Antioxidant and antidiabetic flavonoids from the leaves of Dypsis pembana (H.E.Moore) Beentje & J.Dransf., Arecaceae: in vitro and molecular docking studies.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and diabetes are medical conditions that have a growing prevalence worldwide, significantly impacting our bodies. Thus, it is essential to develop new natural antioxidant and antidiabetic agents. Dypsis pembana (H.E.Moore) Beentje & J.Dransf (DP) is an ornamental palm of the family Arecaceae. This study aimed to broaden the understanding of this plant's biological properties by evaluating its in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. METHODS: The in vitro antioxidant activities of the crude extract, fractions, and selected isolates were evaluated by DPPH method. While the in vitro antidiabetic activities of these samples were evaluated by assessing the degree of inhibition of α-glucosidase. Additionally, molecular docking analysis was performed to investigate the interactions of tested compounds with two potential targets, the cytochrome c peroxidase and alpha glucosidase. RESULTS: The crude extract displayed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 of 11.56 µg/ml), whereas among the fractions, the EtOAc fraction was the most potent (IC50 of 14.20 µg/ml). Among tested compounds, isoquercetrin (10) demonstrated the highest potency, with an IC50 value of 3.30 µg/ml, followed by rutin (8) (IC50 of 3.61 µg/ml). Regarding antidiabetic activity, the EtOAc (IC50 of 60.4 µg/ml) and CH2Cl2 fractions (IC50 of 214.9 µg/ml) showed activity, while the other fractions did not demonstrate significant antidiabetic effects. Among tested compounds, kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside (9) showed the highest antidiabetic activity, with an IC50 value of 18.38 µg/ml, followed by kaempferol (4) (IC50 of 37.19 µg/ml). These experimental findings were further supported by molecular docking analysis, which revealed that isoquercetrin and kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside exhibited strong enzyme-binding affinities to the studied enzyme targets. This analysis provided insights into the structure-activity relationships among the investigated flavonol-O-glycosides. CONCLUSION: The biological and computational findings revealed that isoquercetrin and kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside have potential as lead compounds for inhibiting cytochrome c peroxidase and alpha glucosidase enzymes, respectively.

Retro-dihydrochalcones from the resin of Daemonorops draco and their inhibitory activities against renal fibrosis.

Daedracoflavan A-E (1-5), five new flavonoids were isolated from the resin of Daemonorops draco. Their structures including absolute configurations were established by using spectroscopic and computational methods. All the compounds are new chalcones with the same retro-dihydrochalcone skeleton. Compound 1 features the presence of a cyclohexadienone unit originating from a benzene ring, and the ketone group of C-9 reduced to a hydroxyl group. The bioactivity of all isolated compounds was evaluated in kidney fibrosis and found that compound 2 could dose-dependently inhibit the expression of fibronectin, collagen I, and α-SMA in TGF-ß1-induced rat kidney proximal tubular cells (NRK-52E). Interestingly, the replacement of a proton by a hydroxyl group at C-4' seems to play a crucial role in anti-renal fibrosis activity.

GC-MS analysis and pharmacological evaluations of Phoenix sylvestris (Roxb.) seeds provide new insights into the management of oxidative stress and hyperglycemia.

Phoenix sylvestris Roxb. (Arecaceae) seeds are used in the treatment of diabetes in the traditional system of medicine. The present study evaluated antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities as well as the total phenolic and flavonoid content of the methanol extract of P. sylvestris seeds (MEPS). The constituents of the extract were identified by GC-MS analysis. MEPS demonstrated strong antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50 = 162.70 ± 14.99 µg) and nitric oxide (NO) (IC50 = 101.56 ± 9.46 µg/ml) free radicals. It also possesses a substantial amount of phenolics and flavonoids. It significantly (p < .05) reduced blood glucose levels in glucose-loaded and alloxan-induced diabetic mice at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg b.w., respectively. A total of 46 compounds were detected and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis, among which 8-methylisoquinoline N-oxide (32.82%) was predominant. The phytochemical study by GC-MS revealed that the MEPS possesses compounds which could be related to its antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. To recapitulate, P. sylvestris seeds can be a very good option for antidiabetic and antioxidant activity though further studies are still recommended to figure out the responsible phytochemicals and establish their exact mechanism of action.

