Exploring the Fluconazole-Resistance Modifying Activity and Potential Mechanism of Action of Fixed Oil from Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae) against Candida Species.

The fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. is used in the Chapada do Araripe region of Brazil for the treatment of genitourinary candidiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antifungal activity, reduction of fungal virulence, and the preliminary toxicity of the fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of C. coriaceum tested against three Candida yeasts. The oil was characterized by gas chromatography (GC-MS and GC-FID). Antifungal activity was assessed using the serial microdilution method. Additionally, the potential of the oil as an enhancer of fluconazole action was tested at sub-inhibitory concentrations (MIC/8). The mechanism of action of C. coriaceum fixed oil was determined by evaluating the inhibition of morphological transition in Candida spp. The chemical composition of the fixed oil of C. coriaceum comprised both unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Oleic (61 %) and palmitic (33 %) acids were the major constituents. Regarding its anti-Candida activity, the oil inhibited the growth of C. albicans (IC50 : 371 µg/mL) and C. tropicalis (IC50 : 830 µg/mL). Furthermore, the oil reversed the antifungal resistance of C. albicans and C. tropicalis, restoring the susceptibility to fluconazole and reducing their IC50 from 12.33 µg/mL and 362 µg/mL to 0.22 µg/mL and 13.93 µg/mL, respectively. The fixed oil of C. coriaceum completely inhibited the morphological transition of C. albicans and C. tropicalis at a concentration of 512 µg/mL, but exhibited limited low antifungal potential against C. krusei. The observed antifungal activity may be attributed to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the oil showed no toxic effect on the Drosophila melanogaster in vivo model. The fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of C. coriaceum emerge as a strong candidate for the development of new pharmaceutical formulations to treat infections caused by Candida spp.

Prebiotic Activity of Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) Shell on Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Strains: A Medicinal Food Ingredient.

Pequi is a native and popular fruit in Cerrado biome. The internal yellow-orange mesocarp is the edible fraction of the fruit, but its shell (peel and external mesocarp), which comprises 80% of the fruit, is not used by the agro-industry during fruit processing. There is a growing interest in the reduction of food loss and waste because of environmental, economic, and social impacts. So this study evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro prebiotic activity of pequi shell flour. Pequi shell flour was obtained from the lyophilization and milling of pequi shell. The content of dietary fibers, oligosaccharides, sugars, organic acids, total phenolics and tannins, polyphenol profile, and antioxidant capacity was determined in pequi shell flour. In addition, its prebiotic activity was evaluated on growth and metabolism of probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Pequi shell flour has a high content of dietary fibers (47.92 g/100 g), soluble fibers (18.65 g/100 g), raffinose (2.39 g/100 g), and phenolic compounds (14,062.40 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g). For the first time, the polyphenols epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2 were identified in this by-product. Pequi shell flour promoted greater growth of Lacticaseibacillus casei L-26 (at 24-48 h) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, as well as higher prebiotic activity scores than fructooligosaccharides (standard prebiotic). Pequi shell flour is rich in prebiotic compounds and has a high antioxidant and prebiotic potential. The promising results encourage its use as an ingredient with antioxidant and potential prebiotic properties to elaborate new functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) Attenuates the Adverse Effects of Cyclical Heat Stress and Modulates the Oxidative Stress-Related Genes in Broiler Chickens.

