Search Results (25)

Background/Objectives: Andiroba oil, extracted from Carapa guianensis seeds, possesses therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. This study aimed to develop and characterize a nanoemulsion formulation containing andiroba oil (NeAnd) and to evaluate its cytotoxicity and wound healing potential in vitro. Methods: The oil was evaluated for acidity, antioxidant activity, and fatty acid composition. NeAnd was produced by ultrasonication and characterized using FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), Raman spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Results: NeAnd exhibited a spherical shape and stable physicochemical properties, with an average hydrodynamic diameter (HD) of 205.7 ± 3.9 nm, a polydispersity index (PdI) of 0.295 ± 0.05, a negative zeta potential of −4.16 ± 0.414 mV, and pH of approximately 6.5. These nanodroplets remained stable for 120 days when stored at 4 °C and maintained their parameters even under pH variations. FTIR and Raman analyses confirmed the presence of functional groups and the organization of fatty acid chains in NeAnd. Cell viability assays revealed no statistically significant differences in cytotoxicity at various concentrations (90–360 µg/mL) after 24 and 48 h. In scratch wound healing assays, NeAnd significantly enhanced wound closure (88.9%) compared to the PBS control (38%) and free andiroba oil (68.6%) in keratinocytes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These promising findings indicate NeAnd as a potential nanophytomedicine for wound healing and tissue regeneration treatments. Full article

Pre- and post-milking teat antisepsis is one of the most effective methods for reducing the incidence of mastitis. Plant extracts have proven effective in reducing microorganisms, providing a natural alternative for antisepsis, along with additional benefits for teat health. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antiseptic effects of two newly formulated products, used as pre-dipping and post-dipping agents, respectively, based on plant extracts from papain (Carica papaya), aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), andiroba (Carapa guianensis), copaiba (Copaifera officinalis), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and barbatimão (Stryphnodendron barbatiman). Minimum inhibitory concentration tests were performed in vitro, along with microbiological analyses of different bacterial groups and in vivo compliance assessments to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the formulations, as well as the molecular identification of Staphylococcus aureus. The results demonstrated that the products were effective in vitro against the main pathogens that cause mastitis, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Escherichia coli. In the in vivo assays, similar performance was observed between the tested products and the control products, indicating that the plant-extract-based formulations, applied as pre-dipping and post-dipping agents, effectively reduced the microbial load on the teats. The effects were equivalent to those of hydrogen-peroxide- and iodine-based products, being able to reduce the total microbial load by more than 80%. Full article

Anthropized areas in the Brazilian Amazon require detailed mapping to identify zones for sustainable use. This study developed a topoclimatic zoning framework to evaluate the conservation and agroforestry potential of three native species: Carapa guianensis (Andiroba), Dipteryx odorata (Cumaru), and Bertholletia excelsa (Amazon Nut). The hypothesis was that integrating topographic and climatic data can effectively identify high-potential areas for these species to support forest restoration and sustainable management. This study applied ecological modeling and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to classify zones into high, medium, and low potential for each species. Results showed Carapa guianensis has high potential in 64% of anthropized areas, Dipteryx odorata in 72% of the Legal Amazon, and Bertholletia excelsa in 58%, highlighting their adaptability and strategic value for restoration efforts. The findings emphasize the importance of topoclimatic zoning as a tool for conservation and sustainable use strategies. By aligning with Brazil’s Payment for Environmental Services (PES) Law, this approach can foster agroforestry practices, enhance biodiversity conservation, and strengthen the Amazon bioeconomy, ensuring ecological resilience and sustainable development. Full article

