Acute Toxicity of Aqueous Extract from Bredemeyera floribunda Root Bark in an Animal Model.

The medicinal plant Bredemeyera floribunda Willd. is used to treat cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, low libido, as well as increased diuresis. However, studies considering the toxicity of this plant are scarce. Develop an aqueous extract of B. floribunda considering traditional use and determine the average lethality (LD50), signs, and symptoms of toxicity. The B. floribunda extract was obtained by immersing the root bark in ultrapure water for 18 hours at 4°C, under constant stirring. The test extract was administered in a single dose of 2.000 mg/kg by gavage to rats. Signs and symptoms of toxicity were determined according to the Hippocratic screening test and compared with the control group. In addition, a necropsy was performed for macroscopic evaluation of the organs in the abdominal cavity. A powder was obtained from aqueous extracts that showed the same organoleptic characteristics and emulsification capacity as those presented by the fresh root when prepared according to popular tradition. The LD50 was greater than the test dose with three animals surviving. On the other hand, necropsy of dead rats showed necrosis and reduction in lung mass, in addition to the presence of foam and excessive distension of the stomach and intestines. The main symptoms of toxicity were anesthesia, ataxia, sedation, loss of muscle strength, and excessive drowsiness in the first 24 hours. There was no difference between the control and extract groups with regard to body mass, food, and water intake, as well as in macroscopy of the heart, liver, lungs, intestines, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. The aqueous extract of the B. floribunda was considered nontoxic or of very low toxicity. However, it is capable of altering the activity of the central nervous system and causing disorders in the respiratory and digestive systems.

Investigating Effects of IR-780 in Animal Models of B16-F10 Melanoma: New Approach in Lung Metastasis.

IR-780 is a fluorescent marker, photostable and non-toxic, and is widely used in tumor targeting; however, studies on the impact of IR-780 in animal models of B16-F10 melanoma are scarce in the literature. Therefore, this study aims to analyze behavior of this marker in melanoma cells using in vitro and in vivo analyses with fluorescence microscopy to conduct an analysis of cell culture, and an in vivo imaging system for an analysis of cell culture, tumor targeting on animals, and organ examination. In vitro analysis showed that B16-F10 cells at a concentration of 2 × 105 cells.plate-1 allowed a better visualization using 20 µM of IR-780. Furthermore, the location of IR-780 accumulation was confirmed by its fluorescence microscopy. Through in vivo studies, fluorescence was not observed in subcutaneous nodules, and it was found that animals that received intraperitoneal injection of B16-F10 cells presented ascites and did not absorb IR-780. Additionally, animals exhibiting lung metastasis showed fluorescence in ex vivo lung images. Therefore, use of the IR-780 marker for evaluating the progression of tumor growth did not demonstrate efficiency; however, it was effective in diagnosing pulmonary metastatic tumors. Although this marker presented limitations, results of evaluating pulmonary involvement through ex vivo fluorescence imaging were determined based on intensity of fluorescence.

Nutraceutical Potential of Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Seed Oil in Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Obesity and Metabolic Alterations.

Vitis vinifera L. (grapevine) is a perennial plant of the Vitaceae family that is widely used to produce grapes and wines. Grape seed oil is rich in fatty acids such as linoleic acid (65-75%), vitamin E (50 mg), and phytosterols in addition to phenolic compounds, such as catechins (414 mg), epicatechins (130.4 mg), and gallic acid (77 µg), shows promise as a nutritional compound and is outstanding as a therapeutic substance with active properties for health, detected mainly by in vitro studies, as well as some in vivo studies. The benefits of consuming this oil include modulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory effects, and protection against oxidative cell damage and some types of cancer. However, experimental findings confirm that therapeutic functions remain scarce; thus, more studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of action involved in the indicated therapeutic qualities.

Therapeutic potential of Smilax fluminensis ethanolic extract: antitumoral activity in murine melanoma cells.

