The Amazonian Camu-Camu Fruit Modulates the Development of Drosophila melanogaster and the Neural Function of Adult Flies under Oxidative Stress Conditions.

Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) is known for its antioxidant properties, although little is known about its developmental safety effects, particularly on adult neural function under basal redox and oxidative stress conditions. Therefore, this study sought to address this gap by conducting three complementary protocols using Drosophila melanogaster to investigate these effects. The initial assays revealed that second-stage larvae consumed diets supplemented with various concentrations of camu-camu uniformly, establishing a 50% lethal concentration at 4.799 mg/mL. Hence, non-lethal (0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) and sub-lethal (5 and 10 mg/mL) concentrations were then chosen to evaluate the effects of camu-camu on preimaginal development and adult neural function. Our observations showed that camu-camu impacts the expression of antioxidant enzymes, reactive species, and lipoperoxidation. Notably, sub-lethal concentrations decreased preimaginal viability and locomotor activity, negatively influenced geotaxis and acetylcholinesterase activity, and increased reactive species, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activity in flies. Additionally, the protective effects of camu-camu against oxidative stress induced by iron (20 mM) were assessed. Flies supplemented with 0.5 mg/mL of camu-camu during the larval period showed improved neural viability and function, and this supplementation was found to protect against oxidative stress. These findings are instrumental in evaluating the safety and efficacy of commercial supplements based on camu-camu, offering significant insights for future research and application.

Structural insights into the Smirnoff-Wheeler pathway for vitamin C production in the Amazon fruit camu-camu.

l-Ascorbic acid (AsA, vitamin C) is a pivotal dietary nutrient with multifaceted importance in living organisms. In plants, the Smirnoff-Wheeler pathway is the primary route for AsA biosynthesis, and understanding the mechanistic details behind its component enzymes has implications for plant biology, nutritional science, and biotechnology. As part of an initiative to determine the structures of all six core enzymes of the pathway, the present study focuses on three of them in the model species Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu): GDP-d-mannose 3',5'-epimerase (GME), l-galactose dehydrogenase (l-GalDH), and l-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (l-GalLDH). We provide insights into substrate and cofactor binding and the conformational changes they induce. The MdGME structure reveals a distorted substrate in the active site, pertinent to the catalytic mechanism. Mdl-GalDH shows that the way in which NAD+ association affects loop structure over the active site is not conserved when compared with its homologue in spinach. Finally, the structure of Mdl-GalLDH is described for the first time. This allows for the rationalization of previously identified residues which play important roles in the active site or in the formation of the covalent bond with FAD. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of AsA biosynthesis in plants, and the information provided should prove useful for biotechnological applications.

Two Cases of Durable and Deep Responses to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition-Refractory Metastatic Melanoma after Addition of Camu Camu Prebiotic.

Camu camu (CC) is a prebiotic that selectively stimulates growth and activity of beneficial gut microbiota. Work in murine models demonstrated that castalagin, the active compound in CC, preferentially binds to beneficial gut microbiome bacteria, promoting a stronger CD8+T cell anti-cancer response. We present two patients with metastatic melanoma whose cancer progressed on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and developed clinically significant immune-related adverse events (irAEs). They were rechallenged with ICIs in combination with CC. The first patient is a 71-year-old woman with metastatic melanoma, whose ICI treatment was complicated by immune-related pneumonitis and colitis. Upon progression on maintenance nivolumab, CC was added to nivolumab, leading to a near complete response (CR). The second patient is a 90-year-old man with recurrent unresectable melanoma, treated with nivolumab, complicated by immune-related rash and diabetes. He developed new subcutaneous calf lesions and a metastatic popliteal lymph node. CC was added to nivolumab. One month later, the patient experienced a CR. Both patients have been on nivolumab and CC with durable responses for more than a year, with minimal irAEs. These two cases suggest that CC may modulate the microbiome, synergizing with ICIs to produce deep, durable responses with minimal irAEs.

Co-Microencapsulation of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia huayllabambana) Oil with Natural Antioxidants Extracts.