The present study was conducted to determine the possible antioxidant protection of pequi oil (PO) against cyclic heat stress in broiler chickens and to highlight the application of PO as a promising additive in broiler feed. A total of 400 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to 2 × 5 factorially arranged treatments: two temperature-controlled rooms (thermoneutral-TN or heat stress-HS for 8 h/day) and five dietary PO levels (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 g/kg diet) for 42 days. Each treatment consisted of eight replicates of five birds. The results showed that HS increased glucose (p = 0.006), triglycerides (p < 0.001), and HDL (p = 0.042) at 21 days and reduced (p = 0.005) serum total cholesterol at 42 days. The results also showed that HS increased the contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In contrast, PO linearly decreased AST (p = 0.048) and ALT (p = 0.020) at 21 and 42 days, respectively. The heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the birds under HS was higher than in those in the TN environment (p = 0.046). Heat stress decreased (p = 0.032) the relative weight of their livers at 21 days. The superoxide dismutase activity increased (p = 0.010) in the HS treatments in comparison to the TN treatments, while the glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver decreased (p < 0.001) at 42 days; however, the activity of catalase had no significant effects. Meanwhile, increasing the dietary PO levels linearly decreased plasma malondialdehyde (p < 0.001) in the birds in the HS environment. In addition, PO reduced (p = 0.027) the expression of Hsp 70 in the liver by 92% when compared to the TN treatment without PO, mainly at the 6.0 g/kg diet level. The expression of Nrf2 was upregulated by 37% (p = 0.049) in response to PO with the 6.0 g/kg diet compared to the HS treatment without PO. In conclusion, PO supplementation alleviated the adverse effects of HS on broilers due to its antioxidant action and modulation of the genes related to oxidative stress, providing insights into its application as a potential feed additive in broiler production.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Toxicological Profile of Pulp Residue from the Caryocar Brasiliense, a Sustainable Raw Material.

Caryocar brasiliense Cambess is a plant species typical of the Cerrado, a Brazilian biome. The fruit of this species is popularly known as pequi, and its oil is used in traditional medicine. However, an important factor hindering the use of pequi oil is its low yield when extracted from the pulp of this fruit. Therefore, in this study, with aim of developing a new herbal medicine, we an-alyzed the toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of an extract of pequi pulp residue (EPPR), fol-lowing the mechanical extraction of the oil from its pulp. For this purpose, EPPR was prepared and encapsulated in chitosan. The nanoparticles were analyzed, and the cytotoxicity of the encapsu-lated EPPR was evaluated in vitro. After confirming the cytotoxicity of the encapsulated EPPR, the following evaluations were performed with non-encapsulated EPPR: in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, quantification of cytokines, and acute toxicity in vivo. Once the anti-inflammatory activity and absence of toxicity of EPPR were verified, a gel formulation of EPPR was developed for topical use and analyzed for its in vivo anti-inflammatory potential, ocular toxicity, and previous stability assessment. EPPR and the gel containing EPPR showed effective anti-inflammatory activity and lack of toxicity. The formulation was stable. Thus, a new herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory activity can be developed from discarded pequi residue.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense): A Systematic Review.

Disorders in the inflammatory process underlie the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. The utilization of natural products as anti-inflammatory agents is a well-established approach in both traditional medicine and scientific research, with studies consistently demonstrating their efficacy in managing inflammatory conditions. Pequi oil, derived from Caryocar brasiliense, is a rich source of bioactive compounds including fatty acids and carotenoids, which exhibit immunomodulatory potential. This systematic review aims to comprehensively summarize the scientific evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of pequi oil. Extensive literature searches were conducted across prominent databases (Scopus, BVS, CINAHL, Cochrane, LILACS, Embase, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, FSTA, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science). Studies evaluating the immunomodulatory activity of crude pequi oil using in vitro, in vivo models, or clinical trials were included. Out of the 438 articles identified, 10 met the stringent inclusion criteria. These studies collectively elucidate the potential of pequi oil to modulate gene expression, regulate circulating levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, and mitigate oxidative stress, immune cell migration, and cardinal signs of inflammation. Moreover, negligible to no toxicity of pequi oil was observed across the diverse evaluated models. Notably, variations in the chemical profile of the oil were noted, depending on the extraction methodology and geographical origin. This systematic review strongly supports the utility of pequi oil in controlling the inflammatory process. However, further comparative studies involving oils obtained via different methods and sourced from various regions are warranted to reinforce our understanding of its effectiveness and safety.

Intestinal GLUT5 and FAT/CD36 transporters and blood glucose are reduced by a carotenoid/MUFA-rich oil in high-fat fed mice.

