Composição química e efeito do óleo da amêndoa de Attalea phalerata Mart. Ex Spreng (Arecaceae) no perfil lipídico e na massa corporal de ratos Wistar hiperlipidêmicos

Abstract

Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng (Arecaceae) is a palm tree that occurs in the central plateau of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Peru. Produces bunches with fruits of fibro-succulent pulp, woody and hard endocarp with 2 to 3 almonds. Almonds have high lipid content and their oil is popularly used for medicinal purposes. No scientific reports were found on the chemical composition of A. phalerata oil and its effect on lipid metabolism and body mass of animals. Objective: The objective of the present work was to identify and quantify the fatty acids present in almond oil of A. phalerata and to investigate its metabolic effects in rats with diet - induced hyperlipidemia. Methods: A. phalerata almond oil (OAAP) was extracted by cold pressing and fatty acid composition analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). The effect of OAAP on serum lipids and body mass was evaluated in hyperlipidemic Wistar rats induced by a high fructose diet (DRF). The animals (n = 32) were divided into 5 groups (n = 8), being: (I) commercial diet + water (control group), (II) high fructose + water diet (DRF group) (DMF), a high fructose + simvastatin diet, 30 mg.kg-1 of MC (DRF + S group) and (V) a high fructose + cypofibrate diet, 2 mg.kg- high fructose + almond oil from A. Phalerata, 1.2 mL.kg-1 MC (DRF + OAAP group). During the experimental period (63 days), food and water intake were evaluated daily, as well as body mass changes through weighing. At the end of the study, the animals were sacrificed and the blood was collected to determine the serum levels of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, creatinine and urea; tissues and organs for determination of the respective masses. In addition, the amount of lipids in the liver and feces was determined. Results: The chemical composition of OAAP showed that oleic acid (30.68%) and lauric acid (28.87%) are the major components. Hyperlipidemic rats treated with OAAP (1.2 mL.kg-1 MC) demonstrated a reduction in serum total cholesterol similar to those treated with simvastatin; increase in body temperature by 1 ° C and reduction of body mass gain (28%) and white deposit of mesenteric tissue (25%) compared to hyperlipidemic control rats. There was an increase in the relative liver mass of OAAP-treated rats, however, there was no change in serum levels of hepatic markers of toxicity, AST and ALT. In addition, there was an increase in moisture and lipid content in feces (32%) of OAAP-treated mice compared to controls. Conclusion: Together, these results suggest that OAAP has potential use to be used in the control of hypercholesterolemia and obesity.