Acrocomia aculeata(Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart. Leaves Increase SIRT1 Levels and Improve Stress Resistance

Abstract

Oxidative stress is a metabolic disorder linked with several chronic diseases, and this condition can be improved by natural antioxidants. The fruit pulp of the palm Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart. is widely used in the treatment of various illnesses, but as far as we know, there are no reports regarding the properties of its leaves. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of A. aculeata leaf extracts obtained with water (EA-Aa), ethanol (EE-Aa), and methanol (EM-Aa) solvents. The extracts were chemically characterized, and their antioxidant activity was assessed through the scavenging of the free radicals DPPH and ABTS. EE-Aa and EM-Aa showed the highest amounts of phenolic compounds and free radical scavenging activity. However, EA-Aa was more efficient to protect human erythrocytes against AAPH-induced hemolysis and lipid peroxidation. Thus, we further show the antioxidant effect of EA-Aa in preventing AAPH-induced protein oxidation, H2O2-induced DNA fragmentation, and ROS generation in Cos-7 cells. Increased levels of Sirt1, catalase, and activation of ERK and Nrf2 were observed in Cos-7 treated with EA-Aa. We also verify increased survival in nematodes C. elegans, when induced to the oxidative condition by Juglone. Therefore, our results showed a typical chemical composition of plants for all extracts, but the diversity of compounds presented in EA-Aa is involved in the lower toxicity and antioxidant properties provided to the macromolecules tested, proteins, DNA, and lipids. This protective effect also proven in Cos-7 and in C. elegans was probably due to the activation of the Sirt1/Nrf2 pathway. Altogether, the low toxicity and the antioxidant properties of EA-Aa showed in all the experimental models support its further use in the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases.

Acrocomia spp.: neglected crop, ballyhooed multipurpose palm or fit for the bioeconomy? A review

“…A phytochemical study of A. totai leaves revealed a new chemical compound that inhibits cell growth, called "totaiol," potentially allowing for medicinal applications (Souza et al 2019a). Leaf extracts were found to exhibit antioxidant properties with low toxicity (Monteiro-Alfredo et al 2020). Da and Nunes et al (2018) reported that kernel and pulp oils show hypoglycemic effects.…”

Hypoglycaemic and Antioxidant Properties of Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd Ex Mart. Extract Are Associated with Better Vascular Function of Type 2 Diabetic Rats

“…and economic importance (for cooking, biodiesel, and the cosmetic industry) [ 11 ]. Its carotenoid-rich fruit pulp was suggested to have beneficial effects on the treatment of respiratory diseases, as analgesic and laxative [ 12 ] and also in decreasing serum cholesterol and glucose levels [ 13 ]. Recently, our group proved the antioxidant potential of its leaves and the relevant chemical composition, mostly of vanillic, caffeic, ferulic and gallic acid, rutin and quercetin [ 11 ].…”

Improvement of Glycaemia and Endothelial Function by a New Low-Dose Curcuminoid in an Animal Model of Type 2 Diabetes

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