AIMS: Intestinal nutrient absorption plays a vital role in developing obesity, and nutrient transporters expressed in the enterocytes facilitate this process. Moreover, previous studies have shown that specific foods and diets can affect their cell levels. Herein, we investigated the effects of pequi oil (PO), which is high in several bioactive compounds, on intestinal nutrient transporter levels as well as on intestinal morphology and metabolic biomarkers. MAIN METHODS: Groups of male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a standard (C) or a high-fat diet (HFD) and pequi oil (CP and HFDP with PO by gavage at 150 mg/day) for eight weeks. Food intake and body weight were monitored, serum metabolic biomarkers, intestinal transporter levels and histological analyses were performed. KEY FINDINGS: PO increased caloric intake without increasing body or fat mass regardless of diet. The HFD group treated with PO reduced fasting blood glucose and villus width. PO did not affect GLUT2, L-FABP, FATP4, NPC1L1, NHE3 or PEPT1 content in CP or HFDP groups. GLUT5 and FAT/CD36 levels were reduced in both CP and HFDP. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data suggest that PO attenuated monosaccharide and fatty acid absorption, contributing to lower fasting glycemia and higher food intake without affecting body weight or visceral fat of high-fat feed mice.

Bioguided chemical characterization of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) fruit peels towards an anti-diabetic activity.

Pequi fruit peels are an underexploited source of polyphenols. The anti-diabetic potential of an extract and fractions from the peels were evaluated in a panel of assays. The extract and fractions thereof inhibited the release of cytokines involved in insulin resistance - TNF, IL-1ß, and CCL2 - by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 cells. The ethyl acetate fraction inhibited in vitro α-glucosidase (pIC50 = 4.8 ± 0.1), an enzyme involved in the metabolization of starch and disaccharides to glucose, whereas a fraction enriched in tannins (16C) induced a more potent α-glucosidase inhibition (pIC50 = 5.3 ± 0.1). In the starch tolerance test in mice, fraction 16C reduced blood glucose level (181 ± 10 mg/dL) in comparison to the vehicle-treated group (238 ± 11 mg/dL). UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analyses disclosed phenolic acids and tannins as constituents, including corilagin and geraniin. These results highlight the potential of pequi fruit peels for developing functional foods to manage type-2 diabetes.

Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess)-Loaded Nanoemulsion, Orally Delivered, Modulates Inflammation in LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice.

Pequi is a Brazilian fruit used in folk medicine for pulmonary diseases treatment, but its oil presents bioavailability limitations. The use of nanocarriers can overcome this limitation. We developed nanoemulsions containing pequi oil (pequi-NE) and evaluated their effects in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury model. Free pequi oil or pequi-NE (20 mg/kg) was orally administered to A/J mice 16 and 4 h prior to intranasal LPS exposure, and the analyses were performed 24 h after LPS provocation. The physicochemical results revealed that pequi-NE comprised particles with mean diameter of 174-223 nm, low polydispersity index (0.11 ± 0.01), zeta potential of -7.13 ± 0.08 mV, and pH of 5.83 ± 0.12. In vivo evaluation showed that free pequi oil pretreatment reduced the influx of inflammatory cells into bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF), while pequi-NE completely abolished leukocyte accumulation. Moreover, pequi-NE, but not free pequi oil, reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO), TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, MCP-1, and KC levels. Similar anti-inflammatory effects were observed when LPS-exposed animals were pre-treated with the nanoemulsion containing pequi or oleic acid. These results suggest that the use of nanoemulsions as carriers enhances the anti-inflammatory properties of oleic acid-containing pequi oil. Moreover, pequi's beneficial effect is likely due its high levels of oleic acid.

Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. Pulp Oil Supplementation Reduces Total Cholesterol, LDL-c, and Non-HDL-c in Animals.

