This study was performed to evaluate the physiological quality of Crambe abyssinica Hochst fruits subjected to drying under different treatments with air. The crambe fruits, with moisture content of 21.0 ± 1.3 (% w.b.), were manually collected and dried until their moisture content reached 7.0 ± 1.4 (% w.b.). The crambe fruits were dried with natural air (23°C mean temperature and 60.6% average relative humidity) and seven days after harvest in an experimental dryer with forced ventilation at temperatures of 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70°C and relative humidities of 37.4, 22.3, 14.0, 8.3 and 5.1%, respectively. The evaluation was the percent germination, the germination speed index (GSI), the amount of water absorption and the electrical conductivity. The results of the study showed that increases in the drying temperature decreased the drying time and negatively affected the quality of the fruits. The study’s findings for the GSI and for the percent germination showed that the drying temperature of 30°C yielded superior results. The moisture content of the crambe fruits after absorption was higher at the drying temperatures of 23, 40 and 70ºC. In contrast, the electrical conductivity measurement was unaffected by drying at high temperatures.

Bocaiuva cultivation, mainly in Mato Grosso do Sul, has a strong socio-economic and environmental appeal. Bocaiuva pulp is rich in nutrients and has antioxidant action, and its use in the formulation of jellies minimizes post-harvest losses and provides market with a product with high nutritional value throughout the year. The aim of this work was to elaborate and chemically and sensorially evaluate jellies produced with bocaiuva pulp (Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd ex Mart) of two morphotypes, orange and yellowish pulp, characterizing fresh pulps and jellies regarding physical and chemical parameters. Diluted pulp and sugar (1: 1), pectin and citric acid were used in jelly processing. Fresh pulp and jelly made with yellowish pulp showed higher contents of total phenols and antioxidant capacity. Jellies did not differ in nutritional constituents, except for fixed mineral residue, in which the yellowish pulp had higher value. Jelly with orange pulp had acceptability index over 80% in the analyzed attributes (global aspect, flavor and consistency) and in the purchase intention, statistically superior to jelly made with yellowish pulp. Different native fruit morphotypes can give rise to differentiated and valued processed products.

Grape seeds are rich in bioactive substances, including polyphenols, terpenoids, and phytosterols. Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) boasts a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), lignans, phytoestrogens, and soluble fibers, all contributing to its therapeutic potential. In this study, we pioneered the formulation of an oil blend (GL) combining grape seed oil (G) and golden linseed oil (GL) in equal volumes (1:1 (v/v)) and we evaluated in terms of the nutritional, physical, and chemical properties and their influence in an in vivo experimental model. We analyzed the oils by performing physical–chemical analyses, examining the oxidative stability using Rancimat; conducting thermal analyses via thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), performing optical UV–vis absorption analyses; examining the fluorescence emission–excitation matrix, total carotenoids, and color, and conducting metabolic assessments in an in vivo experimental trial. The fatty acid profile presented a higher fraction of linoleic acid (C18:2) in G and GL and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3) in L. The acidity and peroxide indices were within the recommended ranges. The TG/DTG, DSC, and Rancimat analyses revealed similar behaviors, and the optical analyses revealed color variations caused by carotenoid contents in L and GL. In the in vivo trial, G (G2: 2000 mg/kg/day) promoted lower total consumption, and the blend (GL: 2000 mg/kg/day) group exhibited less weight gain per gram of consumed food. The group with G supplementation (G2: 2000 mg/kg/day) and GL had the highest levels of HDL-c. The group with L supplementation (L2: 2000 mg/kg/day) had the lowest total cholesterol level. The L2, G1 (1000 mg/kg/day), and G2 groups exhibited the lowest MCP-1 and TNF-α values. Additionally, the lowest adipocyte areas occurred in G and GL. Our results suggest that this combination is of high quality for consumption and can influence lipid profiles, markers of inflammation, and antioxidant status.

Obtenção e modelagem das isotermas de dessorção e do calor isostérico para sementes de arroz em casca

O aproveitamento de frutos no desenvolvimento de produtos visa inserir no mercado alimentos com um maior aporte de nutrientes, estimulando assim, hábitos de vida mais saudáveis. Os frutos do Cerrado possuem um grande potencial econômico e nutricional, entretanto se faz necessária a busca por alternativas para um maior aproveitamento e conservação desses frutos. Diante do exposto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar quimicamente geleia de bocaiuva (Acrocomia aculeata) acrescida de maracujá (Passiflora edulis), por meio dos parâmetros: sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, pH, Aw, sólidos totais, fenóis totais, atividade antioxidante, taninos, carotenoides e ácido ascórbico. A polpa de bocaiuva utilizada na elaboração da geleia também foi caracterizada devido aos diferentes morfotipos encontrados no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. A geleia de bocaiuva com maracujá apresenta 106,01 mg g-1 de fenóis totais, 466,55 de g g-1 de DPPH, 4,94mg 100g-1 de taninos, 11,44 mg 100g-1 de carotenoides. A polpa de bocaiuva apresenta 240,8 mg g-1 de fenóis totais, 261,14 de g g-1 de DPPH, 10,66 mg 100g-1 de taninos e 58,29 mg 100g-1 de carotenoides. A geleia de bocaiuva com maracujá reteve os compostos considerados bioativos em sua composição, provenientes das polpas de bocaiuva e de maracujá.

Halophytes are plants adapted to saline soils found in a diversity of environments with varied climatic conditions and high salinity, developing different strategies to complete their life cycle. Their ecological, morphological, physiological and biochemical adaptations allow resistance to the abiotic stresses suffered and the formation of bioactive compounds that give these plants anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant potential properties. Therefore, this study aimed to compile its different biological activities, its nutritional compounds, potential applications for pharmaceutical and food industries, its biotechnological use. Halophytes have vast potential for pharmaceutical industries, as well as being a sustainable alternative in production of animal feed and a viable possibility for replacing the use of table salt and its various applications in human nutrition. It is necessary to invest in new and diversified research highlighted in this study.