Rhamnolipids, biosurfactants synthesized from natural resources, demonstrate significant applications, including notable insecticidal efficacy against Aedes aegypti L., the primary vector for numerous arboviruses. The global spread of A. aegypti poses substantial public health challenges, requiring innovative and sustainable control strategies. This research investigates the use of andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) biomass waste as a substrate for synthesizing a rhamnolipid biosurfactant (BSAW) produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and evaluates its insecticidal activity against A. aegypti. The findings indicate a biosurfactant yield of 4.42 mg mL⁻¹, alongside an emulsification index approaching 60%. BSAW successfully reduced both surface and interfacial tensions to below 30 mN/m and 4 mN/m, respectively. Characterization revealed that BSAW is a di-rhamnolipid, consisting of two rhamnose units covalently linked to a saturated C₁₀ fatty acid chain. At a concentration of 1.0 mg mL⁻¹, BSAW exhibited notable larvicidal activity, leading to structural impairments and cellular dysfunctions in A. aegypti larvae while also disrupting their associated bacterial microbiota. Moreover, BSAW effectively deterred oviposition in adult mosquitoes. These findings underscore BSAW’s potential to compromise various developmental stages of A. aegypti, supporting integrated arbovirus management approaches. Furthermore, this research emphasizes the feasibility of utilizing agro-industrial waste as substrates for microbial rhamnolipid production. Full article

A glioma is a type of tumor that acts on the Central Nervous System (CNS) in a highly aggressive manner. Gliomas can occasionally be inaccurately diagnosed and treatments have low efficacy, meaning that patients exhibit a survival of less than one year after diagnosis. Due to factors such as intratumoral cell variability, inefficient chemotherapy drugs, adaptive resistance development to drugs and tumor recurrence after resection, the search continues for new drugs that can inhibit glioma cell growth. As such, analogues of endocannabinoids, such as fatty acid amides (FAAs), represent interesting alternatives for inhibiting tumor growth, since FAAs can modulate several metabolic pathways linked to cancer and, thus, may hold potential for managing glioblastoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of two fatty ethanolamides (FAA1 and FAA2), synthetized via direct amidation from andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis Aublet), on C6 glioma cells. FAA1 and FAA2 reduced C6 cell viability, proliferation and migratory potential in a dose-dependent manner and were not toxic to normal retina glial cells. Both FAAs caused apoptotic cell death through the loss of mitochondrial integrity (ΔΨm), probably by activating cannabinoid receptors, and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway. In conclusion, FAAs derived from natural products may have the potential to treat glioma-type brain cancer. Full article

The diversity of species in Amazonia is exceptionally vast and unique, and it is of great interest for industry sectors to explore the potential of derivatives with functional properties for packaging applications. This study proposes the functionalization of cellulose micro/nanofibril (MFC/NFC) suspensions from Heteropsis flexuosa with andiroba oil to produce films with packaging potential. MFC/NFC was produced by using mechanical fibrillation from suspensions of H. flexuosa fibers. Proportions of 1, 3, and 5% of andiroba oil were added to make films with concentrations of 1% (m/m). Suspensions with andiroba oil provided greater viscosity, with changes in the physical properties of the films. Functionalization with andiroba oil provided films with lower degradation in water, greater contact angle, and lower wettability despite high permeability to water vapor. The films with 1% andiroba oil showed a hydrophobic characteristic (contact angle > 90°) and greater puncture resistance (6.70 N mm⁻¹). Films with 3% oil showed a more transparent appearance and high biodegradation, while 1% oil generated more opaque films with a higher thermal degradation temperature and high antioxidant activity. It was concluded that films produced from H. flexuosa fibers functionalized with andiroba oil showed packaging potential for light, low-moisture products due to their adequate thermal and barrier characteristics. Full article