The fruit of Caryocar brasiliense Cambess. is a source of oil with active compounds that are protective to the organism. In our work, we analyzed the physicochemical characteristics and evaluated the effects of supplementation with C. brasiliense oil in an animal model. We characterized the oil by indices of quality and identity, optical techniques of absorption spectroscopy in the UV-Vis region and fluorescence, and thermogravimetry/derived thermogravimetry (TG/DTG). For the animal experiment, we utilized mice (Mus musculus) supplemented with lipidic source in different dosages. The results demonstrated that C. brasiliense oil is an alternative source for human consumption and presents excellent oxidative stability. Primarily, it exhibited oleic MFA (53.56%) and palmitic SFA (37.78%). The oil level of tocopherols and tocotrienols was superior to the carotenoids. The supplementation with C. brasiliense oil reduced the levels of total cholesterol, LDL-c, and non-HDL-c. Regarding visceral fats and adiposity index, the treatment synergically supplemented with olive oil and C. brasiliense oil (OO + CO) obtained the best result. Therefore, C. brasiliense oil is a high quality product for consumption. Its supplementation promotes beneficial effects mainly on the lipidic profile.

Effects of fixed oil of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. Seeds on the respiratory system of rats in a short-term secondhand-smoke exposure model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pequi fruit are obtained from the pequi tree (Caryocar coriaceum), from which the pulp and nut are used in order to extract an oil that is commonly used in popular medicine as an antiinflammatory agent, particularly for the treatment of colds, bronchitis and bronchopulmonary infections. Making use of the fixed oil of Caryocar coriaceum (FOCC), an attractive alternative for the treatment of diseases caused by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate whether oral intake FOCC provides beneficial effects in the respiratory system of rats submitted to a short-term secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiments were performed on Wistar rats divided into 4 groups; in the SHS + O and SHS + T groups, the animals were pretreated orally with 0.5 mL of FOCC (SHS + O) or vehicle (Tween-80 [1%] solution) (SHS + T). Immediately after pretreatment, the animals were submitted to the SHS exposure protocol, for a total period of 14 days. Exposures were performed 6 times per day, with a duration of 40 min per exposure (5 cigarettes per exposure), followed by a 1-h interval between subsequent exposures. In the AA + O and AA + T groups, animals were submitted to daily oral pretreatment with 0.5 mL of FOCC (AA + O) or vehicle (AA + T). These animals were then subjected to the aforementioned exposure protocol, but using ambient air. After the exposure period, we investigated the effects of FOCC in respiratory mechanics in vivo (Newtonian resistance -RN, tissue elastance -H, tissue resistance -G, static compliance -CST, inspiratory capacity -IC, PV loop area) histopathology and lung parenchymal morphometry in vitro (polymorphonuclear cells -PMN, mean alveolar diameter -Lm, bronchoconstriction index -BCI), temporal evolution of subjects' masses, and percent composition of the FOCC. RESULTS: Regarding the body mass of the animals, the results demonstrated an average body mass gain of 10.5 g for the animals in the AA + T group, and 15.5 g for those in the AA + O group. On the other hand, the body mass of animals in the SHS + T and SHS + O suffered an average loss of 14.4 and 4.75 g, respectively. Regarding respiratory system analyzes, our results demonstrated significant changes in all respiratory mechanics variables and lung parenchyma morphometry analyzed for the SHS + T group when compared to the AA + T group (p < 0,05), confirming the establishment of pulmonary injury induced by SHS exposure. We also observed that rats pretreated orally with FOCC (SHS + O) showed improvement in all variables when compared to the SHS + T group (p < 0,05), thus demonstrating the effectiveness of FOCC in preventing lung damage induced by short-term SHS exposure. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our results demonstrate that FOCC was able to prevent lung injury in rats submitted to short-term SHS exposure.

Characterization, antibacterial activity and antibiotic modifying action of the Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. pulp and almond fixed oil.

In this study the physicochemical characterization of the pulp and almond fixed oil was carried out; their antibacterial activity and aminoglycoside antibiotic modifying action against standard and multiresistant Gram-positive and -negative bacteria were investigated using the broth microdilution assay. Physical properties such as moisture, pH, acidity, peroxide index, relative density and refractive index indicate stability and chemical quality of the oils. In the GC/MS chemical composition analysis, a high unsaturated fatty acid content and the presence of oleic and palmitic acids were observed in the oils. In the antibacterial assay, more significant results were obtained for Escherichia coli, while other standard and multi-resistant strains presented MIC values ≥ 1024 µg/mL. Furthermore, the fixed oils in association with antibiotics were able to significantly improve antibacterial activity against S. aureus with a reduction in MICs.

Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Caryocar brasiliense.

BACKGROUND: Caryocar brasiliense, popularly known as pequi, is widely distributed in the Amazon rainforest and Brazilian savannah. The fruit obtained from pequi is used in cooking and has folk use as an anti-inflammatory and for the treatment of respiratory disease. Until now, these two properties had not been scientifically demonstrated for Pequi oil in a carrageenan model. OBJECTIVE: Our group determined the composition and safe use of Pequi oil from the Savannah of Campo Grande, and the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of this pequi oil were investigated in vivo models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Doses of 300, 700, and 1000 mg/kg of Pequi oil were administered orally (p.o.) to Swiss male mice, and three parameters of inflammation (mechanical hyperalgesia, cold, hyperalgesia, and oedema) were analyzed in a carrageenan model to induce an inflammatory paw state. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The effects of Pequi oil were also carrageenan in pleurisy model, formalin, and acetic acid induced nociception. Oral administration of 1,000 mg/kg orally Pequi oil (p.o.) inhibited (*P<0.05), the migration of total leukocytes, but not alter plasma extravasation, in the pleurisy model when compared to control groups. The paw edema was inhibited with doses of 700 (P <0.05) and 1,000 mg (P<0.001) of pequi oil after 1, 2, and 4 hours after carrageenan. Pequi oil (1,000 mg/kg) also blocked the mechanical hyperalgesy and reduced cold allodynia induced by carrageenan in paw (P <0.05). Pequi oil treatment (1,000 mg/kg) almost blocked (P < 0.001) all parameters of nociception observed in formalin and acid acetic test. CONCLUSION: This is the first time that the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Pequi oil have been shown.

Pequi enriched diets protect Drosophila melanogaster against paraquat-induced locomotor deficits and oxidative stress.

The species Caryocar coriaceum Wittm (C. coriaceum), is popularly employed in northeast of Brazil for culinary purposes and in folk medicine. The oil from its fruit, deignated Pequi, is commonly used to treat inflammatory problems, and its leaves to treat viral infections. However, comprehensive knowledge regarding the pharmacological properties attributed to these plant parts is still scarce. Thus, this study aimed to explore the in vivo antioxidant potential of aqueous extract of the leaves (AEL) and Pequi pulp oil (PPO) on the pro-oxidative effects induced by paraquat (PQ) using Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) as a model. These flies were fed with either standard or AEL and PPO supplemented diets prior to (pre-treatment for 7 days) or concomitantly (co-treatment for 5 days) with PQ. D. melanogaster administered PQ exhibited locomotor deficits and a higher rate of mortality. PQ induced significant changes in the antioxidant/oxidant status of D. melanogaster, including significant (1) increase in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation; (2) elevation in the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and marked up-regulation in mRNA expression of stress-related genes for CAT, superoxide dismutase (SOD), thioredoxin reductase and Keap-1. Aside for mortality rates, AEL and PPO treatments reduced PQ-induced oxidative stress and motor impairments. No apparent evidence of toxicity was observed in D. melanogaster fed with AEL and PPO alone. Our findings provide evidence that AEL and PPO may confer protection against oxidant conditions by stimulating antioxidant responses.

Ação do extrato do resíduo de Caryocar brasiliense frente a formação de biofilme dos principais microrganismos veiculados por produtos de origem animal / Action of the Caryocar brasiliense waste extract against the biofilm formation of the main microorganisms carried by products of animal origin

Objetivou-se com o presente estudo avaliar a inibição da formação de biofilme pelo extrato do resíduo do pequi frente a microrganismos patogênicos e deteriorantes de alimentos. A casca do pequi foi obtida de frutas coletadas na cidade de Montes Claros/MG, foi seca em estufa de ventilação forçada, moída e peneirada em 250 Mesh. Seu extrato foi obtido em micro-ondas analítico. Foram utilizadas cinco cepas padrão e cinco isolados de produtos de origem animal, que foram reativadas e confirmado a sua pureza em ágar específico. Para avaliar a formação do biofilme foram utilizadas microplacas esterilizadas, sendo adicionados 90µL de BHI com 1% de glicose, 10µL da suspensão de cada bactéria e o extrato em diferentes concentrações. Concluiu-se que o extrato da casca do pequi inibe a formação de biofilme por bactérias patogênicas e deteriorantes.