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia huayllabambana) oil was co-microencapsulated with natural antioxidant extracts (NAE), such as camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia (HBK) Mc Vaugh) fruit, Añil variety Andean potato (Solanum tuberosum andigenum, and elderberry fruit (Sambucus peruviana). Gum Arabic and the ternary combination of gum Arabic (GA) + maltodextrin (MD) + whey protein isolate (WPI) at different formulations were used as coating materials for the encapsulation process using spray-drying. The moisture content, particle size distribution and morphology, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, fatty acid and sterol composition, oxidative stability, and shelf-life were evaluated. Co-microcapsules of sacha inchi (P. huayllabambana) oil with camu camu skin extract (CCSE) at 200 ppm encapsulated with GA + MD + WPI had the highest total polyphenol content (4239.80 µg GAE/g powder), antioxidant activity (12,454.00 µg trolox/g powder), omega-3 content (56.03%), ß-sitosterol (62.5%), greater oxidative stability (Oxidation Onset temperature of 189 °C), higher shelf-life (3116 h), and smaller particle sizes (6.42 µm). This research enhances the knowledge to obtain microcapsules containing sacha inchi (P. huayllabambana) oil with natural antioxidant extracts that could be used for the development of functional foods. Further research is needed to study the potential interactions and their influence between the bioactive components of the microcapsules and the challenges that may occur during scale-up to industrial production.

Averrhoa carambola L., Cyphomandra betacea, Myrciaria dubia as a Source of Bioactive Compounds of Antioxidant Properties.

Natural bioactive compounds play an important role in the prevention of various diseases. The exotic fruits Averrhoa carambola L. (star fruit), Cyphomandra betacea (tamarillo) and Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu) can be valuable sources of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties. The aim of this study has been to compare the antioxidant properties of these exotic fruits, the structure of polyphenolic compounds and the content of vitamin C and ß-carotene. All the juices were analyzed for their antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and the composition of phenolic compounds (TP and FBBB assays, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanins). In addition, HPLC assays were performed to analyse the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, vitamin C and ß-carotene. The results demonstrated that juice from the Myrciaria dubia fruit had the highest antioxidant capacity, which was 4.5-fold higher than that of juice from Averrhola carambola L., and nearly 7-fold higher than the antioxidant capacity of Cyphomandra betacea fruit juice. Additionally, juice from the camu-camu fruit had a 3- to 4-fold higher total polyphenol content (8290 ± 254 mg GAE L-1) and a high level of vitamin C (8410.8 ± 16.9 mg AA kg-1). In turn, tamarillo juice had a high content of total anthocyanins (5796 mg CGE L-1) and phenolic acids (mostly chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid). Juice produced from carambola had a high content of total flavonoids (1345 mg CAE L-1), and the composition of these compounds was dominated by flavanols (epicatechin). The research results justify the conclusion that fruits of Myrciaria dubia, Averrhoa carambola L., Cyphomandra betacea are rich sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, and in the near future may serve as healthful food ingredients.

Amazonian fruits with potential effects on COVID-19 by inflammaging modulation: A narrative review.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on the mortality of older adults and, chronic non- transmissible diseases (CNTDs) patients, likely previous inflammaging condition that is common in these subjects. It is possible that functional foods could attenuate viral infection conditions such as SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), the causal agent of COVID-19 pandemic. Previous evidence suggested that some fruits consumed by Amazonian Diet from Pre-Colombian times could present relevant proprieties to decrease of COVID-19 complications such as oxidative-cytokine storm. In this narrative review we identified five potential Amazonian fruits: açai berry (Euterpe oleracea), camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa), and guaraná (Paullinia cupana). Data showed that these Amazonian fruits present antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other immunomodulatory activities that could attenuate the impact of inflammaging states that potentially decrease the evolution of COVID-19 complications. The evidence compiled here supports the complementary experimental and clinical studies exploring these fruits as nutritional supplement during COVID-19 infection. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: These fruits, in their natural form, are often limited to their region, or exported to other places in the form of frozen pulp or powder. But there are already some companies producing food supplements in the form of capsules, in the form of oils and even functional foods enriched with these fruits. This practice is common in Brazil and tends to expand to the international market.

