Characterization and optimization of oil microcapsules from Attalea phalerata Mart. for the preservation of bioactive compounds

This study aimed microencapsulating Attalea phalerata Mart. oil, containing high carotenoid and phenolic compounds content, with Arabic gum and gelatin, using the complex coacervation method. The yield, efficiency, morphology of microcapsules and content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and antioxidant activity in different processes conditions (concentration of the filling, temperature and agitation speed) were evaluated. The results showed 88% of yield, efficiency up to 70% and a characteristic size of microcapsules. The amount of carotenoids was high in crude oil (394.84 µg of carotenoids/g oil) and the microencapsulation tests showed amounts of 19.19 to 166.40 µg of carotenoids/g oil. The phenolic compounds in the crude oil were 20.73 mg GAE/g sample and the microencapsulation tests showed amounts of 3.17 to 15.16 mg GAE/g oil. The values of bioactive compounds influenced in the antioxidant activity though ABTS•+ method with values of 161.70 µM trolox/g oil to crude oil and 7.70 and 159.54 µM trolox/g oil for microcapsules tests

Avaliação da reatividade vascular do extrato do caule de Blutaparon portulacoides em aorta isolada de ratos

A modificação da grande prevalência de doenças infecciosas e parasitárias para as doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) afeta a qualidade e os hábitos de vida da população. Dentre as (DCNT) a Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (HAS) possui grande relevância tendo em vista a prevalência e complicações. Nessa perspectiva, a procura por tratamentos alternativos e/ou complementares junto ao farmacológico vem crescendo consideravelmente, e o uso de plantas medicinais se torna cada vez mais frequente. Analisar os efeitos de plantas medicinais como a Blutaparon portulacoides na reatividade vascular de animais pode ser importante para o início de potencial terapêutico em doenças cardiovasculares. B. portulacoides pertence a família  Amaranthaceae sendo nativa em ao longo de todo o litoral do Rio Grande do Sul. Alguns estudos já foram realizados com o extrato dessa planta relatando ação antiinflamatória contra o veneno de cobras do gênero Bothrops

Antihypertensive effects of isoquercitrin and extracts from Tropaeolum majus L.: Evidence for the inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme

AbstractAim of the studyPrevious studies have shown that the extracts obtained from Tropaeolum majus L. exhibit pronounced diuretic properties. In the present study, we assessed whether the hypotensive and/or antihypertensive mechanism of hydroethanolic extract (HETM), semi-purified fraction (TMLR) obtained from T. majus and the flavonoids isoquercitrin (ISQ) and kaempferol (KPF) can be mediated by their interaction with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).Methods and methodsFirstly, to evaluate changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), different groups of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were orally and intraduodenally treated with HETM (10–300mg/kg) and TMLR (12.5–100mg/kg) and intravenously treated with ISQ and KPF being later anesthetized with ketamine (100mg/kg) and xylazine (20mg/kg). The left femoral vein and the right carotid artery were isolated, and polyethylene catheters were inserted for ISQ and KPF (0.5–4mg/kg) administration and blood pressure recording, respectively. The plasmatic ACE activity was evaluated to indirect fluorimetry, in serum samples after orally treatment with HETM, TMLR, ISQ and KPF.ResultsThe oral administration of the HETM and its TMLR significantly reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, the MAP in both normotensive and SHR. In addition, these preparations significantly decreased the MAP for up to 3h after the administration of the extract. Additionally, the intravenous administration of ISQ, but not KPF, decreased MAP in rats. Otherwise, neither the extracts nor ISQ affected the heart rate. The oral administration of the HETM, TMLR or ISQ reduced ACE activity in serum samples at 90min after administration. Finally, the intravenous administration of ISQ caused a significant reduction in the hypertensive response to angiotensin I, but not angiotensin II in normotensive rats.ConclusionOur results show that the hypotensive effects caused by the HETM, as well as by its TMLR, may be associated with the high levels of the flavonoid ISQ found in this plant. In addition, ISQ-induced hypotension in rats is an event dependent on the inhibition of angiotensin II generation by ACE