The aim of the study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of leaves ethanol extract from Smilax fluminensis on murine melanoma. The extract was performed by ethylic alcohol and submitted to classical chemical analysis. Cytotoxicity test were performed on neoplastic cells, where antitumor activity was expressed in GI50 (concentration that inhibits 50% of cell growth) and the determination of selectivity index using a normal cell line. In addition, BALB/c mice models were used to evaluate the in vivo antitumor activity of extract in two different concentrations against B16-F10 melanoma cells. The tumor inhibition ratio was determined and the histopathological analyses of nodules and liver were compared. The chemical analysis indicated a major presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Cytotoxicity test results that S. fluminensis extract was active in B16-F10 line (GI50: 4.37 µg/mL), being the extract considered a promising antineoplastic agent. In the experimental model, the inhibition percentage of tumoral growth was between 78.77 and 83.49%. Histopathology analysis of nodules showed necrotic cells reduction, adipocytes presence, melanin deposition, vascularization, and inflammatory process in a concentration-dependent manner. On the liver, the animals treated with the extract on both concentrations showed normal hepatic organization, normal hepatocytes, and absence of inflammatory focus. The results indicate that S. fluminensis extract demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity, reducing the tumoral growth in B16-F10 and could therefore be a promising antineoplastic agent.

Nutraceutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds of Eugenia dysenterica DC in Metabolic Alterations.

The fruit and leaves of Eugenia dysenterica DC., locally known as cagaita, are rich in antioxidant glycosylated quercetin derivatives and phenolic compounds that have beneficial effects on diabetes mellitus, hypertension and general inflammation. We conducted a literature search to investigate the nutraceutical potentials of these phenolic compounds for treating obesity, diabetes mellitus and intestinal inflammatory disease. The phenolic compounds in E. dysenterica have demonstrated effects on carbohydrate metabolism, which can prevent the development of these chronic diseases and reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and hypertension. E. dysenterica also improves intestinal motility and microbiota and protects gastric mucosa, thereby preventing inflammation. However, studies are necessary to identify the mechanism by which E. dysenterica nutraceutical compounds act on such pathological processes to support future research.

Natural Antioxidant Evaluation: A Review of Detection Methods.

Antioxidants have drawn the attention of the scientific community due to being related to the prevention of various degenerative diseases. The antioxidant capacity has been extensively studied in vitro, and different methods have been used to assess its activity. However, the main issues related to studying natural antioxidants are evaluating whether these antioxidants demonstrate a key role in the biological system and assessing their bioavailability in the organism. The majority of outcomes in the literature are controversial due to a lack of method standardization and their proper application. Therefore, this study aims to compile the main issues concerning the natural antioxidant field of study, comparing the most common in vitro methods to evaluate the antioxidant activity of natural compounds, demonstrating the antioxidant activity in biological systems and the role of the main antioxidant enzymes of redox cellular signaling and explaining how the bioavailability of bioactive compounds is evaluated in animal models and human clinical trials.

Fatty Acid Diets: Regulation of Gut Microbiota Composition and Obesity and Its Related Metabolic Dysbiosis.

Long-term high-fat dietary intake plays a crucial role in the composition of gut microbiota in animal models and human subjects, which affect directly short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and host health. This review aims to highlight the interplay of fatty acid (FA) intake and gut microbiota composition and its interaction with hosts in health promotion and obesity prevention and its related metabolic dysbiosis. The abundance of the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, as Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria species are associated with increased SCFA production, reported high-fat diet rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as well as low-fat diets rich in long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs). SCFAs play a key role in health promotion and prevention and, reduction and reversion of metabolic syndromes in the host. Furthermore, in this review, we discussed the type of fatty acids and their amount, including the administration time and their interplay with gut microbiota and its results about health or several metabolic dysbioses undergone by hosts.

