Raul Nunes de Carvalho Junior

Supercritical CO2 extraction of ucuúba (Virola surinamensis) seed oil: global yield, kinetic data, fatty acid profile, and antimicrobial activities

Abstract Virola surinamensis is an abundant floodplain tree, popularly known as ucuúba, that grows in the Amazon. In this study, ucuúba seed oil was obtained by supercritical fluid extraction under different operating conditions, as well as Soxhlet extraction. The operating conditions for supercritical extraction were an extraction temperature of 40, 60, or 80u2009°C, a pressure of 350u2009bar, and a CO2 mass flow of 7.9u2009×u200910−5 kg/s. The supercritical extraction curves were fitted to mass transfer models, and the fatty acid profiles of the extracts were determined by gas chromatography. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The highest yield obtained using supercritical CO2 was 64.39% and the lowest was 59.21%. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of steroids, terpenes, coumarins, and phenolic compounds. All ucuúba oil samples showed antioxidant activity. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, ucuúba oil only showed activity against S. aureus.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) and Bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba) as Functional Food

This chapter reviews two oleaginous fruits that are widely consumed by people in the Amazon region: Bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba) and Açaí (Euterpe oleracea). Besides their food and the folk medicinal uses, studies suggest that substances present in both berries have antioxidative effects, antimicrobial, and therapeutic properties such as hypocholesterolemic and neuroprotection effects. These therapeutic effects are related to phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and fatty acids, which can prevent serious problems such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, and depression. The use of supercritical fluid technology is described as a technique to obtain the best extracts of bacaba and açaí, as well as their valuable constituents. Indubitably, this technology is a great tool for human health and all with the advantage of presenting nontoxic solvents such as carbon dioxide or water. Açaí and bacaba fruits represent not only food but also a source of compounds that can work in both prevention and treatment of diseases.