Desenvolvimento e avaliação da atividade anti-inflamatória da nanoemulsão do óleo dos frutos de Acrocomia aculeata

Abstract

Acrocomia aculeata Jacq. is a species of the Arecaceae family, commonly known as bocaiuva or macaúba. It is widespread in South America, particularly in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Acrocomia aculeata oil (AAO) is traditionally used by communities in the Central-West region of Brazil to treat various conditions, including inflammation, excess mucus, and skin lesions. Despite its therapeutic potential, research exploring its composition, properties, and possible applications is still limited. Nanoencapsulation of vegetable oils is an innovative technique that improves the bioavailability and stability of these inputs. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Acrocomia aculeata oil-loaded nanoemulsion (AANE). The chemical characterization of AAO was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Subsequently, a nanoemulsion was formulated using the phase inversion method, employing non-ionic surfactants to ensure the stability of the colloidal system. The composition of the AAO revealed a high content of polyphenols (12.60 mg/100g) and carotenoids (266.00 mg/100g), with a predominance of monounsaturated fatty acids (74%), of which oleic acid represents 71.25%, characteristics that favor its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profile. The developed AANE presented droplets size of 173.6 ± 0.70 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.200, with a zeta potential of −14.10 ± 1.06 mV. These parameters remained constant for 180 days at 25 ± 2 °C on a shelf. The nanoemulsion showed excellent anti-inflammatory activity in a carrageenan-induced inflammation model (paw edema) in mice. The nanoemulsion showed no cytotoxic effects in the cell viability assay, which presented 100% survival at all concentrations tested (1, 10, 100, and 1000 μg/mL). Regarding biological safety, the nanoemulsion did not show hemolytic activity, even at high concentrations (up to 1000 μg/mL), contrasting with the positive control TritonX-100, which induced significant hemolysis, thus suggesting a safe profile for therapeutic application in preclinical models. This study enabled the development and characterization of Acrocomia aculeata oil-loaded nanoemulsion with promising anti-inflammatory effects and absence of toxicity. This product not only expands the applications of bocaiuva oil in the fields of health and biotechnology, but also adds value to a native plant resource from the Central-West region of Brazil, with potential for future applications in the development of phytopharmaceuticals. Palabras clave: Bocaiuva, nanoemulsion, anti-inflammatory, nanotechnology, toxicity.