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The seed kernel of faveleira plant is a potential source of edible oil and proteins. The plant grows in all the northeastern states of Brazil, mainlly in the sertão (backlands) and caatinga regions. With an objective of its use in food formulations, the functional properties of the protein isolates of the kernel from the faveleira plants with (FCE) or without thorns (FSE) were studied. The kernels presented high lipid (40.56 and 40.21%) and protein (33.0 and 35.77%) content which increased to about 57.55 and 63.0% respectively after the lipid removal. In the preparation of protein isolates, the content of protein extraction was 83.5% for FCE and 80.57% for FSE at pH 10.5 while the protein recovery through isoelectric precipitation at pH 4.5 was 72.84 and 72.11%, respectively. The protein solubility index and the emulsification properties presented pH dependence with minimum values at isoelectric pH and maximum value at the extreme acidic and basic pHs. The protein isolate FSE showed better water and oil absorption capacities than FCE. The emulsion capacity and emulsion stability of both isolates presented appropriate performance in acidic and alkaline pH.

The potential for reusability of whey is of concern due to its substantial nutritional value and, second, in view of the need to reduce environmental impact. The use of goat whey powder in the production of a fermented dairy beverage using a Lactobacillus casei culture as adjunct shows a good prospect of a food product with hypotensive activity. This study investigated the microbial viability, proteolysis and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of a fermented dairy beverage produced with goat whey powder and a probiotic culture of L. casei BGP93 co-cultured with Streptococcus thermophilus TA-40. The probiotic beverage exhibited no significant difference from the control (absence of L. casei) with regard to titratable acidity, S. thermophilus viability and proteolysis degree during 21 days of storage (P > 0.05). During this period, the beverage maintained L. casei at appropriate levels (> 7 log cfu ml), thereby qualifying as a potential probiotic product. Although both control and probiotic beverages exhibited ACE inhibitory activity, as a result of proteolysis of whey proteins during fermentation, significant increased ACE inhibitory activity was found for the beverage with added probiotic L. casei (P < 0.05). The probiotic beverage has potency as a functional food candidate to be included in a dietary strategy aiming at prevention and control of hypertension.

Introduction: Aedes aegypti is responsible for the transmission of the dengue and yellow fever viruses. This study evaluated the effects of extracts from Cnidosculos phyllacanthus, Ricinus communis, and Coutarea hexandra on the developmental periods of A.aegypti larvae and pupae. Crude extracts of C. phyllacanthus and C. hexandra and oil from R. communis and C. phyllacanthus were used. Methods: Bioassays of the larvicidal and pupicidal effects of these products at different concentrations and times of exposure were evaluated. The lethal and sublethal effects were determined using different concentrations in larvicidal tests. Mortality data were evaluated by Probit analysis to determine the LC 50 and LC 90 values. Results: The vegetable oils from C. phyllacanthus and R. communis demonstrated greater effi ciency for larval control with an LC 50 =0.28µl/mL and an LC 90 =1.48µl/ mL and LC 50 =0.029µl/mL and a LC 90 =0.26µl/mL, respectively. In pupal tests toxic effects for all insects were verifi ed after exposure to the products at signifi cant LC 50 and LC 90 values for 24 and 48h. The effects of sublethal concentrations of C. phyllacanthus (oil) were more effective on the insects. Conclusions: The vegetables oils from C. phyllacanthus and R. communis demonstrated greater potential from the control of different developmental periods in the life cycle of this insect.

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