Caracterização físico-química, citotoxicidade e propriedades bioativas do óleo da castanha de sapucaia (Lecythis pisonis)

Abstract

Lecythis pisonis, popularly known as sapucaia, is a plant species widely distributed in Brazil. Its seeds, leaves and stem are traditionally used to treat diabetes, coughs, muscle pain and itching, among other conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, cytotoxicity, and bioactive properties of sapucaia nut oil. The oil was characterized using the proton nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, revealing a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic (53%) and oleic (25%) acids. Additionally, the characterization included Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the evaluation of physical-chemical parameters such as moisture, acidity, peroxide, saponification, iodine and density, all of which confirmed the presence of unsaturated fatty acid chains and attested to the quality of the oil. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA) indicated high thermal stability, with decomposition starting at 288 °C. No cytotoxic activity was found in CHO-K1 (Chinese hamster ovary) and HepG2 (human hepatocarcinoma) cells. The oil had a total phenolic concentration (TPC) of 291.77 µg EAG.g-1 and showed antioxidant activity against ABTS radicals (2,2'- azinobis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) of 4.28 µmol TE.g-1 and DPPH (2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) of 14.84 mMol TE.g-1. The total antioxidant capacity (CAT) of the methanolic fraction of the oil was 20.51 mg AA.g-1. Sapucaia nut oil also demonstrated in vitro inhibitory capacity against the enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion - α-amylase (94.01%), α-glucosidase (98.03%) and amyloglucosidase (84.88%) – and exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 10 mg/mL. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the physicochemical characteristics, biological activities, and potential applications of sapucaia oil, aiming to disseminate knowledge and encourage interest in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Futhermore, the study seeks to enhance the value of the production chain, boost the local economy, and promote the preservation of the species, thereby generating income opportunities for the producing regions.