Structural Characterization of L-Galactose Dehydrogenase: An Essential Enzyme for Vitamin C Biosynthesis.

In plants, it is well-known that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can be synthesized via multiple metabolic pathways but there is still much to be learned concerning their integration and control mechanisms. Furthermore, the structural biology of the component enzymes has been poorly exploited. Here we describe the first crystal structure for an L-galactose dehydrogenase [Spinacia oleracea GDH (SoGDH) from spinach], from the D-mannose/L-galactose (Smirnoff-Wheeler) pathway which converts L-galactose into L-galactono-1,4-lactone. The kinetic parameters for the enzyme are similar to those from its homolog from camu camu, a super-accumulator of vitamin C found in the Peruvian Amazon. Both enzymes are monomers in solution and have a pH optimum of 7, and their activity is largely unaffected by high concentrations of ascorbic acid, suggesting the absence of a feedback mechanism acting via GDH. Previous reports may have been influenced by changes of the pH of the reaction medium as a function of ascorbic acid concentration. The structure of SoGDH is dominated by a (ß/α)8 barrel closely related to aldehyde-keto reductases (AKRs). The structure bound to NAD+ shows that the lack of Arg279 justifies its preference for NAD+ over NADP+, as employed by many AKRs. This favors the oxidation reaction that ultimately leads to ascorbic acid accumulation. When compared with other AKRs, residue substitutions at the C-terminal end of the barrel (Tyr185, Tyr61, Ser59 and Asp128) can be identified to be likely determinants of substrate specificity. The present work contributes toward a more comprehensive understanding of structure-function relationships in the enzymes involved in vitamin C synthesis.

Camu-Camu Reduces Obesity and Improves Diabetic Profiles of Obese and Diabetic Mice: A Dose-Ranging Study.

Overweight, obesity, and their comorbidities are currently considered a major public health concern. Today considerable efforts are still needed to develop efficient strategies able to attenuate the burden of these diseases. Nutritional interventions, some with plant extracts, present promising health benefits. In this study, we evaluated the action of Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia), an Amazonian fruit rich in polyphenols and vitamin C, on the prevention of obesity and associated disorders in mice and the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in both cecum and feces. Methods: We investigated the dose-response effects of Camu-Camu extract (CCE) in the context of high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity. After 5 weeks of supplementation, we demonstrated that the two doses of CCE differently improved glucose and lipid homeostasis. The lowest CCE dose (62.5 mg/kg) preferentially decreased non-HDL cholesterol and free fatty acids (FFA) and increased the abundance of A. muciniphila without affecting liver metabolism, while only the highest dose of CCE (200 mg/kg) prevented excessive body weight gain, fat mass gain, and hepatic steatosis. Both doses decreased fasting hyperglycemia induced by HFD. In conclusion, the use of plant extracts, and particularly CCE, may represent an additional option in the support of weight management strategies and glucose homeostasis alteration by mechanisms likely independent from the modulation of A. muciniphila abundance.

Structural characterization of L-Galactose Dehydrogenase: an essential enzyme for vitamin C biosynthesis

In plants, it is well-known that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can be synthesized via multiple metabolic pathways but there is still much to be learnt concerning their integration and control mechanisms. Furthermore, the structural biology of the component enzymes has been poorly exploited. Here we describe the first crystal structure for an L-galactose dehydrogenase (SoGDH from spinach), from the D-mannose/L-galactose (Smirnoff Wheeler) pathway which converts L-galactose into L-galactono-1,4-lactone. The kinetic parameters for the enzyme are similar to those from its homologue from camu-camu, a super-accumulator of vitamin C found in the Peruvian amazon. Both enzymes are monomers in solution, have a pH optimum of 7 and their activity is largely unaffected by high concentrations of ascorbic acid, suggesting the absence of a feedback mechanism acting via GDH. Previous reports may have been influenced by changes of the pH of the reaction medium as a function of ascorbic acid concentration. The structure of SoGDH is dominated by a (β/α)8 barrel closely related to aldehyde-keto reductases (AKRs). The structure bound to NAD+ shows that the lack of Arg279 justifies its preference for NAD+ over NADP+, as employed by many AKRs. This favours the oxidation reaction which ultimately leads to ascorbic acid accumulation. When compared with other AKRs, residue substitutions at the C-terminal end of the barrel (Tyr185, Tyr61, Ser59 and Asp128) can be identified to be likely determinants of substrate specificity. The present work contributes towards a more comprehensive understanding of structure-function relationships in the enzymes involved in vitamin C synthesis.

