Study on the Cytotoxic, Genotoxic and Clastogenic Potential of Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng. Oil Pulp In Vitro and In Vivo Experimental Models

Abstract

Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng. (Arecaceae), popularly known as “bacuri”, is used in Brazilian folk medicine. Its oil is used orally to relieve pulmonary congestion and joint pain. In topical applications, it is applied as an effective hair tonic and anti-dandruff. The in natura pulp and its nuts are used as food because of its nutritional value. Despite its use in folk medicine, there is a lack of data regarding its in vivo/in vitro cytotoxic/genotoxic and clastogenic effects. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the cytotoxic, genotoxic and clastogenic effects of Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng. oil (APMO) in vitro and in vivo. For the analysis of cytotoxic potential, the Artemia salina and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethizzol-zyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays were performed. Possible cytotoxic, genotoxic and clastogenic effects of APMO intake were determined by performing the comet and micronucleus assays. Male and female Wistar rats were orally treated with doses of 125, 250, 500 or 1000 mg.kg-1 of the APMO daily for 28 consecutive days (four weeks). The results showed that the APMO did not induce cell death in the experiments of Artemia salina and MTT, indicating that it has no cytotoxicity. The APMO did not cause significant damage to the DNA of the rats in the four doses used when compared to the negative control group (saline + Tween® 80). The APMO did not present any significant increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) for the four tested doses. When compared to the positive control group, all groups (comet and micronucleus tests) were statistically different. These data suggest that the administration of Attalea phalerata Mart oil. ex Spreng does not cause cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and clastogenicity in experimental models in vitro and in vivo following oral administration in this study.

Anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and cytoprotective potential of the Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng. pulp oil

“…A previous study with APOP in the same experimental model [ 3 ] did not present cytotoxicity in doses higher than that used in this study; However, the cells used were T84 (colon carcinoma). Thus, the difference between the results obtained can be attributed to the particularity of the cells in each study.…”

“…The pulp of "bacurizeiro" fruits are important foods for animals such as agouti, wild boars, macaws, parakeets, besides serving as raw material for starch development [ 1 , 2 ]. The high nutritional value of the fruit presents a promising nutraceutical food due to the presence of beneficial minerals, high amount of lipids, most of which are short chain saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids in addition to the presence of provitamin A carotenoids [ 1 , 3 , 4 ].…”

“…Additionally, it is applied as hair tonic against hair loss and treatment of dandruff [ 2 ]. The fruit has a high content of carotenoids in its composition, predominantly β-carotene, β-zeacarotene and α-carotene and also high levels of fatty acids, mainly monounsaturated [ 3 , 4 , 6 ].…”

The Chemical Composition and Metabolic Effects of Attalea phalerata Nut Oil in Hyperlipidemic Rats Induced by a High-Fructose Diet

“…Previous studies have shown that oral administration at doses ranging from 125 to 2000 mg·kg −1 of the pulp oil of A. phalerata rats did not show any signs of toxicity and that the oil was considered safe in the doses evaluated [ 32 , 33 ]. According to our results, the intake of APNO (30.68% oleic acid, MUFA) can be considered safe for hepatic health, since studies have shown that MUFA-rich olive oil is considered a source lipid function that best preserves the liver during the aging process [ 34 ] and recovers the liver with hepatic steatosis [ 35 ].…”

The Hyphessobrycon eques (Steindachner, 1882) coloration influenced by the addition of Attalea Phalerata Mart. ex spreng crude oil

“…Also, in accord to Lima et al (2018) are attributed to the Bacuri oil an antiinflammatory property that promote health, the fruit it's therefore a promising functional food, like the oil that have fitoterapic properties with no toxicity at the tested (Lima et al, 2016;Lima et al, 2017). They also have carotenoids; they are natural dyes that are present in natural products in general being considered bioactive compounds capable of promoting health like being against oxidative stress and preventing chronic disorders.…”