Antiproliferative Activity and Antioxidant Potential of Extracts of Garcinia gardneriana.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity, the antioxidant potential, and the chemical profile obtained from the whole fruit and from leaves of Garcinia gardneriana, a fruit tree from Brazilian Cerrado. To determine in vitro antiproliferative activity, the following neoplastic cell lines were considered, along with an immortalized nontumor cell line. The antioxidant potential was determined, and the evaluation of antiradical air activity was performed. The levels of vitamin C and carotenoids were determined. The chemical profile was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector and a mass spectrometer using electrospray ionization interface. The chloroform fraction of the leaf showed antioxidant activity. The vitamin C content had lower values in fruits and higher in leaves. The content of carotenoids for fruits and leaves was expressive. The ethanolic extract and the hexane and chloroform fractions of fruits were active in all neoplastic lines tested. The leaves showed cytotoxic activity in the hexane fraction in the breast carcinoma line. The analysis of data obtained verified the presence of dimers, monomers, and tetramers of hexoses, polycarboxylic acids, xanthones, flavonoids, biflavonoids, and benzophenones.

Medicinal Potential of Garcinia Species and Their Compounds.

Garcinia is a genus of Clusiaceae, distributed throughout tropical Asia, Africa, New Caledonia, Polynesia, and Brazil. Garcinia plants contain a broad range of biologically active metabolites which, in the last few decades, have received considerable attention due to the chemical compositions of their extracts, with compounds which have been shown to have beneficial effects in several diseases. Our work had the objective of reviewing the benefits of five Garcinia species (G. brasiliensis, G. gardneriana, G. pedunculata, G. cambogia, and G. mangstana). These species provide a rich natural source of bioactive compounds with relevant therapeutic properties and anti-inflammatory effects, such as for the treatment of skin disorders, wounds, pain, and infections, having demonstrated antinociceptive, antioxidant, antitumoral, antifungal, anticancer, antihistaminic, antiulcerogenic, antimicrobial, antiviral, vasodilator, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and cardioprotective properties. This demonstrates the relevance of the genus as a rich source of compounds with valuable therapeutic properties, with potential use in the prevention and treatment of nontransmissible chronic diseases.

Evaluation of Level of Essential Elements and Toxic Metal in the Medicinal Plant Hymenaea martiana Hayne (Jatobá) Used by Mid-West Population of Brazil.

Hymenaea martiana Hayne belongs to the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) and presents the popular name of jatobá. It is a tree that demonstrates medicinal purposes and represents a food source in Brazil. The potential contribution of each species to recommended nutrient intakes (DRI) and Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) for children and adults were calculated. A comparison between the quantified contents of micro- and macronutrients Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, S, and Zn in leaves tea and tea of the bark of this plant was made with the recommendation of FDA and ANVISA. General safety regarding metal content (Na, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Ni) and nonmetal (P) was assured as none of them exceed the safety limit of the daily intake. However, the content of Mn observed in the teas of H. martiana Hayne is above the UL for tolerable intake level for children aged 1-6 years. There are no limits established for the UL of Cr and S for children and adults. The data on quantification of mineral concentration in the species Hymenaea martiana Hayne obtained can serve as a tool to decide the dosage of preparations from this plant used for medicinal purposes.

Photoinactivation effect of eosin methylene blue and chlorophyllin sodium-copper against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

