The use of clean technologies in the development of bioactive plant extracts has been encouraged, but it is necessary to verify the cytotoxicity and cytoprotection for food and pharmaceutical applications. Therefore, the objective of this work was to obtain the experimental data of the supercritical sequential extraction of murici pulp, to determine the main bioactive compounds obtained and to evaluate the possible cytotoxicity and cytoprotection of the extracts in models of HepG2 cells treated with H₂O₂. The murici pulp was subjected to sequential extraction with supercritical CO₂ and CO₂+ethanol, at 343.15 K, and 22, 32, and 49 MPa. Higher extraction yields were obtained at 49 MPa. The oil presented lutein (224.77 µg/g), oleic, palmitic, and linoleic, as the main fatty acids, and POLi (17.63%), POO (15.84%), PPO (13.63%), and LiOO (10.26%), as the main triglycerides. The ethanolic extract presented lutein (242.16 µg/g), phenolic compounds (20.63 mg GAE/g), and flavonoids (0.65 mg QE/g). The ethanolic extract showed greater antioxidant activity (122.61 and 17.14 µmol TE/g) than oil (43.48 and 6.04 µmol TE/g). Both extracts did not show cytotoxicity and only murici oil showed a cytoprotective effect. Despite this, the results qualify both extracts for food/pharmaceutical applications.

This chapter reviews plant-based fatty acids as well as their methods of production, applications in the industry, and benefits in treatments of cardiovascular and cerebral diseases, besides being a source of food. The fatty acids obtained from vegetable matrices have been acting as alternatives to the use of lipids of animal origin, due to their limitation in relation to the increase in demand. Thus, plants have been investigated in order to act as sources of fatty acids and assist in the supply of such demands. Vegetable oils represent not only an economical alternative but also a beneficial source of human health.

For bioactivity studies, it is necessary to use products with a high degree of purity, which may influence the cytotoxic effects. Supercritical technology presents itself as an alternative to obtain these products. Therefore, the objective of this work was to obtain the bioactive compounds of oil and pulp of açaí fat-free supercritical technology and evaluate the cytotoxicity of products in MRC-5 and VERO cells in vitro. The açaí pulp was subjected to extraction with supercritical CO₂ to obtain the oil and pulp without fat, under conditions of 323.15 K at 35 MPa, 333.15 K at 42 MPa, and 343.15 K at 49 MPa. The largest yields (51.74%), carotenoids (277.09 µg/g), DPPH (2.55 μmol TE/g), ABTS (2.60 μmol TE/g), and FRAP (15.25 μm of SF/g) of oil and ABTS (644.23 μmol TE/g) of pulp without fat were found in the condition 343.15 K at 49 MPa. The highest levels of compounds phenolics (150.20 mg GAE/g), DPPH (414.99 μmol TE/g), and FRAP (746.2 μm SF/g) of the pulp without fat were found in the condition of 323.15 K to 35 MPa. The fat-free pulp presented high levels of anthocyanins without significant variation in cytotoxicity. The developed process was efficient in obtaining oil rich in carotenoids, and the supercritical technology elucidated an efficient way to obtain açaí fat-free pulp.

Of African origin and with an estimated world production of 6.85 million tons, palm kernel oil contributes about 3% of the total world production of oils and fats. With such production, the world waste generation was about 10,026 × 103 tons in 2017, which represents an important environment issue. The present work aimed to review the literature on the main methods of extraction, applications, and future perspectives of Elaeis guineensis Jacq., with emphasis on its seed: palm kernel. Regarding its main applications, biodiesel production was highlighted, since the biomass generated can be used as a substitute for fossil fuels in energy production. Key words: Elaeis guineensis Jacq., palm kernel, extraction of vegetable oils, biodiesel.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, with cardiac arrhythmias being one of the main factors contributing to morbidity. Currently, several established antiarrhythmic medications with proven efficacy are available. However, frequent use of these medications causes adverse effects with medium- and long-term use. This necessitates the development of new medications, preferably of natural origin and with ethnopharmacological relevance. In this sense, Acmella oleracea presents itself as an alternative for the treatment of arrhythmia, considering studies suggesting its cardioprotective effect. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the electrophysiological and antiarrhythmic effects of a supercritical extract of Acmella oleracea (SEAO) in rats. The extract was obtained by supercritical CO₂ extraction at 70 °C and 320 bar, with an extract yield of 9.72 ± 0.26% (db) and a spilanthol yield of 25.91%. The extract was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg in two experimental models: (1) assessment of cardiac electrophysiology and (2) epinephrine-induced arrhythmia. Electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters were measured and compared with controls treated with epinephrine and lidocaine. The SEAO group maintained sinus rhythm and preserved cardiac intervals, with a significant reduction in heart rate and R-R interval compared to the epinephrine group. These findings demonstrate that SEAO exerts dose-dependent antiarrhythmic effects comparable to those of lidocaine. The results corroborate the potential use of SEAO as a natural alternative for arrhythmia management, encouraging further pharmacological and clinical studies.

The present work research involves a systematic review of the chemical profile and biological activities of vegetable oil from the Astrocaryum species identified in Brazilian amazon rainforest. Astrocaryum consists of a important group of botanical species that have economic value in the national and international fruit market. Furthermore, the species has application in several areas such as pharmacology, biotechnology, and medicine. In folk medicine, species such as Astrocaryum aculeatum M. and Astrocaryum vulgare M. are used in prevention of diabetes and inflammatory diseases. The species of Astrocaryum are natural source of vegetable oil and are rich in bioactive compounds belonging to the classes of carotenoids, of these compounds β-carotene is the most abundant. The cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of vegetable oils from the Astrocaryum species in Brazilian amazon rainforest have been described in previous research.