Ambient sun drying is the method most used by Indigenous communities for preserving fruits and seeds harvested from the forest. It is an effective method to increase the shelf-life of highly perishable foods and prevent spoilage until important bioactive compounds can be extracted at distant locations. The ambient sun drying kinetics and oil extraction of the pulp and seeds of commercially important oleaginous fruit directly obtained from the rainforests and swamps of Guyana, namely Astrocaryum vulgare (Awara), Astrocaryum aculeatum (Kuru), Oenocarpus bacaba (Turu), Mauritia flexuosa (Ite), Euterpe oleracea (Acai), Caryocar nuciferum (Souari), Attalea maripa (Kukrit), and Carapa guianensis (Crabwood), were studied. The fruits were dried under ambient conditions from initial moisture contents ranging from 24–71% to a final moisture content of 5%. Three models, the Lewis model, the modified Page model, and the standard logistic function (SLF) model, were utilized to model the drying kinetics and to estimate the parameters governing the drying process. These models were demonstrated to fit the experimental data with excellent goodness of fit (>0.98). The SLF, never used before to model drying kinetics, was observed to be the best-suited model overall, with the highest correlation coefficient and the least Chi-square (χ²). Depending on the fruit type, the estimated point where the maximum drying rate occurs varies from 35 min to 350 min for sun-dried fruit pulp and up to 4000 min for sun-dried kernels. The steepness of the drying curves varied from −0.5 to −3.5 g/min. The results of this work will aid in the design, development, optimization, and control of the ambient drying processes of economically and functionally important oleaginous forest fruits. This knowledge will assist in addressing the key challenge of spoilage faced by Indigenous communities in the preservation of tropical oleaginous fruits and seeds, possibly aiding in the preservation of functional characteristics of the extracted oils and adducing to the sustainable economic utilization of such fruit. Full article

The seed oil of Carapa guianensis, known as crabwood oil (CWO), is distinguished for its medicinal and cosmetics applications, attributed to its bioactive components and lipid profile. CWO and its dry and solvent fractionation were studied, with a focus on physicochemical functionality and the partitioning of known bioactive compounds, such as limonoids and sterols. Important bioactive components, including limonoids and sterols, were partitioned depending on the fractionation method; in particular, there is a direct dependence on solvent polarity. There was a very strong solid fraction yield–solvent polarity with a high linear slope of −121.3%. The partitioning of the lipids is significant enough to drive measurable and predictable changes in the physical properties. Palmitic (P: C16:0) and oleic (O: C18:1) fatty acids account for about 60% of the total fatty acid composition of the TAGs of CWO and its fractions. The most abundant limonoid is methyl angolensate (from 28 to 39%), followed by Trichilin A (from 13% to 22%). Gedunin and Andirobin were more abundant in the liquid fractions, whereas Carapanolides (less than 1.3%) were more present in the olein fractions. The crystallization and melting temperatures of the solid fractions were up to 26 °C, compared to 11°C for CWO, and were particularly strongly correlated to the polarity of the solvents. The SFC profile indicated semi-solid fats, with the solid fractions showing up to 19% at 18 °C, twice the SFC in CWO. The fractions demonstrated a wide range of distinguishable microstructures. The shapes include well-organized spherulites and needle-like and rod-like crystals with sizes varying from 5 to 250 µ, suggesting that they are likely to have different flow characteristics and feel to the skin and mouth. There is a potential to make unique compositions with significantly different properties, with antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy due to the bioactive components of CWO through fractionation, using polarity as a predictive tool. Full article

The Colombian Amazon is a megadiverse region with high potential for commercial use in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries, constantly expanding and looking for new alternatives from natural resources; unfortunately, few characterization reports of its profitable non-timber species in Colombia have been conducted. This work aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of traditionally used species: Carapa guianensis (Andiroba), Euterpe precatoria (Asai), Mauritia flexuosa (Miriti), Astrocaryum murumuru (Murumuru), Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha Inchi), and Caryodendron orinocense H.Karst (Cacay). For this purpose, oil and fat quality indices, phytosterol, carotenoid, tocopherol, and tocotrienol content, as well as density and refractive index, were measured to establish their quality level. Multivariate analysis showed four groups of samples; such differences were mainly due to the composition rather than quality indices and physical properties, especially the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. All species reported a precise composition, which makes them noninterchangeable, and Miriti oil arose as the most versatile ingredient for the industry. The Colombian Amazon region is a promising source of quality raw material, especially for oils/fats and unsaturated fatty acids; this resulted in the most interest for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic purposes. Full article