Effects of consumption of mauritia flexuosa fruits on renal and hepatic functions in growing rats

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have reported that buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) is a typical fruit from the Brazilian cerrado ecosystem and an important food source for low-income populations. Its composition is rich in carotenoid polyphenols, monounsaturated fatty acids, and ascorbic acid. However, studies on the biological effects resulting from the consumption of this fruit are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a diet supplemented with buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) on kidney and liver functions in growing rats. METHODS: Determination of centesimal composition, carotenoids, and fatty acids content for buriti pulp, standard chow, and butiti-supplemented chow were performed. Then, Wistar rats of both sexes were fed a standard diet or supplemented with buriti pulp. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment to determine biochemical parameters. The unpaired t-test was applied, and differences were considered significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: A diet enriched with buriti pulp did not interfere with kidney function and most markers of liver function in animals. Alkaline phosphatase showed significantly higher plasma concentration in female rats, and albumin and uric acid showed lower concentrations in male rats in both experimental groups. CONCLUSION: The changes observed in biochemical markers did not provide evidence of adverse effects of buriti pulp supplementation on liver function. Thus, the intake of buriti pulp can be encouraged as it is a low-cost food source for the general population.

The effect of aluminum treatment on metabolism in oil palm seedlings

Due to rainfall and high temperatures, the Amazonian soil undergoes changes in its source material and leaching of base cations. This results in deep, infertile, and acidic soil. Aluminum present in acidic soil impairs plant growth and development by inhibiting root formation, enzymatic reactions, absorption, transport, and nutrient utilization. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aluminum dosage on the metabolism of the oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq. The study was conducted in a greenhouse at the Federal Rural University of Amazonia. The experimental design was randomized, with five replications, in which dosages of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg L-1 aluminum chloride (AlCl3.6H2O) were administered. Electrolyte leakage, nitrate, nitrate reductase, free ammonium, soluble amino acids, proline content, and soluble proteins were analyzed in the leaves and roots of the oil palm. The highest concentration of aluminum was found in the roots. AlCl3 treatment at 40 mg L-1 increased electrolyte leakage, nitrate, ammonium, and proline concentrations in the roots, and amino acid concentrations in both the leaves and roots. Furthermore, a decrease in nitrate reductase enzyme activity was observed in the roots. This study demonstrates that the oil palm has mechanisms of tolerance to aluminum toxicity.

Acute and subacute (28 days) oral toxicity studies of tucum almond oil (Bactris Setosa Mart.) in mice.

Oils extracted from almonds are often used with particular interest due to their prospective health effects and benefits. Tucum is a Pantanal fruit widely consumed by local population and no in vivo toxicity studies regarding its safety are available in the literature to date. This study investigated the acute and subacute toxicity of tucum almond oil (TAO) in mice by evaluating its safety profile. For the acute (2000 mg/kg) and subacute (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) toxicity studies, TAO was administered orally to mice according to 425 and 407 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Guidelines, respectively. Food intake, body, and organ weight of animals were recorded. Signs of toxicity were assessed, and hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses were performed. In the acute toxicity study, no mortality or behavioral changes were observed in mice treated with 2000 mg/kg, indicating that LD50 is higher than this dose. In the subacute toxicity test, the doses evaluated did not produce relevant changes in hematological, biochemical or histopathological parameters in the exposed animals. The data obtained suggest that TAO did not induce toxicity after exposure to a single or repeated doses and LD50 value may be considered to be more than 2000 mg/kg body weight.

Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) extract: phytochemical characterization, acute and subacute oral toxicity studies in Wistar rats.

Natural products are often used by the population to treat and/or prevent several disorders. Tucumã is an Amazonian fruit widely consumed by local population and no in vivo toxicity studies regarding its safety are available in the literature to date. Therefore, the phytochemical characterization, acute and repeated dose 28-day oral toxicities of crude extract of tucumã's pulp (CETP) in Wistar rats were evaluated. For the CETP preparation, tucumã pulp was crushed and placed into sealed amber glass jars containing absolute ethanol solution for extraction. CETP phytochemical analyses evidenced the presence of carotenoids, flavonoids, unsaturated and satured fatty acids, and triterpenes. In the acute toxicity, female rats from the test group were treated with CETP at single dose of 2000 mg/kg. For the repeated dose toxicity, CETP was administered to male and female rats at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg, for 28 days. Body weight was recorded during the experiment and blood, liver and kidney were collected for further analysis. No mortality or toxicity signs were observed during the studies. CETP was classified as safe (category 5, OECD guide), in acute toxicity. In repeated dose study was observed alterations in some biochemical parameters, as well as in oxidative damage and enzymatic activity. Histopathological findings showed renal damage in male rats at higher dose. The data obtained suggest that CETP did not induced toxicity after exposure to a single or repeated doses in female rats. However, in males may be considered safe when given repeatedly in low doses.