Camu-Camu Fruit Extract Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Responses by Regulating NFAT and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways in High Glucose-Induced Human Keratinocytes.

Myrciaria dubia (HBK) McVaugh (camu-camu) belongs to the family Myrtaceae. Although camu-camu has received a great deal of attention for its potential pharmacological activities, there is little information on the anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects of camu-camu fruit in skin diseases. In the present study, we investigated the preventative effect of 70% ethanol camu-camu fruit extract against high glucose-induced human keratinocytes. High glucose-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was inhibited by camu-camu fruit treatment. In response to ROS reduction, camu-camu fruit modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/activator protein-1 (AP-1), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling pathways related to inflammation by downregulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Furthermore, camu-camu fruit treatment activated the expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and subsequently increased the NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase1 (NQO1) expression to protect keratinocytes against high-glucose-induced oxidative stress. These results indicate that camu-camu fruit is a promising material for preventing oxidative stress and skin inflammation induced by high glucose level.

Anti-Allergic Effects of Myrciaria dubia (Camu-Camu) Fruit Extract by Inhibiting Histamine H1 and H4 Receptors and Histidine Decarboxylase in RBL-2H3 Cells.

Although Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu) has been shown to exert anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies, its use in allergic responses has not been elucidated. In the present study, the anti-allergic effect of 70% ethanol camu-camu fruit extract was tested on calcium ionophore (A23187)-induced allergies in RBL-2H3 cells. The RBL-2H3 cells were induced with 100 nM A23187 for 6 h, followed by a 1 h camu-camu fruit extract treatment. A23187 sanitization exacerbated mast cell degranulation; however, camu-camu fruit extract decreased the release of histamine and ß-hexosaminidase, which are considered as key biomarkers in cell degranulation. Camu-camu fruit extract inhibited cell exocytosis by regulating the calcium/nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) signaling. By downregulating the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, camu-camu fruit extract hindered the activation of both histamine H1 and H4 receptors and inhibited histidine decarboxylase (HDC) expression by mediating its transcription factors KLF4/SP1 and GATA2/MITF. In A23187-induced ROS overproduction, camu-camu fruit extract activated nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to protect mast cells against A23187-induced oxidative stress. These findings indicate that camu-camu fruit extract can be developed to act as a mast cell stabilizer and an anti-histamine. This work also "opens the door" to new investigations using natural products to achieve breakthroughs in allergic disorder treatment.

Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) from commercial cultivation has higher levels of bioactive compounds than native cultivation (Amazon Forest) and presents antimutagenic effects in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a typical Amazonian fruit and has high antioxidant capacity due to its high levels of vitamin C and phenolic compounds. This study aimed to determine the phytochemicals, antioxidant capacity and antimutagenic effects of camu-camu fruits with different maturity stages grown in dry (commercial cultivation) or flooded environments (native cultivation, Amazon). RESULTS: Total polyphenols, ascorbic acid and in vitro antioxidant capacity levels were higher in ripe fruits grown in a commercial cultivation. The extracts from ripe camu-camu grown in a commercial cultivation exerted antioxidant effects and high percentage of protection against doxorubicin and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in all tested systems (liver, bone marrow and gut), for three camu-camu extract concentrations (17, 85 and 170 mg kg-1 body weight), as follows: bone marrow minocronucleus (37.91%, 41.75%, 43.95%); micronucleus gut test (61.01%, 64.40%, 50.28%); apoptosis index (60.26%, 62.44%, 58.22%); comet assay through the tail moment (71.64%, 72.31%, 70.70%), percent DNA in the tail (64.54%, 68.75%, 76.79%) and tail intensity (76.43%, 81.02%, 68.33%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study contribute to increasing the production of camu-camu fruits grown in dry environments and their use as a health-promoting food. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antimicrobial constituents of peel and seeds of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia).

