins, anthocyanidins and flavonoids. The ethyl acetate fraction inhibited efficiently the cascade of lipid peroxidation while the hydroalcoholic fraction was richer in total phenols and more efficient in capturing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (·DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS·+) radicals. The isolated fraction of M. hirsuta also inhibited the α-amylase activity. Cytotoxic effects were absent in both raw extract and fractions while ursolic+oleanolic acids were efficient in protecting cells after exposure to hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, this mixture of acid shad no significant interference on the mitotic index and frequency of nuclear and/or chromosomal abnormalities in Allium cepa test. Therefore, M. hirsuta represents a potential source of phytochemicals against inflammatory and oxidative pathologies, including diabetes.