Elucidation of Antioxidant Compounds in Moroccan Chamaerops humilis L. Fruits by GC-MS and HPLC-MS Techniques.

The aim of this study was to characterize the phytochemical content as well as the antioxidant ability of the Moroccan species Chamaerops humilis L. Besides crude ethanolic extract, two extracts obtained by sonication using two solvents with increased polarity, namely ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol-water (MeOH-H2O) 80:20 (v/v), were investigated by both spectroscopy and chromatography methods. Between the two extracts, the MeOH-H2O one showed the highest total polyphenolic content equal to 32.7 ± 0.1 mg GAE/g DM with respect to the EtOAc extract (3.6 ± 0.5 mg GAE/g DM). Concerning the antioxidant activity of the two extracts, the EtOAc one yielded the highest value (1.9 ± 0.1 mg/mL) with respect to MeOH-H2O (0.4 ± 0.1 mg/mL). The C. humilisn-hexane fraction, analyzed by GC-MS, exhibited 69 compounds belonging to different chemical classes, with n-Hexadecanoic acid as a major compound (21.75%), whereas the polyphenolic profile, elucidated by HPLC-PDA/MS, led to the identification of a total of sixteen and thirteen different compounds in both EtOAc (major component: ferulic acid: 104.7 ± 2.52 µg/g) and MeOH-H2O extracts (major component: chlorogenic acid: 45.4 ± 1.59 µg/g), respectively. The attained results clearly highlight the potential of C. humilis as an important source of bioactive components, making it a valuable candidate to be advantageously added to the daily diet. Furthermore, this study provides the scientific basis for the exploitation of the Doum in the food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Fatty acid isoprenoid alcohol ester synthesis in fruits of the African Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis).

The African Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis; family Arecaceae) represents the most important oil crop for food and feed production and for biotechnological applications. Two types of oil can be extracted from palm fruits, the mesocarp oil which is rich in palmitic acid and in carotenoids (provitamin A) and tocochromanols (vitamin E), and the kernel oil with high amounts of lauric and myristic acid. We identified fatty acid phytyl esters (FAPEs) in the mesocarp and kernel tissues of mature fruits, mostly esterified with oleic acid and very long chain fatty acids. In addition, fatty acid geranylgeranyl esters (FAGGEs) accumulated in mesocarp and kernels to even larger amounts. In contrast, FAPEs and FAGGEs amounts and fatty acid composition in leaves were very similar. Analysis of wild accessions of African Oil Palm from Cameroon revealed a considerable variation in the amounts and composition of FAPEs and FAGGEs in mesocarp and kernel tissues. Exogenous supplementation of phytol or geranylgeraniol to mesocarp slices resulted in the incorporation of these alcohols into FAPEs and FAGGEs, respectively, indicating that they are synthesized via enzymatic reactions. Three candidate genes of the esterase/lipase/thioesterase (ELT) family were identified in the Oil Palm genome. The genes are differentially expressed in mesocarp tissue with EgELT1 showing the highest expression. Geranylgeraniol from FAGGE might be recycled and used as a substrate for the synthesis of carotenoids and tocotrienols during fruit development. Thus, FAPEs and FAGGEs in the mesocarp and kernel of Oil Palm provide an additional metabolic source for fatty acids and phytol or geranylgeraniol, respectively.

Biological activities of açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) intake in humans: an integrative review of clinical trials.