Evaluation of the biological quality of defatted pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) seed flour protein supplemented with lysine to rats (Rattus norvegicus) / Avaliação da qualidade biológica da proteína da farinha da semente do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) desengordurada e suplementada com lisina em ratos (Rattus norvegicus)

ABSTRACT Objective In the biome of the Brazilian Cerrado, there are a lot of fruit tree species that stand out for their sensory quality and for presenting potentialities in the market of pulp and almond. Among these species, the pequi deserves attention because it has an almond rich in proteins and that is little explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological quality of defatted pequi seed flour supplemented with lysine. Methods Two designs were done in this study; in the first, the animals were divided into four diet groups: control, protein-free, defatted pequi seed flour and defatted pequi seed flour supplemented with lysine. The protein-free diet was exempt of proteins and the other diets had a protein content of 10% and differed in protein source (casein: control diet or defatted pequi seed flour: test diets). The experiment lasted for 14 days. In the second design, 36 animals were used and followed-up for 28 days. The division of the experimental groups was kept, except for the protein-free diet group, which was excluded. By the end of the test, the animals were anaesthetised and euthanized. Results The results showed that the protein efficiency ratio of the control group was significantly higher than the other groups. For the other indices, the groups that received defatted pequi seed flour did not differ statistically among themselves. Conclusion These findings have shown an effect of supplementation on the protein efficiency ratio when comparing the test diets, however, when compared to the control group, no improvement was found.

RESUMO Objetivo O bioma cerrado é rico em espécies frutíferas que destacam-se por suas qualidades sensoriais e por apresentarem potencialidades no mercado de polpas e amêndoas. Dentre essas espécies, o pequi merece atenção porque possui uma amêndoa rica em proteínas e que é pouco explorada. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade biológica da farinha da semente do pequi desengordurada e suplementada com lisina. Métodos Neste estudo foram feitos dois delineamentos: no primeiro os animais foram divididos em quatro grupos: controle, aprotéico, farinha da semente do pequi desengordurada e farinha da semente do pequi desengordurada suplementada com lisina. A dieta aprotéica era isenta de proteínas e as demais dietas apresentavam um teor de 10% de proteínas e diferiram quanto à fonte protéica (caseína: dieta controle e farinha da semente do pequi desengordurada: dietas testes). Esse experimento teve duração de 14 dias. No segundo delineamento, utilizou-se 36 animais que foram acompanhados por 28 dias, a divisão dos grupos experimentais foi mantida, exceto o grupo dieta aprotéica que foi excluído. Ao final dos experimentos, os animais foram anestesiados e eutanasiados. Resultados Os resultados mostraram que o coeficiente de eficiência protéica do grupo controle foi significativamente superior aos demais grupos. Para os demais índices biológicos de avaliação da qualidade protéica, os grupos que receberam a farinha da semente do pequi desengordurada não diferiram estatisticamente entre si. Conclusão Os achados mostraram um efeito da suplementação no coeficiente de eficiência protéica quando comparamos as dietas testes, no entanto, quando comparado ao grupo controle, não houve melhora.

Modulation of antibiotic activity by the hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Caryocar coriaceum WITTM.

The aim of this study was to identify the presence of tannins, phenols and flavonoids on the hydroalcoholic extract of Caryocar coriaceum leaves (HECCL) and to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of this extract. The extract was tested alone (1024-1 µg/mL) or associated (MIC/8) with several antibiotics in order to identify any antibacterial activity against multiresistant bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The existence of tannins, total phenols (901.31 mg/g) and flavonoids (89.68 mg/g) was confirmed in the HECCL. The presence of rutin and quercetin were confirmed by Thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, the antioxidant activity of the extract (9 µg/mL) was determined. Moreover, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value found for HECCL was 1024 µg/mL and the association between HECCL (MIC/8) with benzylpenicillin significantly changed its minimum inhibitory concentration from 2500 to 625 µg/mL against E. coli.

