The Platonia insignis Mart. as the Promising Brazilian ‘Amazon Gold’: The State-of-the-Art and Prospects

Abstract

Bacuri (Platonia insignis) is a monotype belonging to the Clusiaceae family. Of Amazonian origin, it is highly appreciated for fresh consumption, mainly due to its peculiar sensory characteristics. It is also widely used in the food industry, mainly in pulp (endocarp), used in the manufacture of beverages, jellies, and ice cream. Although the use of pulp is well established in the food sector, recently, research has turned attention to the use of other parts of the fruit and plant, especially in the therapeutics, cosmetics, and fuel sectors. Its bioactive components have been investigated for having important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypotensive, cardioprotective, antiepileptic, antileishmanial, and antifungal activities, among others, mainly attributed to the presence of compounds such as xanthones, terpenes, phenolics, and fatty acids. Thus, this study aimed to gather data on the species Platonia insignis Mart. through an integrative review of the agronomic, nutritional, physical–chemical characteristics and a technological prospection about its applications. The study showed that in the last ten years there has been a significant increase in the number of patents deposited, with the prospect that with the advancement of studies on their properties, results for application in the most diverse areas will prove increasingly viable and promising.

Exotic fruits patents trends: An overview based on technological prospection with a focus on Amazonian

“…Sustainable exploitation of the Amazon rainforest can have positive impacts on both the development of Brazil and the Amazon region, Sustainable exploitation of the Amazon rainforest can have positive impacts on both the development of Brazil and the Amazon region, and this trend has been observed elsewhere in the world [ 39 , 40 ] Through the responsible extraction of its diverse natural resources - ranging from timber and minerals to valuable biodiversity - economic and scientific growth can be significant. In addition, such efforts can trigger technological innovations, especially in areas such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals [ 41 , 42 ].…”

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles from Platonia insignis Seeds, a Brazilian Amazon Fruit: Characterization, In Vitro and In Vivo Toxicological and Antioxidant Activities

“…Among the potential matrices, the bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.) seed butter can be cited [8,9] due to its important physicochemical and pharmacological characteristics that favor the development of SLN and even the best employment of its intrinsic biological potential [10][11][12].…”

“…The genus Platonia is rich in natural substances, such as xanthones, fatty acids and triglycerides. The phytochemical study of the lipid fractions of bacuri seeds and the presence of fatty acids such as palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids were detected, as well as dipertenes and polyprenylated benzophenones, such as garcinielliptone FC (GFC) [9,13,14]. Among the previously reported properties, the antioxidant [15,16], leishmanicidal, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities [17][18][19] stand out, also presenting vasorelaxant activity induced by GFC, the major constituent of the dried seeds [20].…”