Açaí (E. oleracea) and juçara (E. edulis) are berries considered a source of bioactive compounds, especially anthocyanins and unsaturated fatty acids, with recognized health-promoting activities. An integrative review was conducted to identify available clinical trials that evaluated the effects of açaí and juçara intake on the human organism. Science Direct and Medline databases were searched. Human studies that evaluated any biological activities after açaí and juçara intake were included in this review. Twenty-three clinical trials were identified up to April 12, 2020. Studies evaluated the biological effects of açaí (n = 17), juçara (n = 5), or both berries simultaneously (n = 1). The results of these trials suggest both types of berries may contribute to improved antioxidant defense and to attenuating metabolic stress and inflammation. However, considerable heterogeneity was observed among trials, and few studies explored the bioactive compounds of the food matrix provided in the interventions. More clinical trials are encouraged to strengthen the current evidence on human biological outcomes, including comparative analysis between these berries.

The complete chloroplast genome data of Areca catechu (Arecaceae).

Areca is a genus comprising about 50 species endemic to the humid tropics. Arecanut (Areca catechu L.) is a commercially and economically important crop in South and Southeast Asia. In addition to its contribution to the agricultural economies of countries where the crop is grown, arecanut holds an important place in the religious, cultural, and social milieu of the rural folks. The nuts have been used since time immemorial in traditional Indian (Unani and Ayurveda) and Chinese herbal systems of medicine for the treatment of various disorders like rheumatism, parasitic infection, diseases of gastrointestinal tracts, and depression. Here, we report the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of arecanut. The cp genome of A. catechu was a typical circular DNA molecule with a size of 158,689 bp in length. The genome possessed a typical quadripartite structure composed of a pair of inverted repeats (IRa and IRb) of 27,137 bp separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,814 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,601 bp and a GC content of 37.3%. The cp genome of arecanut encodes a set of 133 genes, comprising 88 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes; among these, 21 contained introns. A total of 70 SSR loci were detected, the majority being in inter-genic regions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that A. catechu was closely related to A. vestiaria.

Chemical characterization of unconventional palm oils from Hyophorbe indica and two other endemic Arecaceae species from Reunion Island.

Chemical characteristics of novel seed oils, yet not investigated, from three endemic Arecaceae (palm) species from Reunion Island are described. Fatty acid profiles are performed using two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Carotenoid contents are determined by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results of the investigations emphasize the particular composition of the unconventional red seed oil from Hyophorbe indica. Characteristic features of this oil reveal a high degree of unsaturation (50% of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with a high content (17%) of omega-3), which is possibly a unique fatty acid composition in the Arecaceae family. The two other palm oils from Dictyosperma album and Latania lontaroides contain high level of saturated fatty acids very similar to that of the edible palm oil. H. indica oil is also very rich in valuable carotenoids; in particular, lutein, ß-carotene and lycopene are detected in a high content (respectively 45, 23 and 35 mg.kg-1 in oil).

Palm seed and fruit lipid composition: phylogenetic and ecological perspectives.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Palms are vital to worldwide human nutrition, in particular as major sources of vegetable oils. However, our knowledge of seed and fruit lipid diversity in the family Arecaceae is limited. We therefore aimed to explore relationships between seed and fruit lipid content, fatty acid composition in the respective tissues, phylogenetic factors and biogeographical parameters. METHODS: Oil content and fatty acid composition were characterized in seeds and fruits of 174 and 144 palm species respectively. Distribution, linear regression and multivariate analyses allowed an evaluation of the chemotaxonomic value of these traits and their potential relationship with ecological factors. KEY RESULTS: A considerable intra-family diversity for lipid traits was revealed. Species with the most lipid-rich seeds belonged to the tribe Cocoseae, while species accumulating oil in the mesocarp occurred in all subfamilies and two-thirds of the tribes studied. Seed and fruit lipid contents were not correlated. Fatty acid composition of mesocarp oil was highly variable within tribes. By contrast, within-tribe diversity for seed lipid traits was low, whereas between-tribe variability was high. Consequently, multivariate analyses of seed lipid traits produced groupings of species belonging to the same tribe. Medium-chain fatty acids predominated in seeds of most palm species, but they were also accumulated in the mesocarp in some cases. Seed unsaturated fatty acid content correlated with temperature at the coldest latitude of natural occurrence. CONCLUSION: Several previously uncharacterized palms were identified as potential new sources of vegetable oils for comestible or non-food use. Seed lipid traits reflect genetic drift that occurred during the radiation of the family and therefore are highly relevant to palm chemotaxonomy. Our data also suggest that seed unsaturated fatty acids may provide an adaptive advantage in the coldest environments colonized by palms by maintaining storage lipids in liquid form for efficient mobilization during germination.