Various antimicrobial constituents of camu-camu fruit were isolated. Acylphloroglucinol (compound 1) and rhodomyrtone (compound 2) were isolated from the peel of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) fruit, while two other acylphloroglucinols (compounds 3 and 4) were obtained from camu-camu seeds. The structures of the isolated compounds were characterized by spectrophotometric methods. Compounds 1 and 4 were confirmed to be new acylphloroglucinols with different substituents at the C7 or C9 position of 2, and were named myrciarone A and B, respectively. Compound 3 was determined to be isomyrtucommulone B. This is the first report of the isolation of 3 from a natural resource. The antimicrobial activities of compounds 1, 3, and 4 were similar to those of 2, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations were either similar to or lower than that of kanamycin. These results suggest that the peel and seeds of camu-camu fruit could be utilized for therapeutic applications.

Evaluation of the antiplasmodial and leishmanicidal potential of Myrciaria dubia (Myrtaceae) extract

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Malaria and leishmaniasis are prevalent in tropical regions, which have environmental characteristics that are highly favorable to protozoa and vectors of these diseases; the transmission of these infections in sub-tropical regions, although recognized, represents only a small fraction of cases. Plants are constantly being used in the search for and acquisition of new drugs, and many compounds derived from them have been used to combat various diseases. In this study, we evaluated the action of the dichloromethanolic extract of Myrciaria dubia leaves against the protozoa Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania braziliensis, and Leishmania chagasi through bioassays. METHODS The extract from M. dubia was tested for its anti-P. falciparum activity in an anti-histidine-rich protein II immunosorbent assay. The antileishmanial assays were performed using the resazurin method, while cytotoxicity against human hepatoma (HepG2) strain was determined using the colorimetric MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2- thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide] method. RESULTS The M. dubia extract presented a half-maximal inhibitory concentration equal to 2.35 (1.05)μg/mL for P. falciparum, 190.73 (6.41) μg/mL for L. amazonensis, and greater than equal to 200µg/mL for L. chagasi and L. braziliensis strains. The cytotoxic concentration for 50% of the cells was above 500μg/mL for HepG2, indicating no toxicity and greater selectivity against parasites. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained indicate the presence of antiplasmodial and leishmanicidal bioactive compounds in the dichloromethanolic extracts of M. dubia leaves, and point towards future studies to elucidate the mechanism of action for each physiological effect.

Scale Insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) on Myrciaria dubia (Myrtaceae) in Brazil.

Commercial cultivation of the fruit tree Myrciaria dubia (Myrtaceae) is being developed in Brazil but phytophagous insects, including scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea), can become pests in plantations. The coccids Ceroplastes jamaicensis White, Coccus viridis (Green), Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner), Pseudokermes vitreus (Cockerell) (Coccidae), and the diaspidid Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green) were collected on M. dubia in the municipality of Belém and Tomé-Açu, state of Pará (PA), metropolitan and Northeast Pará mesoregions, Brazil. A key to species of Coccoidea recorded on M. dubia, based on adult females, is provided. Photographs for all scale insects reported on M. dubia are provided. Ceroplastes jamaicensis is recorded for the first time for Brazil and is herein reported for the first time associated with this host.