Evaluation of embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of the oil extracted from Caryocar brasiliense Cambess pulp in rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the maternal, embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of Caryocar brasiliense pulp oil (OPCB), oil widely used in Brazilian cuisine and traditional medicine. Pregnant Wistar female rats were used in this study for three treatment groups (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day) and a control group. The OPCB was administered orally throughout the period of organogenesis of females (6th until the 15th day of gestation). The pregnant females were gross necropsied on d20, followed by maternal and fetus examination, to evaluate the teratogenicity, reproductive and developmental performance of OPCB. The results showed there was no significant statistical difference in the ponderal evolution of the pregnant females, as well as in the behavioral, hematological, biochemical or histopathological data, indicating the absence of maternal toxicity of the oil. The mean number of corpora lutea, implantation and resorption sites, as well as all calculated reproductive rates, also remained statistically similar between the groups, indicating low embryotoxic effects of the tested plant specie. In fetal examination, external anomalies and skeletal abnormalities were observed in all treated and control groups. The NOAEL for maternal toxicity and embryo/fetal development for the OPCB administered by gavage, was 1000 mg/kg/bw/day.

Ação do extrato etanólico da casca do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) na cardiotoxicidade crônica induzida por doxorrubicina em ratos / Caryocar brasiliense shell ethanol extract in chronic cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in rats

A doxorrubicina (DOX) é um quimioterápico utilizado no tratamento de neoplasias malignas, porém possui a cardiotoxicidade como efeito colateral. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar quanto à ação do extrato etanólico da casca do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) (EECP) por meio de avaliação morfológica (macroscópica, microscópica e ultramicroscópica), bem como avaliar a expressão de metaloproteinases (MMP2 e MMP9) e seus inibidores teciduais (TIMP1 e TIMP2) no miocárdio de ratos submetidos à cardiotoxicidade crônica pela DOX, tratados ou não com o EECP. O experimento teve duração de três meses e foram utilizados 30 ratos da raça Wistar, distribuídos em seis grupos de cinco animais. G1 e G2 receberam como pré-tratamento 300mg/kg e 600mg/kg de EECP, respectivamente, por gavagem, durante sete dias e mantiveram o tratamento durante os 21 dias de aplicação da DOX. Em G1, G2, G3, G4 e GC, a cardiotoxicidade foi induzida com aplicações semanais de 2mg/kg de DOX, via intraperitoneal, totalizando quatro aplicações (8mg/kg) e, nos ratos do grupo Sham (GS), foi aplicado 1ml de solução fisiológica. Os animais do G3 receberam diariamente 300mg/kg e os do G4 600mg/kg de EECP, por gavagem, durante os 21 dias de aplicação da DOX. Os do GC e GS receberam 1 ml de água, diariamente, também por gavagem. Após o término das aplicações, os animais foram mantidos por dois meses, totalizando três meses de experimento. A avaliação macroscópica foi realizada após 90 dias, momento em que foram colhidas amostras para análise em microscopia eletrônica, histopatologia e imunoistoquímica. Ao exame necroscópico foi observada ascite nos animais que receberam DOX. Houve baixo índice de mortalidade (3,33%), representado pela morte de um rato que desenvolveu pneumonia por falsa via. Não foi observada alteração no peso e nas medidas do coração dos ratos. Nas doses de 300 e 600mg/kg, o EECP atenuou a degeneração vacuolar miocítica. Na dose de 600mg/kg, o EECP reduziu a quantidade de células de Anitschkow e a fragmentação das miofibrilas. Não houve resultado significativo quanto à imunomarcação das MMP e, quanto a seus inibidores (TIMP), houve maior imunomarcação de TIMP2 no GC, grupo que recebeu apenas DOX. Concluiu-se que o extrato etanólico da casca do pequi (EECP) é eficiente em minimizar os efeitos da cardiotoxicidade crônica induzida pela DOX no miocárdio de ratos, considerando que nas doses de 300 e 600mg/kg o EECP atenua a degeneração vacuolar miocítica e, na dose de 600mg/kg, o EECP reduz a quantidade de células de Anitschkow e a fragmentação das miofibrilas.(AU)