Two new alkaloids isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Binglang the fruit of Areca catechu.

Binglang, the fruit of Areca catechu L, has a long history as an important Chinese herbal medicine. Two new alkaloids (1 and 2), along with forty-one known compounds (3-43) were isolated from the dried fruit of Areca catechu L. The structures were elucidated on basis of the IR, UV, MS and 1D, 2D NMR spectroscopic data. Compounds 26 and 33 showed weak cytotoxicity against human gastric cancer cell line (BGC-823) with IC50 of 15.91 µM and 20.13 µM, respectively.

The relative contributions of seed and pollen dispersal to gene flow and genetic diversity in seedlings of a tropical palm.

Seed and pollen dispersal shape patterns of gene flow and genetic diversity in plants. Pollen is generally thought to travel longer distances than seeds, but seeds determine the ultimate location of gametes. Resolving how interactions between these two dispersal processes shape microevolutionary processes is a long-standing research priority. We unambiguously isolated the separate and combined contributions of these two dispersal processes in seedlings of the animal-dispersed palm Oenocarpus bataua to address two questions. First, what is the spatial extent of pollen versus seed movement in a system characterized by long-distance seed dispersal? Second, how does seed dispersal mediate seedling genetic diversity? Despite evidence of frequent long-distance seed dispersal, we found that pollen moves much further than seeds. Nonetheless, seed dispersal ultimately mediates genetic diversity and fine-scale spatial genetic structure. Compared to undispersed seedlings, seedlings dispersed by vertebrates were characterized by higher female gametic and diploid seedling diversity and weaker fine-scale spatial genetic structure for female gametes, male gametes and diploid seedlings. Interestingly, the diversity of maternal seed sources at seed deposition sites (Nem ) was associated with higher effective number of pollen sources (Nep ), higher effective number of parents (Ne ) and weaker spatial genetic structure, whereas seed dispersal distance had little impact on these or other parameters we measured. These findings highlight the importance maternal seed source diversity (Nem ) at frugivore seed deposition sites in driving emergent patterns of fine-scale genetic diversity and structure.

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.

Phenolic composition profiling of different edible parts and by-products of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) by using HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn.

Fruits and vegetables are an important source of dietary antioxidants and epidemiological studies show that their regular intake in the diet may decrease the risk of several chronic diseases. Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm or dates) is an important crop, widely used in the Arabian region and in other parts of the world as a food and also in folk medicine, due to its health-promoting properties. Antioxidant phytochemicals present in plant foods are partly responsible for such health benefits. The antioxidants present in dates are mainly phenolics, like flavonoids and phenolic acids. The fruits of dates have been widely studied with regard to their phenolic composition. However, few studies are available in the bibliography regarding other, non-edible parts of the date palm tree. In this context, in the present work the phenolic components of different parts of P. dactylifera (cv. Medjool or Mejhool) - namely, fruit pulp and skin, fronds (leaves), clusters, and pollen - have been investigated using HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn in the negative ionization mode. The overall analysis of the phenolic compounds revealed that there was a qualitative similarity among the different dates parts analyzed. The method used provided tentative identification of 52 compounds: mainly flavonoid glycosides of quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, chrysoeriol, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, 3-methyl-isorhamnetin, sulfates, and malonyl derivatives. In the present work, more than 30 phenolic derivatives are described for the first time in dates. To the best of our knowledge, kaempferol glycosides and malonyl derivatives have not been described previously in P. dactylifera. The results highlight the importance of P. dactylifera L. as a promising source of functional ingredients and boost its potential use in the food and nutraceutical industries. The MS data, MSn fragmentation pattern, and UV information obtained have been of great help in the interpretation of the compounds detected and in their structural identification.

The socioeconomic context of the use of Euterpe precatoria Mart. and E. oleracea Mart. in Bolivia and Peru.