The production of polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil, which is related to various health benefits including effects against cardiovascular diseases, antihypertensive, anticancer, antioxidant, antidepression, anti-aging, and anti-arthritis effects, among others, can be advantageously performed through the application of lipase. However, the high cost associated with enzyme production can make the process unfeasible and thus alternative substrates should be investigated to solve these problems. This research aimed to produce lipase by Yarrowia lipolytica IMUFRJ50682 in solid-state fermentation using by-products of the food processing industry (andiroba oil cake and soybean meal) and verify the potential application in the initial hydrolysis of fish oil to further produce polyunsaturated fatty acids in a suitable process. A screening was carried out for the analysis of andiroba oil cake and soybean meal combinations in different proportions (0:100 to 100:0, respectively) at 48 h of the fermentation process. Afterward, the solid matrix composed by soybean meal and andiroba oil cake was supplemented with soy oil and Tween 80 to improve the lipase activity. The enzymatic extract was characterized in relation to the protein profile by electrophoresis. Finally, the enzymatic extract and the solid biocatalyst produced were applied to evaluate the potential hydrolysis of the fish oil in an initial study. Maximum lipolytic activity (63.7 U·g⁻¹) was achieved using andiroba oil cake and soybean meal (50:50) after 24 h of fermentation. Soybean oil 1.5% and Tween 80 (0.001%) in an emulsion provided an increase of 1.5-fold (82.52 U·g⁻¹) in the enzyme activity. The electrophoretic analysis demonstrated a band between 37 and 40 kDa that may be related to lipase and a band of 75 kDa referring to the α subunit of the β-conglycinin present in soybean meal. After 48 h, the solid biocatalyst showed a higher degree of hydrolysis (DH) (71.0%) than the enzymatic extract (61.5%). The solid biocatalyst was stable during storage at room temperature for 7 months. The production of lipases using Amazon fruit by-product and soybean meal in solid-state fermentation is viable as well as the application of the extract and solid biocatalyst in the initial application for the hydrolysis of fish oil to further produce polyunsaturated fatty acids in an industrially suited process. Full article

The seed oil of Carapa guianensis Aublet (Andiroba) has been used in folk medicine for its insect-repelling, anti-inflammatory, and anti-malarial activities. This study aimed to examine the triglyceride (TG) reducing effects of C. guianensis-derived limonoids or other commercially available limonoids in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and evaluate the expression of lipid metabolism or autophagy-related proteins by treatment with 7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin (DAOG; 1), a principal limonoid of C. guianensis. The gedunin-type limonoids, such as DAOG (% of control at 20 μM: 70.9 ± 0.9%), gedunin (2, 74.0 ± 1.1%), epoxyazadiradione (4, 73.4 ± 2.0%), 17β-hydroxyazadiradione (5, 79.9 ± 0.6%), 7-deacetoxy-7α-hydroxygedunin (6, 61.0 ± 1.2%), andirolide H (7, 87.4 ± 2.2%), and 6α-hydroxygedunin (8, 84.5 ± 1.1%), were observed to reduce the TG content at lower concentrations than berberine chloride (BBR, a positive control, 84.1 ± 0.3% at 30 μM) in HepG2 cells pretreated with high glucose and oleic acid. Andirobin-, obacunol-, nimbin-, and salannin-type limonoids showed no effect on the intracellular TG content in HepG2 cells. The TG-reducing effect of DAOG was attenuated by the concomitant use of compound C (dorsomorphin), an AMPK inhibitor. Further investigation on the detailed mechanism of action of DAOG at non-cytotoxic concentrations revealed that the expressions of autophagy-related proteins, LC3 and p62, were upregulated by treatment with DAOG. These findings suggested that gedunin-type limonoids from Andiroba could ameliorate fatty liver, and that the action of DAOG in particular is mediated by autophagy. Full article