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapic drug used in the treatment of malignancies, but has the cardiotoxicity as collateral effect. The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of pequi shell etanolic extract (Caryocar brasiliense) (PSEE) through morphological evaluation (macroscopic, microscopic and ultramicroscopic), and to evaluate the expression of metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9) and its tissue inhibitors (TIMP1 and TIMP2) in the myocardium of rats with chronic cardiotoxicity by DOX and treated or not with PSEE. The experiment lasted three months and 30 Wistar rats were divided into six groups of five animals. G1 and G2 received 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg of PSEE, respectively, as pretreatment, by gavage for seven days and continued treatment for 21 days of application of DOX. In G1, G2, G3, G4 and GC, cardiotoxicity was induced with weekly applications of 2mg/kg DOX, intraperitoneally, totaling four applications (8 mg/kg), and in the Sham group (GS) 1ml of saline solution was applied. G3 animals received daily 300mg/kg of PSEE, and G4, 600mg/kg, by gavage, for 21 days of application of DOX. The GC and GS received 1ml of water daily by gavage also. After the completion of the application, the animals were kept for two months, with three months of experiment. Macroscopic evaluation was performed after 90 days, at which time samples were taken for analysis in electron microscopy, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. At necropsy, ascites was observed in animals that received DOX. There was a low mortality rate (3.33%), being one mouse that developed false road pneumonia. There was no change in weights and measures of the rat hearts. At doses of 300 and 600mg/kg, the PSEE attenuates myocyte vacuolar degeneration. At a dose of 600mg/kg, PSEE reduces amount Anitschkow cells. There was no significant result on the immunostaining of MMP, but considering their inhibitors (TIMP) there was a greater immunostaining of TIMP2 in GC, the group that received only DOX. It was concluded that PSEE is effective in minimizing effects of chronic cardiotoxicity induced by DOX in the myocardium of rats, whereas at doses of 300 and 600mg/kg, PSEE attenuates vacuolar degeneration in myocytes and at the dose of 600mg/kg the PSEE reduces the amount of Anitschkow cells and myofibrils fragmentation.(AU)

Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) almond oil attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatic injury in rats: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a potent hepatotoxin, capable of generating free radicals that lead to oxidative stress and the inflammation process. Pequi almond oil (PAO) has been reported to possess unsaturated fatty acid and antioxidant compounds related to beneficial effects on oxidation and inflammatory conditions. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of handmade and coldpressed PAO on CCl4-induced acute liver injury. The possible mechanisms underlying the effect on liver injury enzymes, histopathological parameters, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant and detoxification defense systems, as well as inflammatory parameters, were determined. Rats treated with PAO (3 or 6 mL/kg) for 21 days before CCl4 induction (3 mL/kg, 70%) showed significantly decreased levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, milder hepatic lesions and higher levels of serum high-density lipoprotein compared to CCl4 group. Moreover, PAO enhanced antioxidant capacity by increasing hepatic glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzyme activities, as well as reducing circulating concentrations of leptin and inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6, leukotrienes -4 and -5 and the tumor necrosis factor receptor. In summary, PAO, especially cold-pressed oil, attenuated the CCl4-induced alterations in serum and hepatic tissue in rats due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Pequi) fixed oil presents hypolipemic and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro.

Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Pequi) is found in southern Ceará, where the fruit is used as food and in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, and to promote healing. However, little is known about the effects of repeated administration of its oil on the biochemical parameters of the blood. This work aimed to evaluate the effects Caryocar coriaceum fixed oil (OFCC); on the lipid profiles of healthy mice, on dyslipidemia induced by tyloxapol, and to study its anti-inflammatory effect both in vivo and in vitro. The results revealed significant reduction in total serum cholesterol and triglycerides, and an increase in HDL-C. The paw edema (induced by carrageenan) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), in polymorphonuclear culture cells, was reduced at all dose levels. Results demonstrated that Caryocar coriaceum's fix oil present anti-inflammatory activity and, for the first time describe the hypolipidemic effects, supporting its traditional use and suggest that present a potential cardioprotective effect.