Tucuma fruit extracts (Astrocaryum aculeatum Meyer) decrease cytotoxic effects of hydrogen peroxide on human lymphocytes

This study quantifies the bioactive molecules in and determines the in vitro protective effect of ethanolic extracts isolated from the peel and pulp of tucuma (Astrocaiyum aculeatum, Mart.), an Amazonian fruit rich in carotenoids. The cytoprotective effect of tucuma was evaluated in lymphocyte cultures exposed to H2O2 using spectrophotometric, fluorimetric, and immunoassay assays. The results confirmed that tucuma pulp extract is rich in beta-carotene and quercetin, as previously described in the literature. However, high levels of these compounds were also found in tucuma peel extract. The extracts also contained significant amounts rutin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid. Despite quantitative differences in the concentration of these bioactive molecules, both extracts increased the viability of cells exposed to H2O2 in concentrations ranging from 300 to 900 mu g/mL. Caspases 1, 3, and 8 decreased significantly in cells concomitantly exposed to H202 and these extracts, indicating that tucuma cryoprotection involves apoptosis modulation. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.