Effects of babassu nut oil on ischemia/reperfusion-induced leukocyte adhesion and macromolecular leakage in the microcirculation: Observation in the hamster cheek pouch

Abstract

BackgroundThe babassu palm tree is native to Brazil and is most densely distributed in the Cocais region of the state of Maranhão, in northeastern Brazil. In addition to the industrial use of refined babassu oil, the milk, the unrefined oil and the nuts in natura are used by families from several communities of African descendants as one of the principal sources of food energy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of babassu oil on microvascular permeability and leukocyte-endothelial interactions induced by ischemia/reperfusion using the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation as experimental model.MethodsTwice a day for 14 days, male hamsters received unrefined babassu oil (0.02 ml/dose [BO-2 group], 0.06 ml/dose [BO-6 group], 0.18 ml/dose [BO-18 group]) or mineral oil (0.18 ml/dose [MO group]). Observations were made in the cheek pouch and macromolecular permeability increase induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) or topical application of histamine, as well as leukocyte-endothelial interaction after I/R were evaluated.ResultsThe mean value of I/R-induced microvascular leakage, determined during reperfusion, was significantly lower in the BO-6 and BO-18 groups than in the MO one (P < 0.001). In addition, histamine-induced increase of microvascular permeability was significantly less pronounced in BO groups compared to MO one. No significant differences among groups in terms of leukocyte adhesion, concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1, and interleukin 6 were found.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that unrefined babassu oil reduced microvascular leakage and protected against histamine-induced effects in postcapillary venules and highlights that these almost unexploited nut and its oil might be secure sources of food energy.

Dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk in Afro-descendants: a study of the Quilombola communities in Maranhão, Brazil

“…The results suggested that unrefined babassu oil reduced microvascular leakage and protected against histamine-induced effects in postcapillary venules. 9 Excess weight and dyslipidemia are well-established risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). 10,11 Coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with increased serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) as well as reduced serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) concentrations.…”

Development and in vivo evaluation of the moisturising potential of cosmetic formulations containing Babassu (Orbignya phalerata Martius) oily extract

“…Babassu is the generic name given to the oil palm trees belonging to the Palmae family that are members of the genera Orbignya and Attalea. The Babassu palm is native from Brazil and its oil is the extractive product produced most in Brazil, contributing significantly to the economy of some Brazilian states (5). The importance of Babassu oil for cosmetics is related to its composition.It presents emollient properties and can promote skin hydration without increasing oiliness.…”

“…The importance of Babassu oil for cosmetics is related to its composition.It presents emollient properties and can promote skin hydration without increasing oiliness. Previous studies have shown that Babassu oil contains high quantities of triacylglycerides, such as lauric, myristic and oleic acids (5,6). Approximately 82-88% of the oil is composed by saturated fatty acids and 12-18% is made up of unsaturated acids.…”

“…Its fatty acid composition includes lauric (44-46%), myristic (15-20%), oleic (12-18%), palmitic (6-9%), stearic (6%), caprylic (4.0-6.5%), capric (2.7-7.5%), caproic (0.2%), and arachidic (0.2-0.7%) acids (7,8). Furthermore, it presents small amounts of phospholipids, pigments, sterols and tocopherols (5). Babassu oil could be also used in hair care, since the lauric fatty acids and unsaponifiables replace the lipid content of the hair and also confer elasticity to hair fibers (6,8).…”

“…Babaçu é o nome genérico dado às palmeiras oleaginosas pertencentes à família Palmae que são membros dos gêneros Orbignya e Attalea. A palmeira de Babaçu é nativa do Brasil e seu óleo é o produto extrativista mais produzido no Brasil, contribuindo significativamente para a economia de alguns estados brasileiros (5). A importância do óleo de Babaçu para cosméticos está relacionada à sua composição.…”