BACKGROUND: Traditional knowledge (TK) has enabled communities to adapt to changes in life conditions over centuries. However, this local context is being dramatically affected by recent changes through globalization and modernization of societies. In this paper we seek to identify socio-economic factors that are related to the knowledge and use of two palm species in mestizo and indigenous communities in the Amazonian of Peru and Bolivia. Both species are known in the region under the main vernacular name of Asaí, and are source of two highly commercialized resources: palm-hearts and fruits. Euterpe precatoria Mart. is native to the region whereas E. oleracea Mart. is being introduced for the use of both resources. METHODS: We compare TK about the two Euterpe species in both countries in relation to 14 socioeconomic factors in seven use categories. We performed a Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to elucidate the influence of each socioeconomic factor on the overall palm knowledge or on individual use categories. RESULTS: In the two countries, we found that mestizos, speaking only Spanish, and migrants in the same ecoregion, knew more uses in all use categories for E. precatoria than for E. oleracea, even in use categories such as Medicinal and veterinary and Construction, for which indigenous participants had more uses in case of other species. In Peru, the use of E. precatoria was higher among participants with greater wealth, which could be related to the commercial importance that both the fruits and the palm-hearts have had in the markets of the region. In contrast, in Bolivia, although some income generation from Euterpe sp. was observed, the use of E. precatoria was much more homogeneously distributed. The use of E. oleracea in Bolivia is recent, and although its most important uses are related to the consumption of fruits and palm-hearts (Human food), it is now being slowly used for Medicinal and Construction purposes, similar to E. precatoria. CONCLUSIONS: The use of each of the species forms part of divergent strategies in people's livelihoods. We show that integration into a market economy does not necessarily erode TK, but can rather stimulate knowledge acquisition and transmission of knowledge, and helps to understand the role and potential of these products to contribute to the livelihoods of households.

Endemic palm species shed light on habitat shifts and the assembly of the Cerrado and Restinga floras.

Species expansions into new habitats are often associated with physiological adaptations, for instance when rain forest lineages colonize dry habitats. Although such shifts have been documented for the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado), little is known about the biogeographic origin of species occupying an extreme South American habitat type, the coastal dunes (Restinga). We examined the formation of this poorly known, endangered habitat by reconstructing the evolutionary history of two endemic species. Due to the proposed recency and uniqueness of this habitat, we hypothesized that Restinga species of the palm genus Allagoptera to be recently evolved and to present derived morphological characters. To detect habit shifts in absolute time, we used one plastid and nine nuclear genes to reconstruct the phylogenetic and biogeographic history of Allagoptera. We used light microscopy and stable isotope analysis to explore whether morphological adaptations occurred concomitantly with habitat shifts. Phylogenetic relationships were well supported and we found ancestral lineages of Allagoptera to be widely distributed throughout habitats that are currently occupied by extant species. Over the last ca. 7Ma Allagoptera has shifted its preference to increasingly dry habitats. Coincident with the colonization of the Cerrado and Restinga, morphological adaptations also evolved, including subterranean stems that are fire-resistant and long underground stem and root systems that facilitate water access. We did not find differences in metabolic pathway or modifications to pollen morphology when compared to other palm lineages. Assuming that the evolutionary history of Allagoptera is indicative of the habitat in which it occurs, our results infer a recent origin for Cerrado species. Although little is known about the formation of the Restinga habitat, our results also suggest a longer history than currently proposed; with an origin of Restinga habitats dating back to the Late Pliocene.

Extraction and characterization of pectins from primary cell walls of edible açaí (Euterpe oleraceae) berries, fruits of a monocotyledon palm.

Açaí berries (Euterpe oleracea) are greatly consumed in Brazil and exported to other countries as a nutritional supplement, due to health benefits attributed to its consumption. However, the complete chemical structure of bioactive polysaccharides was not fully elucidated yet. In this work, we characterize pectic polysaccharides from açaí berries through monosaccharide composition, HPSEC, methylation and 13C and 1H/13C HSQC-DEPT-NMR analyses. A highly methoxylated homogalacturonan with a DM of 88% and Mw of 22kDa together with small amounts of a mannoglucan were found. Moreover, a type II arabinogalactan (Mw=45kDa) containing a backbone with high portions of 6-O-linked and 3,6-O-linked Galp chains rather than 3-O-linked Galp was also isolated and structurally characterized. The type II arabinogalactan was found as a side chain of a type I rhamnogalacturonan. These findings contribute to correlate the fine chemical structure with the previously reported action of açaí polysaccharides on innate immune response. Moreover, from the taxonomic point of view, the results bring new information about polysaccharide composition of primary cell walls of palms (Arecaceae), that despite being commelinid monocots, have a distinct cell wall composition.