Baru almonds (Dipteryx alata Vog.) and baru almond paste promote metabolic modulation associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects

Abstract

The metabolic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potential of baru almonds and baru almond paste was investigated in 32 rats fed a high-fat and a normolipidic diet for 35 days. Hyperlipidic diets supplemented with baru almonds or baru almond paste resulted in lower levels of triacylglycerols, glutathione reductase, malondialdehyde, and acetylcholinesterase. Expression of the prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 gene (COX-2) was reduced. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels and catalase activity increased. The diet supplemented with baru almonds caused increased ferric reducing antioxidant power and expression of manganese superoxide dismutase. It also resulted in reduced total cholesterol levels, risk of cardiovascular disease, and malondialdehyde levels. Supplementation with baru almond paste led to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and a lower Castelli II index (ratio of LDL-c to HDL-c). It also led to higher levels of alanine aminotransferase, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and oxygen radical absorbing capacity. In conclusion, a hyperlipidic diet supplemented with baru almonds and baru almond paste promoted metabolic benefits in rats, which may suggest similar beneficial effects in humans.