The use of eosin methylene blue according to Giemsa as photosensitizer is presented for the first time in this paper. The present study evaluated the potential application of chlorophyllin sodium copper salt (CuChlNa) and eosin methylene blue according to Giemsa (EMB) as antimicrobial photosensitizers (aPS) for photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (gram-negative) bacteria. The experiments were performed using S. aureus stain ATCC 25923 and E. coli ATCC 25922 in which five aPS concentrations (0.0, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 µM for S. aureus and 0.0, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, 40.0, and 50.0 µM for E. coli) were prepared and added in 2 mL of a saline solution containing the bacterial inoculum. After aPS incubation, the samples were divided into two groups, one kept in the dark and another submitted to the illumination. Then, the bacterial inactivation was determined 18 h after the incubation at 37 °C by counting the colony-forming units (CFU). The results revealed that both EMB and CuChlNa can be used as aPS for the photoinactivation of S. aureus, while only EMB was able to photoinactivate E. coli. Nevertheless, a more complex experimental setup was needed for photoinactivation of E. coli. The data showed that EMB and CuChlNa presented similar photoinactivation effects on S. aureus, in which bacterial growth was completely inhibited at photosensitizer (PS) concentrations over 5 µM, when samples were previously incubated for 30 min and irradiated by a light dose of 30 J cm-2 as a result of an illumination of 1 h at 8.3 mW cm-2 by using a red light at 625 nm with a 1 cm beam diameter and output power of 6.5 mW. In the case of E. coli, bacterial growth was completely inhibited only when combining a PS incubation period of 120 min with concentrations over 20 µM.

New Evidence on the Antiproliferative Activity of Campomanesia Adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg Extracts in Melanoma Lung Metastasis.

Given the importance of discovering plant species from the Brazilian Cerrado biome with anticancer potential, this study evaluated the antitumor activity of two extracts of Campomanesi adamantium fruits in in vitro and in vivo models of melanoma lung metastasis. Pulp and peel extracts (DEGPU and DEGPE, respectively) were extracted from fresh fruit using dichloromethane as a solvent. As cytotoxicity parameter, concentration values that inhibited 50% cell growth (GI50), total growth inhibition (TGI), and selectivity index (SI) were established. The melanoma lung metastasis model was obtained by injecting 5 × 105/50 µL B16-F10 cells via the tail vein of mice, which received treatment on the 15th day. Metastatic lungs were collected for fluorescence analysis with the IR-780 marker and also macro- and microscopic assessment. In vitro analyses showed that DEGPU was active in K562 (GI50 32.99; TGI 47.93) and U-251 (GI50 32.10; TGI 249.92), whereas DEGPE showed better cytotoxicity results for all tumor cell lines, but was more efficient in K562 (GI50 27.42; TGI 40.20) and U-251 (GI50 4.89; TGI 12.77). Both showed a cytocidal effect on B16F10 at the highest concentration tested, with approximately 25% (DEGPU) and 88% (DEGPE) of cell death. In vivo analyzes showed that both extracts showed significant activity in metastatic lung. Fluorescence images showed differences in intensity between groups owing to greater tumor involvement. Macro- and microscopic images showed that treatments with extracts limited tumor growth and prevented proliferation. The extracts tested have promising activity, thus requiring further research on their active compounds.

Synthesis and evaluation of diaryl sulfides and diaryl selenide compounds for antitubulin and cytotoxic activity.

We have devised a procedure for the synthesis of analogs of combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) containing sulfur and selenium atoms as spacer groups between the aromatic rings. CA-4 is well known for its potent activity as an inhibitor of tubulin polymerization, and its prodrugs combretastatin A-4 phosphate (CA-4P) and combretastatin A-1 phosphate (CA-1P) are being investigated as antitumor agents that cause tumor vascular collapse in addition to their activity as cytotoxic compounds. Here we report the preparation of two sulfur analogs and one selenium analog of CA-4. All synthesized compounds, as well as several synthetic intermediates, were evaluated for inhibition of tubulin polymerization and for cytotoxic activity in human cancer cells. Compounds 3 and 4 were active at nM concentration against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. As inhibitors of tubulin polymerization, both 3 and 4 were more active than CA-4 itself. In addition, 4 was the most active of these agents against 786, HT-29 and PC-3 cancer cells. Molecular modeling binding studies are also reported for compounds 1, 3, 4 and CA-4 to tubulin within the colchicine site.

Cytotoxic evaluation of phenolic compounds from lichens against melanoma cells.

