Resumo Este estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos anti-helmínticos e ultraestruturais do látex de Calotropis procera sobre Haemonchus contortus. Látex de C. procera foi centrifugado duas vezes à a 10.000xg e dialisado para obter uma fração rica em proteínas, denominada proteínas do látex (LP). E centrifugado e centrifugado a 3.000 rpm, para obter uma fração rica em metabólitos secundários, denominada LNP (látex não proteico). Espécimes de H. contortus expostos à LNP, LP e PBS no Teste de Motilidade dos Nematoides Adultos (TMNA) foram submetidos a microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e de transmissão (MET), para verificar alterações em sua ultraestrutura. Testes fitoquímicos em LNP indicaram a presença de fenóis, esteroides, alcaloides e cardenolídeos. A presença dos compostos ácido gálico e quercetina em LNP foi caracterizada por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). O conteúdo de proteínas em LP foi de 43,1 ± 1,1 mg/mL e de 7,7 ± 0,3 mg/mL em LNP. No TMNA, LNP e LP inibiram a motilidade de 100% dos nematoides, sendo LNP mais eficaz que LP, e a ivermectina mais eficaz que ambos (p <0,05). Alterações na cutícula de nematoides tratados com LP e LNP foram observadas por MEV e MET. O látex de C. procera apresenta efeito anti-helmíntico sobre H. contortus, causando danos à sua cutícula e outras alterações em sua ultraestrutura.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic and ultrastructural effects of Calotropis procera latex on Haemonchus contortus. C. procera latex was twice centrifuged at 10,000×g and dialyzed to obtain a fraction rich in proteins, named LP (latex protein), and at 3,000 rpm to obtain a fraction rich in secondary metabolites, named LNP (latex non-protein). Specimens of H. contortus exposed to LNP, LP and PBS in the Adult Worm Motility Test (AWMT) were submitted to scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy to verify changes in their ultrastructure. Phytochemical tests in the LNP indicated the presence of phenols, steroids, alkaloids and cardenolides. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) characterized the presence of the compounds gallic acid and quercetin in the LNP. The protein content in the LP was 43.1 ± 1.1 mg/mL and 7.7 ± 0.3 mg/mL in LNP. In AWMT, LNP and LP inhibited the motility of 100% of the nematodes, with LNP being more effective than LP and ivermectin more effective than both (p <0.05). Cuticle changes were observed by SEM and TEM in nematodes treated with LP and LNP. Calotropis procera latex has anthelmintic effects against H. contortus, causing damage to its cuticle and other alterations in its ultrastructure.

This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition, determine the fatty acid profile, and quantify the bioactive compounds present in guava seed powder (Psidium guajava L.). The powder resulted from seeds obtained from guava pulp processing. The agro-industrial seeds from red guava cv. paluma were used, and they were donated by a frozen pulp fruit manufacturer. They contain varying amounts of macronutrients and micronutrients, with a high content of total dietary fiber (63.94 g/100g), protein (11.19 g/100g), iron (13.8 mg/100g), zinc (3.31 mg/100g), and reduced calorie content (182 kcal/100g). Their lipid profile showed a predominance of unsaturated fatty acids (87.06%), especially linoleic acid (n6) and oleic acid (n9). The powder obtained contained significant amounts of bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid (87.44 mg/100g), total carotenoids (1.25 mg/100 g) and insoluble dietary fiber (63.55 g/100g). With regard to their microbiological quality, the samples were found suitable for consumption. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the powder produced has favorable attributes for industrial use, and that use of these seeds would be a viable alternative to prevent various diseases and malnutrition in our country and to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural waste.

Grape pomace (Vitis vinifera L.), Benitaka variety, grown in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil was evaluated in relation to chemical composition, and content of minerals and functional properties. Its microbiological quality and toxic potential, using Artemia salina sp, were also investigated. The results showed that the flour obtained from these residues had below neutral pH (3.82), moisture (3.33g/100g), acidity of (0.64g of citric acid/100g), and ash (4.65 g/100g). The amount of total dietary fiber (46.17g/100g) stood out quantitatively compared to the content of carbohydrate (29.2g/100 g), protein (8.49g/100g), and lipids (8.16g/100g). The total energy was 224Kcal/100g. With regard to the compounds with functional properties, higher values of insoluble fiber 79% (36.4 g/100 g); vitamin C (26.25 mg of acid ascorbic/100g), and anthocyanins (131mg/100g) were found. The minerals iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, and calcium were present in higher concentrations. There were no significant copper values. The results showed that the grape residues are an important source of nutrients and compounds with functional properties suggesting that they can be incorporated as an ingredient in the diet and/or used as a dietary supplement aiming at health benefits. The residues did not show microbiological contamination and were considered nontoxic.