Ascorbic acid from lyophilized camu-camu fruit: stability and quality control of hard capsules

Camu-camu, a fruit found in the Amazon Basin river banks and lake shores, is known for its high ascorbic acid content together with, other antioxidants. This feature shows high potential for being exploited in agribusiness industry and pharmaceutical processes. However, its high acidity, as well as peel bitterness associated with the phenolic substances content, has discouraged its consumption while still fresh. The development of alternative forms for consuming this fruit, while still preserving its ascorbic acid and polyphenol content, in addition to its great potential for maintaining human health, has become a major economic activity in coastal communities. The present study evaluated the ascorbic acid stability found in camu-camu capsules. Lyophilization was performed with the fruit pulp and peel. Both freeze-dried fruit and powder-flled capsules were stored at 5° C. Ascorbic acid stability was monitored for 90 days using HPLC assay technique. The encapsulation process of freezedried pulp was considered satisfactory in the ascorbic acid conservation, since there was only a loss of 10% of its initial concentration throughout the study period for 60 days.(AU)

Frozen pulp extracts of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia McVaugh) attenuate the hyperlipidemia and lipid peroxidation of Type 1 diabetic rats.

Several epidemiological and experimental studies demonstrate that modulation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress by natural phytochemicals is a promising strategy to prevent and treat many chronic inflammatory diseases. Camu-camu is an Amazonian fruit with a high content of antioxidants, especially phenolic compounds and vitamin C. In the present study we evaluated the in vivo effects of chronic ingestion of raw extracts derived from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia McVaugh) frozen pulp on plasma lipid profile and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of camu-camu raw extracts significantly increased plasma antioxidant activity, reduced triacylglycerol and total cholesterol and lipid peroxidation in the plasma of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. However, no effect was observed on glucose metabolism of diabetic rats, probably due to the severity of this model.

Compostos bioativos do camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia McVaugh): caracterização e atividade biológica / Bioactive compounds of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia McVaugh): chemical characterization and biological activity

O camu-camu é considerado uma excelente fonte de vitamina C, e com capacidade antioxidante in vitro cerca de 120 vezes maior em relação às outras frutas, além do alto teor de ácido elágico. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar fruta e polpa comercial de camu-camu em relação ao conteúdo de fenólicos totais, flavonóides, ácido elágico livre e total, proantocianidinas e capacidade antioxidante in vitro, e verificar o efeito da ingestão de extrato bruto e frações purificadas da polpa comercial de camu-camu sobre o perfil bioquímico de ratos diabéticos e caquéticos, capacidade antioxidante do plasma, e a atividade das enzimas catalase, superóxido dismutase e glutationa peroxidase em plasma e eritrócitos. Também foi avaliado o efeito de extrato bruto e frações purificadas da polpa comercial em diferentes linhagens celulares. A polpa comercial de camu-camu apresentou maior teor de compostos bioativos que o fruto e por isso foi escolhida para continuar os estudos in vivo. Os teores de flavonóides variaram de 10 a 47 mg/ 100 g para quercetina, 4,8 a 5,0 mg/100 g para miricetina e 23 a 37 mg/100 g para rutina; os teores de ácido elágico livre variaram de 25 a 50 mg/100 g e 620 a 740 mg/100 g para ácido elágico total. Também foram identificados elagitaninos e oligômeros de proantocianidinas. Os extratos bruto e frações purificadas também foram testados em culturas celulares de miócitos (L6), macrófagos (J774), hepatócitos (FaO), beta pancreáticas (INS) e adipócitos (3T3). Os animais diabéticos e caquéticos tratados tanto com o extrato bruto quanto com a fração purificada de compostos fenólicos da polpa comercial de camu-camu apresentaram alterações do perfil lipídico plasmático, com reversão do alto colesterol total e triacilgliceróis, e ainda aumento nos níveis de HDL-colesterol. Outros efeitos como a redução da peroxidação lipídica e aumento da capacidade antioxidante plasmática também foram observados. Em linhagens celulares, os extratos bruto e...

