Avaliação do extrato de jabuticaba (Myrciaria trunciflora) frente a obesidade induzida por uma dieta hipercalórica em ratos Wistar

Abstract

Obesity is a metabolic disease that affects a large number of individuals around the world. Its appearance is related to an imbalance between energy consumption and expenditure. The damage caused by the accumulation of lipids in the body results in the development of comorbidities such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. A healthy diet can significantly contribute to the prevention or treatment of this condition, considering that fruits and vegetables provide basic nutrition and bioactive compounds that prevent oxidative damage. Jabuticaba is an emerging fruit in the scientific scenario, it presents in its composition a wide range of beneficial compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, but all its biological activities have not been explored. In this sense, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ethanol extract of jabuticaba at different concentrations in the treatment of obesity induced by a high-calorie diet. Forty male Wistar rats divided into five groups (8 animals each) were used. Control animals received a standard diet for rats, while obese animals were fed a diet with added sugar, lard and egg yolk. After 60 days of induction, obesity was confirmed and the animals received jabuticaba extract at concentrations of 5 and 10% via gavage for 30 days. It can be seen that jabuticaba extract was able to reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition, it significantly decreased the oxidative damage caused to proteins in the liver. It was able to change the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes, indicating an antioxidant modulation, increasing the activity of these enzymes according to the radical that accumulates in the organ. This study demonstrated that jabuticaba extract has antioxidant effects, which may be related to its major component, cyanidin-3-glucoside; and metabolic effects, being able to reduce the accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides, preventing the development of diseases associated with obesity.