Guarana is native to the Amazonian region of Brazil and, widely used in liquid preparations due to its stimulating effect, along with other therapeutic properties. Its chemical components, methylxanthines and condensed tannins, exhibiting a marked biological activity, may be found in commercially available powdered guarana brands at varying levels, possibly due to their provenance and drying processes. However, the chemical standardization of its extract maintains the same quantified content of active substances on each and every lot of extract produced, thus asssuring their quality and therapeutic efficacy. Consumption of guarana by the population should be controlled, since there is controversy as to its dosage and association with allopathic drugs, the interactions of which may result in increasing the therapeutic effect, reducing efficacy or even bringing about adverse reactions. However, the use of guarana in adequate concentrations may contribute to achieve therapeutic properties with less toxicity on account of it being some natural antioxidants source and considered one of the most important new substances directly used as effective medicinal agents.

The biodiversity of the Amazon region includes many oleaginous fruits, among them the Castanha-de-cutia, whose great potential is its almonds, which have about 16.6% protein and 73% oil. What is also remarkable is the exceptional amount of bioactive compounds in their chemical composition. This bibliographic review has the objective of arousing interest in the consumption of the Castanha-de-cutia almonds in order to improve quality of life. A systematic search was carried out for studies published between 1947 and 2016 that examined the physical-chemical characteristics, nutritional composition, bioactive functions and industrial potential of the almond from the Castanha-de-cutia. These studies included the use of this Amazonian fruit in the diet of traditional populations in the Amazon region. The presence of essential fatty acids, tocopherols, carotenoids and phenolic compounds strengthens the endogenous system, reducing oxidative stress and the risk of pathologies. The high content of monounsaturated fatty acids was also verified. This demonstrated exceptional nutritional value for the Castanha-de-cutia oil of Amazonian origin. The identification of the bioactive compounds of the Castanha-de-cutia almond is of fundamental importance as an alternative source of such compounds, since these desirable characteristics can be used in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases, as well as having great socioeconomic potential in the paint, food and pharmaceutical industries.

To ascertain the hypolipidemic effect of the bioactive compounds found in Amazonian fruits by feeding dyslipidemia-induced rats, on a formulation prepared with these bioactive compounds.

Guazuma ulmifolia is an arboreal species found in Central and South American countries, its parts are often used in the medical field, both bark, stem, leaves, and fruits.