Pereskia aculeata Miller is known in Brazil as ora-pro-nobis (OPN) and has been used commonly in the folklore medicine. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the composition and the effects of OPN flour on the metabolic profile and intestinal motility of Wistar rats. Animals were divided randomly into five groups (n = 10): G1 (control group) and G2 (treated with OPN flour). For the intestinal motility: G3 (control group), G4 (treated with senne), and G5 (treated with OPN flour). After 40 days, G1 and G2 were euthanized and metabolic profiles were analyzed (glycemia, cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein [HDL-c], C reactive protein, AST, ALT, Lee Index, weight, and visceral fat). The flour of OPN was effective in reducing percentage of weight gain, visceral fat, levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, and increased HDL-c. Significance was also found in the distance covered by the activated charcoal from the pylorus to the beginning of the cecum, which was higher in animals treated with OPN. Our results indicate that OPN flour may bring health benefits, as the improvement of the intestinal motility, and it is associated with reduction of visceral fat and lipid profile, as well as the increase of HDL-c levels. With these results, we may suggest that the incorporation of this flour in different industrial products may be a convenient and effective way for the intake of healthier products.

Peach and passion fruit nectars are well accepted by consumers and promise important sources of bioactive compounds. In this study it was analyzed vitamin C; anthocyanins; pH; total soluble solids; titratable acidity; total carbohydrates and Ratio (Ratio of total solids to citric acid) in different brands of peach and passion fruit nectar and results were compared to the Brazilian Legislation. Values of Vitamin C, anthocyanins, pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and total carbohydrates were analyzed. Results showed many variations in acidity, total soluble solids, carbohydrates and Ratio of nectars of the different brands. Peach and passion fruit nectars marketed in Brazil are good alternatives of ingesting vitamin C as all brands have more than 30% of the recommended daily intake, however, most brands possesses values much higher than stated on the labeling. For anthocyanins values, although there are patterns in Brazilian law, it can be seen from the results that there is great variation between the brands and some have very low values, indicating that the incorporation of this parameter on the labeling would be important once more aware and concerned consumers could choose the brand they thought most appropriate for their need. In conclusion it is possible to say the peach and passion fruit nectars marketed in Brazil are good alternatives of ingesting vitamin C as all brands have more than 30% of the recommended daily intake indicating they are considered "rich in vitamin C". Although, in the other hand, brands of both flavors are found in amounts higher than stated on the labeling. Values of soluble solids, acidity in citric acid and total carbohydrates are according Brazilian Legislation. Values of Ratio indicate that the nectars analyzed are adequate according to acceptability parameters.

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