The low availability of phosphorus and water in soil can promote the remobilization of carbohydrates in the plant, releasing energy to mitigate stress. In this context, our objective was to analyze the production and allocation of carbohydrates in plants of Carapa guianensis Aubl. submitted to different doses of phosphate fertilization, during the rainy and dry seasons, in the western region of Pará. We used three phosphorus dosages (0, 50, 250 kg ha⁻¹) as treatments. We evaluated the plants during the dry and wet seasons. We quantified dry matter production, phosphorus content, total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, sucrose, and starch. Phosphate fertilization and different evaluation periods influenced carbohydrate concentrations (p < 0.05) in plants. The highest levels of P in the leaves were registered in October and, in the roots the content decreased with the passage of time in all treatments. The control had higher dry matter production in leaves and stems. During the dry season, there was an accumulation of carbohydrates in plants and a low production of dry matter. Soluble sugars and sucrose tended to be allocated to the stem, reducing sugars to the leaves and starch to the roots, in most periods. In general, C. guianensis seedlings were not very responsive to phosphorus addition. Full article

The Amazon rainforest is considered a megadiverse biome, where several species of its rich flora are still unknown. The anatomy of their leaves usually identifies species. In this paper, we present a complete characterization of the leaf surface of Amazon Carapa guianensis Aubl. (Andiroba), using microscopy and fractal theory to be considered a possible tool for investigating different leaves spatial patterns, especially in species with similar leaf architecture. The SEM results revealed the cellular structures and other non-cellular structures that make up the leaf architecture, both for the abaxial and adaxial sides. The cells responsible for the plant photosynthesis process were observed in the internal structure of the leaf. The wettability analysis showed that the abaxial side is more hydrophobic, while the adaxial side is more hydrophilic. AFM images exposed the relevant details of the microstructure of the leaf abaxial side, such as stomata, pores, furrows, contour, particles, and rough profiles generated by topographic irregularities. The statistical parameters revealed that the scale size influences the topographic roughness, surface asymmetry, and shape of the height distribution, also observed by advanced parameters obtained according to the standard of the international organization for standardization (ISO). The fractal and advanced fractal parameters confirmed changes in spatial patterns as a function of scale size. The largest area exhibited greater spatial complexity, low dominant spatial frequencies, more excellent surface percolation, intermediate topographic homogeneity, and high uniformity of spatial patterns. Full article

This work augments research on masting for the economically important tropical tree Carapa guianensis Aublet, specifically on whether determinants of mast years vary regionally, spatially, and due to longer term ENSO climate patterns. Longer term measurements (an 11-year period in Acre and Roraima; 4 years and 8 months in Amapá) from three regions of the Brazilian Amazon allowed for the analysis of whether climate cues were regionally consistent for this species. We used generalized linear mixed models, to determine which factors were significant in predicting whether trees would produce in a given year and to model the seed production quantity. We found a positive effect of increasing the diameter at breast height (dbh) on the quantity and likelihood of seed production. Our results also suggested that ecosystems and climate cues may jointly affect seed production. In flooded forests, increases in dry season rainfall had a negative impact on the likelihood of seed production whilst none of the precipitation variables investigated influenced the quantity of seeds produced. In drier terra firme forests in Acre with extended dry seasons, increases in dry season precipitation had significant and positive impacts on both the likelihood and the quantity of seed production. Our results illustrate the importance of considering plant habitat and climate to better understand individual and regional differences in seed production and their responses to inter-annual climate variation. Full article

Developing a biomimetic material to wound care is an emerging need for the healing process. Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a polymer with the necessary dressing’s requirements often used in medicine. Their surface, physic-chemical and biological properties can be modified by adding bioactive compounds, such as andiroba seed oil (Carapa guianensis). This Amazonian natural plant has medicinal and pharmacological properties. For this purpose, PCL polymeric films incorporated with andiroba oil were investigated. The synthesis of hybrids materials was carried out in the solvent casting method. Thermal properties were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The solvent type on the surface and hydrophilicity of samples was studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally, contact angle measurements, functional groups analysis, fluid absorption capacity, and cell viability were performed. The results demonstrated the influences of andiroba oil under the morphology and thermal properties of the polymeric matrix; the hydrophilicity of the hybrid film obtained by acetic acid was reduced by 13%; the porosity decreased as the concentration of oil increased, but its higher thermal stability. The L929 cell line’s proliferation was observed in all materials, and it presented nontoxic nature. It was demonstrated the ability of PCL hybrid film as a matrix for cell growth. Then, the materials were proved potential candidates for biomedical applications. Full article