Atranorin, lichexanthone, and the (+)-usnic, diffractaic, divaricatic, perlatolic, psoromic, protocetraric, and norstictic acids isolated from the lichens Parmotrema dilatatum (VAIN.) HALE, Usnea subcavata MOTYKA, Usnea sp., Ramalina sp., Cladina confusa (SANT.) FOLMM. & AHTI, Dirinaria aspera HÄSÄNEN, and Parmotrema lichexanthonicum ELIASARO & ADLER were evaluated against UACC-62 and B16-F10 melanoma cells and 3T3 normal cells. Sulforhodamine B assay revealed significant cytotoxic activity in protocetraric, divaricatic, and perlatolic acids on UACC-62 cells (50% growth inhibitory concentration (GI(50)) 0.52, 2.7, and 3.3 µg/mL, respectively). Divaricatic and perlatolic acids proved the most active on B16-F10 cells (GI(50) 4.4, 18.0 µg/mL, respectively) and the most cytotoxic to 3T3 normal cells. Diffractaic, usnic, norstictic, and psoromic acids were cytotoxic to UACC-62 cells in the 24.7 to 36.6 µg/mL range, as were protocetraric and diffractaic acids to B16-F10 cells (GI(50) 24.0, 25.4 µg/mL, respectively). Protocetraric acid was highly selective (selectivity index (SI*) 93.3) against UACC-62 cells, followed by norstictic, perlatolic, psoromic, and divaricatic acids, while norstictic and divaricatic acids were more selective against B16-F10 cells. The high SI* value obtained for protocetraric acid on UACC-62 cells makes it a potential candidate for the study of melanomas in experimental models. Chemometric analysis was performed to evaluate the general behavior of the compounds against the cell lines tested.

Maternal Intake of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Autism Spectrum Etiology and Its Relation to the Gut Microbiota: What Do We Know?

Maternal food habits and gut microbiota composition have potential effects on fetal neurodevelopment, impacting Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our research aims to outline the relationship that ingestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the composition of maternal gut microbiota have with the possible development of ASD in offspring. We suggest that genetic factors could be related to the different conversions between unsaturated fatty acids according to sex and, mainly, the impact of the pregnancy diet on the higher or lower risk of neurological impairments. The proportion of the phyla Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes is high with an increased consumption of linoleic acid (LA, n-6 PUFA), which is associated with maternal intestinal dysbiosis and consequently starts the inflammatory process, harming myelinization. In contrast, the consumption of α-linolenic acid (ALA, n-3 PUFA) tends to re-establish the balance of the maternal microbiota with anti-inflammatory action. Moreover, human observational studies showed a strong correlation between the consumption of n-3 PUFA, mainly above 340 g of fish per week, with beneficial effects on infant neurodevelopment. Therefore, we suggest that the proper intake of foods rich in n-3 PUFAs and their supplementation during pregnancy until lactation has an impact on reducing the development of ASD. Controlled studies with n-3 PUFA supplementation are still necessary to verify the ideal dose and the best form of administration.

Effects of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Garcinia gardneriana Leaves in an In Vivo Experimental Model Induced by a Hyperlipidic Diet.

The study of medicinal plants, such as the genus Garcinia (Clusiaceae), in the treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases has aroused the interest of researchers. However, there are no studies in the literature that have investigated the effects of Garcinia gardneriana in experimental models of obesity for possible metabolic alterations. Swiss mice receiving a high-fat diet were supplemented with aqueous or ethanolic extract of G. gardneriana at doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg/day. It was found that there was a reduction in food consumption in experimental groups compared with the control groups, and the group supplemented with aqueous extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg/daydisplayed a reduction in weight. The results showed an increase in the values of high density lipoprotein (HDL-c), total cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose. G. gardneriana did not protect against insulin resistance, and caused in an increase in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) concentrations and a reduction in interleukin 10 (IL-10). In addition, hepatic steatosis and microvesicular steatosis were indicated. It was revealed that, under the experimental conditions in the study, G. gardneriana did not prevent weight gain or comorbidities; that is, a different behavior was obtained from that described in the literature with regard to the medicinal potential of the Garcinia species, which is probably related to the phytochemical properties.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Balanced Gut Microbiota on Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: A Close Look at Ulcerative Colitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis.