Subacute and Reproductive Oral Toxicity Assessment of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Jacaranda decurrens

Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata Farias & Proença (Bignoniaceae) is a species traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases. Previous findings from our group reported scientifically that J. decurrens has anti-inflammatory efficacy. However, more toxicological studies are needed to support and ensure its safe use. The present study was carried out to evaluate the toxic effects of a prolonged treatment with hydroethanolic root extract of J. decurrens (EJD) on hematological, biochemical, and reproductive parameters in adult male rats. The animals received by oral gavage 0; 250; 500; or 1000 mg/kg body weight of EJD for 28 days. After the treatment, biochemical, hematological, histopathological, and reproductive parameters were analyzed. The EJD treatment did not cause adverse effects on body weight gain, feed and water consumption, hematological and biochemical profiles, or histopathological analysis of liver and kidney. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in reproductive parameters, such as sperm production, number of sperm in the epididymis, and sperm morphology. These results demonstrate the absence of subacute toxicity as a result of the oral treatment with EJD for 28 days in adult male rats. However, other studies should be performed to evaluate the total safety of this plant

Prevalência de cefaleia em populações nativas: interpretações peculiares de doenças mentais

No que diz respeito à medicina, grupos étnicos com tradições milenares têm interpretações específicas de determinadas patologias. Nesse sentido, as doenças neurológicas ganham destaque e dentro delas destacam-se as famosas cefaleias que apresentam alta prevalência em quase todas as populações estudadas. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar diferentes percepções em relação às doenças neurológicas e mentais, além de buscar estudos que mostrem a prevalência de cefaléia em populações nativas, considerando o cenário habitacional da grande Dourados que abriga etnias variadas

Aspectos tecnológicos na produção de farinha de polpa de pequi

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of drying temperature on the nutritional characteristics of pequi pulp flour.The dehydrated pequi pulp was accomplished in a dryer tray with hot air flow of 0,5 m s-1 at three temperatures 55, 65 and 70 °C. The drying kinetic were evaluated by adjusting experimental data using mathematical models by seven non-linear regression. It was determined the effective diffusivity and energy activation required for the evaporation of the moisture from the product. The results showed a reduction of the drying time with an increasing process of the temperature. The adjustment of the models was evaluated according to the values of R2 and ERM. All models showed good adjustments, however, the Page model was the one that best values of the drying kinetics of pequi pulp for the conditions studied. The effective diffusivity values in the temperature studied are from 4,04 to 5,57 x 10-10 m2 s-1 and the activation energy was 2,03 x 104 J mol-1. Drying process have favored on the concentration of some nutrients, such as carbohydrates and proteins. Dehydration at 55 oC resulted in a product with better visual appearence among the studied temperatures.Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da temperatura de secagem nas características nutricionais da farinha da polpa de pequi. A secagem da polpa de pequi foi realizada em um secador de bandejas com fluxo de ar quente a 0,5 m s-1 em três temperaturas 55, 65 e 70 °C. As cinéticas de secagem foram avaliadas ajustando-se os dados experimentais através de sete modelos matemáticos por regressão não linear. Determinaram-se a difusividade efetiva e a energia de ativação requerida para a evaporação da umidade do produto. Os resultados mostraram redução do tempo de secagem com o aumento da temperatura do processo. Os ajustes dos modelos foram avaliados em função dos valores de R2 e ERM. Todos os modelos apresentaram bons indicadores estatísticos, entretanto, o modelo que representou os melhores valores da cinética de secagem da polpa de pequi, para as condições estudadas, foi o de Page. Os valores da difusividade efetiva nas condições de temperatura estudadas estão entre 4,04 a 5,57 x 10-10 m2 s-1 e a energia de ativação foi de 2,03 x 104 J mol-1. O processo de secagem favoreceu na concentração de alguns nutrientes como carboidratos e proteínas. A desidratação a 55 oC forneceu um produto com melhor aparência visual entre as temperaturas estudadas