Tucumã ( Astrocaryum aculeatum ) prevents memory loss and oxidative imbalance in the brain of rats with hyperlipidemia

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia generates deposition of lipids, inflammation, and oxidative damage in cells and tissues, including those of the brain. Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) fruits contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We evaluated the action of Tucumã extract on memory and brain cortex redox balance in hyperlipidemic rats. For 30 days, Wistar rats received Tucumã extract (250 mg/kg). Then, hyperlipidemia was induced by intraperitoneal administration of Poloxamer-407. Twenty-four hours later, the object recognition index was measured. The animals were euthanized for sample collection 36 hr postinduction.Hyperlipidemic animals showed memory loss and an imbalance between reactive species and intrinsic antioxidants. We found that Tucumã prevented memory loss and protein and lipid oxidative damage and prompted a better antioxidant response in the cerebral cortex of rats with hyperlipidemia. These findings suggest a neuroprotective effect and nutraceutical potential of Tucumã. Practical applicationsIn the present work, we demonstrated that induced hyperlipidemia in rats caused memory loss and redox unbalance, both factors prevented by the administration of Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) extract. Two aims were fulfilled with these results.The first was to show that hyperlipidemia affected brain function through oxidative damage and concerned basic research. The second was to offer a therapy that prevented this harm and could be applied in the clinic. Tucumã has ethnopharmacological importance through the consumption of fruits or the administration of extracts and oils by a population that was shown to enjoy improved health and longevity.Here, we show evidence that Tucumã contributes to the maintenance of brain health by preventing memory loss and oxidative damage, a nutraceutical supplement that may aid the prevention of vascular, inflammatory, and brain diseases.

Emerging Lipids from Arecaceae Palm Fruits in Brazil

“…The hydro-alcoholic extracts obtained from both the pulp and peel of tucumã-do-Amazonas showed antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, and Listeria monocytogenes and antifungal activity against Candida albicans [228]. Ethanolic extracts from the pulp and peel of tucumã-do-Amazonas have shown positive effects on preventing memory loss and oxidative damage in rats with hyperlipidemia [229] and anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant properties in cell cultures [82]. It was also verified that the ethanolic extract has no cytotoxic effect in Wistar rats [230], suggesting its safety for consumption or use as an ingredient in food formulations.…”

“…Extracts with antifungal and antibacterial activity [228] Extracts with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity [82,229] Extracts with no cytotoxic effects in Wistar rats [230] Babassu mesocarp…”

Amazonian palm tree fruits: From nutritional value to diversity of new food products

“…Jantsch et al [ 68 ] evaluated the action of tucumã extract on memory and redox balance of the cerebral cortex of hyperlipidemic rats. The study was conducted over 30 days, during which tucumã extract (250 mg/kg body weight) was administered in Wistar rats, followed by induction of hyperlipidemia via intraperitoneal administration of Poloxamer-407.…”

Effect of processing on the preservation of bioactive compounds in traditional and exotic fruits: a review

“…In a study by Jantsch et al (2021), the effect of tucumã extracts (concentration of 250 mg/kg) on memory loss and brain cortex redox balance was assessed in hyperlipidemia rats. The administration of the extract significantly reduced protein and lipid oxidation, with thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) in the latter reaching the level in the control animals (no hyperlipidemia).…”