Camu-camu fruit is considered as an excellent source of vitamin C and presented antioxidant capacity in vitro 120 times higher when compared to others fruits, in addition the high content of ellagic acid. Thus, the aim of this work was to characterize camu-camu commercial frozen pulp and fruit in relation to total phenolics, flavonoids, free and total ellagic acid content, proanthocyanidins and in vitro antioxidant capacity; besides to investigate the effect of the administration of crude and purified fractions of camu-camu commercial frozen pulp on biochemical profile of diabetic an cachetic rats, plasma antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in plasma and erythrocytes. The effects of crude and purified fractions of camu-camu commercial frozen pulp were also evaluated. Commercial frozen pulp of camu-camu showed a higher content of bioactive compound when compared to the fruit and so was chosen for further studies in vivo. Flavonoids content varied from 10 to 47 mg/ 100 g of quercetin, 4.8 to 5.0 mg/100 g of myricetin and 23 to 37 mg/100 g of rutin; free ellagic acid content varied from 25 to 50 mg/100 g and 620 to 740 mg/100 total ellagic acid. Ellagitannins and proanthocyanidins oligomers have also been identified. The effects of camu-camu crude and purified fractions was also tested in culture cells of myocytes (L6), macrophages (J774), hepatocytes (FaO), pancreatic-beta cell (INS) and adipocytes (3T3). Animals treated with crude and purified fractions of phenolic compounds of camu-camu commercial frozen pulp showed changes in plasma lipid profile, reversing high level of total cholesterol and triacylglycerol and increase of HDL-cholesterol in diabetic and cachetic rats. Reduction on lipid peroxidation and increase on plasma antioxidant capacity was also observed. In cell line culture, crude and purified extracts of camu-camu were effective to stimulate glucose uptake in L6 cells...

Ciclo biológico, comportamiento y censo del picudo del camu camu, Conotrachelus dubiae O'Brien 1995 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) en Pucallpa, Perú / Biological cycle, behavior and census of camu camu weevil, Conotrachelus dubiae O'Brien 1995 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Pucallpa, Peru

El picudo, Conotrachelus dubiae O'Brien 1995, es una de las plagas mas importantes del camu camu Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. Mc Vaugh en la Amazonía Peruana. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el ciclo biológico de este insecto bajo condiciones de laboratorio y describir su comportamiento y fluctuación en condiciones de campo en Pucallpa, Ucayali, Perú. El porcentaje de eclosión de larvas fue de 87 por ciento, la duración del periodo de incubación de los huevos fue de 5,5±0,9 (4 a 7) días, del estado larval en el fruto 22,2±1,9 (20 a 25) días y en el suelo (fase pre-pupa), 54,4±5,5 (46 a 67) días, del periodo pupal 11,8±0,9 (9 a 13) días y la longevidad del adulto fue de 51,8±18,9 (9 a 75) días. Los adultos se alimentaron de frutos de diferentes diámetros y estados de maduración y de botones florales, ramas tiernas y flores. No se registró la presencia de adultos de C. dubiae en frutos secos, ni en la base del tallo, sino en ritidomas. La mayor actividad de alimentación y de reproducción de los adultos fue entre 18:30 a 22:00 h. Los adultos fueron observados en el cultivo durante todo el año, encontrándose con mayor frecuencia en los meses de enero a marzo en pisos bajos inundables y entre octubre a diciembre en tierra firme no inundable, coincidiendo con la fase de floración y fructificación de la planta.

Camu camu weevil Conotrachelus dubiae O'Brien, 1995 is a one of the main pests of camu camu (Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. Mc Vaugh) in Peruvian Amazonia. The aim of this study was to determine the biological cycle of this insect under laboratory conditions, to describe its behavior and population numbers under field conditions in Pucallpa, Ucayali, Peru. The percentage of hatching was 87 percent; the egg incubation period was 5.5±0.9 (4 to 7) days; the length of the larval stage inside the fruit was 22.2±1.9 (20 to 25) days, and the length larval stage (pre-pupa) underground was 54.4±5.5 (46 to 67) days. The length of pupal period was 11.8±0.9 (9 to 13) days, and the longevity of adults was 51.8±18.9 (9 to 75) days. Adults feed on fruits of different diameters and state of ripeness. Weevils also feed on buds, fresh branches and flowers. Adults of C. dubiae were only found in the rhizome, not in dry fruits or on the stem base.. The highest feeding and reproductive activity of adults was between 18:30 to 22:00 h. Adults were observed during the whole year, with the highest frequency between January and March in low seasonally flooded soils and between October to December in upland unflooded soils, coinciding with flowering and fruiting plant phenology.