The aim of this article was to review experimental and clinical studies regarding the use of omega-3 fatty acids on the prevention and control of chronic inflammatory diseases with autoimmune background through the gut microbiota modulation. For this, natural omega-3 sources are presented emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet for the body's homeostasis and the enzymatic processes that these fatty acids go through once inside the body. The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis are revisited under the light of the gut microbiota dysbiosis approach and how those fatty acids are able to prevent and control these two pathological conditions that are responsible for the global chronic burden and functional disability and life-threatening comorbidities if not treated properly. As a matter of reflection, as we are living a pandemic crisis owing to COVID-19 infection, we present the potential of omega-3 in preventing a poor prognosis once they contribute to balancing the immune system modulation the inflammatory process.

Oxidative stability and elemental analysis of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) edible oil produced in Brazil using a domestic extraction machine.

The consumption of regular vegetable oils has been linked to energy acquisition, nutritional benefits, health improvement, and the regulation of metabolic diseases. This study evaluated fatty acids composition, physicochemical, thermal, oxidative, and optical properties, and quantified trace elements in the sunflower oil extracted by a domestic cold-press machine. The oil presented linoleic (54.00%) and oleic (37.29%) primary unsaturated fatty acids (91.67%), in which atherogenic (0.05), thrombogenic (0.16), hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (21.97), peroxide (16.16), saponification (141.80), and relative density indices (0.92) demonstrated to be suitable for human consumption and possible health promotion. In addition, the concentrations of trace elements by ICP OES were ordered Zn > Fe > Al > Cu > Mn > Cr. Concentrations of Zn, Fe, Al, Cu, and Mn were lower than FAO/WHO and DRI/AI limits, while Cr concentrations exceeded the FAO/WHO limits, which can be used as an indicator of the polluted ambiance. Sunflower oil quantities daily consumption were calculated by taking into account non-carcinogenic risk (CR < 10-4), and total non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI < 1). Based on trace elements determined in this study, the suitable quantity of sunflower oil consumption varies according to individuals aged 8, 18, and 30 years and will be deemed 0.61, 1.46, and 1.65 g/kg, respectively, attending HI = 0.99 and CR < 10-4.

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.

High Concentration of Heavy Metal and Metalloid Levels in Edible Campomanesia adamantium Pulp from Anthropic Areas.

This study aimed to quantify the extent of heavy metal, non-metal and metalloid levels in the Campomanesia adamantium pulp obtained from an area crossed by road experiencing high large vehicle traffic and intensive agriculture modern farming, to monitor the health risks associated with pulp consumption by humans. For this purpose, in three spots located within this area, ripe fruits were collected on the roadside, bush and farm-margin. Pulp samples were digested by microwave-assisted equipment, and chemical elements were quantified by ICP OES. The concentrations of K, Pb, Se, Fe, Mo, Zn, Co, Ni and Mn in the pulp collected in roadside/bush points showed statistical differences (p < 0.05). The heavy metals and metalloid concentrations that exceeded FAO/WHO standards were ordered Pb > As > Mo > Co > Ni > Mn > Cr. Therefore, among these metalloid and heavy metals, As, Pb and Cr were found to be higher in farm-margin > roadside > bush (1.5 × 10-3, 1.1 × 10-3 and 6.2 × 10-4), respectively. Therefore, As is the most important metalloid with higher levels in farm-margin, roadside and bush (1.5 × 10-3, 1.0 × 10-3 and 6.0 × 10-4 > 10-6-10-4 and 3.33, 2.30 and 1.34 > 1), respectively, to total cancer risk and hazard quotient, if 10 g daily of pulp are consumed.