Brazil nuts (BN) (Bertholletia excels, Bonpl.), are of great importance because of their nutritional properties and economic value. They can be consumed in natura or as flour (BNF). In this study, we evaluated the effects of BNF and BN intakes (Both 5% and 15%) on metabolic parameters of rats for 15 days. Serum Selenium (Se) levels were higher in BN‐15% and BNF‐15% groups. Lipid content was reduced in retroperitoneal and epididymal adipose tissues in all groups and in the BN‐5% group in the liver. However, liver lipids increased in the BNF‐15% group. The levels of carbonylated proteins and lipid peroxidation in the liver were not altered. The data reveal that the increase in hepatic lipids in the BNF‐15% group probably occurred due to the high concentration of free fatty acids present in the flour. The Se bioavailability in the diet contributed to the preservation of the liver function in rats. Practical implications The consumption of BN is common in the population. However, changes in eating habits have led to a more frequent consumption of vegetable derivatives, such as drinks and oils. The cake residue generated after processing is still considered of high nutritional value, since it is a source of protein and minerals such as Se. Because of its low cost, the use of pie at the industrial level is becoming increasingly more interesting for the development of new products, and the Brazil nut flour (BNF) is considered a good option. Our study showed that just like BN, BNF can be a source of selenium for the body, although changes in lipid metabolism and physiological parameters can be observed depending on the amount used. We believe that the results of this investigation can be used to guide the development of new technologies and products containing BN.

The Amazon rainforest is an essential source of scientific knowledge, so several research groups seek to understand the role of Amazonian compounds in diseases. Among the vast flora, Himatanthus sucuuba has a variety of therapeutic purposes and is used for the first time in the neuroprotection induced by Paraquat (PQ) in Drosophila melanogaster. In our study, we carried out phytochemical assays with the hydroalcoholic extract of H. sucuuba, revealing qualitatively classes of secondary metabolites and quantitatively total phenols (43.33 mg GAE/g extract-1), total flavonoids (44.09 mg GAE/G Extract- 1) and antioxidant activity via DPPH and ABTS. Furthermore, exposure of adult D. melanogaster (wild strain, Canton Special) to PQ for 15 days caused increased oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated levels of protein carbonyls, lactate, and acetylcholinesterase and citrate synthase activities. However, the diet supplemented with H. sucuuba (0.1 mg/mL) for 15 days prevented damage from oxidative stress triggered by PQ. Our study aims to demonstrate the protective effect of H. sucuuba extract on D. melanogaster exposed to PQ. Based on our results, we suggest that extracts from the bark of H. sucuuba can prevent or minimize human diseases caused by oxidative stress. Therefore, further studies on the mechanisms involved in such activities will be necessary.

In this study, we have demonstrated, for the first time, the muscular protective effects of Piranhea trifoliata bark extract against Paraquat (PQ)‐induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. Exposure of D. melanogaster (Canton Special) to PQ caused oxidative stress, as evidenced by protein carbonyl and elevated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity levels. However, a diet supplemented with the P. trifoliata extracts (0.1 mg/ml) for 10 days ameliorates protein carbonyl levels and enzymatic activities of AChE and citrate synthase to prevent PQ damage. Also, P. trifoliata bark extracts showed in phytochemical assays the presence of phenols, at 46.06 mg EAG/g extract of total phenolic compounds, and a 40% 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl scavenging effect. The study showed the muscular protective function of the P. trifoliata extracts in D. melanogaster exposed to PQ. On the basis of the results, we contemplate that the bark of P. trifoliata might prevent and ameliorate human diseases caused by oxidative stress. The muscular action of the P. trifoliata extract can be attributed to the antioxidant constituents, while the precise mechanism of its action needs further investigation.