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Introduction: Aluminum Phosphide (AlP) poisoning constituted the most common cause of poisoning death in some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oil-based gastric lavage (GL) compared with standard therapy for the treatment of AlP poisoning. Materials and methods. This systematic review complied with "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) Protocols. A comprehensive search was carried out, identifying randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including anyone presenting within 6 h of exposure to AlP, and the administration of GL with oils, including liquid paraffin or coconut oil. Results: We identified 7 RCTs. The evidence from 4 RCTs indicates that GL with paraffin oil is an effective treatment for acute AlP poisoning, decreasing the mortality rate (RR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.81; participants = 226; I 2 = 10%; low-quality evidence). We estimate the Number Needed to Treat of 4. Likewise, this intervention reduces the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation (RR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.40 to 0.79; I2 = 0%; low-quality evidence). Regarding GL with coconut oil, the evidence from 4 RCTs, indicates a slight reduction in mortality (RR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.98; participants = 112; I2 = 0%; very low-quality evidence). Conclusions: Limited evidence suggests that GL with paraffin oil is effective in reducing the mortality rate. Likewise, limited evidence showed in favor of paraffin oil concerning the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. Very limited evidence suggests that GL with coconut oil could reduce mortality. Both interventions would have a benign safety profile.

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The study was designed to investigate the effect of Coconut Oil on the levels of some liver and hematological parameters in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rabbits. Also the antioxidant capacity of Coconut Oil for various concentrations was assessed on the basis of percent scavenging of (DPPH) free radical. Experimental animals were divided into five groups, eight rabbits in each group. These were: group A (Normal control), group B (Toxic control), group C (Standard control), group D (Treated with Coconut Oil 50 mL/kg body weight after CCl4 intoxication), group E (Treated with Coconut Oil 200 mL/kg body weight after CCl4 intoxication). The effects observed were compared with a standard hepatoprotective drug silymarine (50 mL/kg body weight). The Coconut Oil (200 mL/kg body weight) significantly (P<0.05) reduced the elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) when compared to a toxic control rabbits. The results of extract treated rabbits were similar to silymarine administered rabbits group. Treatment with Coconut Oil root and silymarine caused no significant changes in RBC, Platelets, (Hb), (MCH) concentration and (HCT) values. However, significant (P<0.05) increase was observed in the total WBC count. The present study suggested that Coconut Oil can be used as an herbal alternative (need further exploration i.e to detect its bioactive compound and its efficacy) for hepatoprotective activit.

O estudo foi desenhado para investigar o efeito do óleo de coco nos níveis de alguns parâmetros hepáticos e hematológicos em coelhos intoxicados com tetracloreto de carbono. Também a capacidade antioxidante do óleo de coco para várias concentrações foi avaliada com base na porcentagem de eliminação de radicais livres (DPPH). Os animais experimentais foram divididos em cinco grupos, oito coelhos em cada grupo. Estes foram: grupo A (controle normal), grupo B (controle tóxico), grupo C (controle padrão), grupo D (tratado com óleo de coco 50 mL/kg de peso corporal após intoxicação por CCl4), grupo E (tratado com óleo de coco 200 mL/kg de peso corporal após intoxicação por CCl4). Os efeitos observados foram comparados com um fármaco hepatoprotetor padrão silimarina (50 mL/kg de peso corporal). O óleo de coco (200 mL/kg de peso corporal) reduziu significativamente (P<0,05) os níveis séricos elevados de alanina transaminase (ALT), aspartato transaminase (AST) e fosfatase alcalina (ALP), quando comparado a um coelho controle tóxico. Os resultados dos coelhos tratados com extrato foram semelhantes aos do grupo de coelhos administrados com silimarina. O tratamento com raiz de óleo de coco e silimarina não causou alterações significativas nos valores de RBC, Plaquetas, (Hb), (MCH) e (HCT). No entanto, observou-se aumento significativo (P<0,05) na contagem total de leucócitos. O presente estudo sugeriu que o óleo de coco pode ser usado como uma alternativa fitoterápica (precisa de mais exploração, ou seja, para detectar seu composto bioativo e sua eficácia) para atividade hepatoprotetora.

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Abstract The study was designed to investigate the effect of Coconut Oil on the levels of some liver and hematological parameters in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rabbits. Also the antioxidant capacity of Coconut Oil for various concentrations was assessed on the basis of percent scavenging of (DPPH) free radical. Experimental animals were divided into five groups, eight rabbits in each group. These were: group A (Normal control), group B (Toxic control), group C (Standard control), group D (Treated with Coconut Oil 50 mL/kg body weight after CCl4 intoxication), group E (Treated with Coconut Oil 200 mL/kg body weight after CCl4 intoxication). The effects observed were compared with a standard hepatoprotective drug silymarine (50 mL/kg body weight). The Coconut Oil (200 mL/kg body weight) significantly (P 0.05) reduced the elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) when compared to a toxic control rabbits. The results of extract treated rabbits were similar to silymarine administered rabbits group. Treatment with Coconut Oil root and silymarine caused no significant changes in RBC, Platelets, (Hb), (MCH) concentration and (HCT) values. However, significant (P 0.05) increase was observed in the total WBC count. The present study suggested that Coconut Oil can be used as an herbal alternative (need further exploration i.e to detect its bioactive compound and its efficacy) for hepatoprotective activity.

Resumo O estudo foi desenhado para investigar o efeito do óleo de coco nos níveis de alguns parâmetros hepáticos e hematológicos em coelhos intoxicados com tetracloreto de carbono. Também a capacidade antioxidante do óleo de coco para várias concentrações foi avaliada com base na porcentagem de eliminação de radicais livres (DPPH). Os animais experimentais foram divididos em cinco grupos, oito coelhos em cada grupo. Estes foram: grupo A (controle normal), grupo B (controle tóxico), grupo C (controle padrão), grupo D (tratado com óleo de coco 50 mL/kg de peso corporal após intoxicação por CCl4), grupo E (tratado com óleo de coco 200 mL/kg de peso corporal após intoxicação por CCl4). Os efeitos observados foram comparados com um fármaco hepatoprotetor padrão silimarina (50 mL/kg de peso corporal). O óleo de coco (200 mL/kg de peso corporal) reduziu significativamente (P 0,05) os níveis séricos elevados de alanina transaminase (ALT), aspartato transaminase (AST) e fosfatase alcalina (ALP), quando comparado a um coelho controle tóxico. Os resultados dos coelhos tratados com extrato foram semelhantes aos do grupo de coelhos administrados com silimarina. O tratamento com raiz de óleo de coco e silimarina não causou alterações significativas nos valores de RBC, Plaquetas, (Hb), (MCH) e (HCT). No entanto, observou-se aumento significativo (P 0,05) na contagem total de leucócitos. O presente estudo sugeriu que o óleo de coco pode ser usado como uma alternativa fitoterápica (precisa de mais exploração, ou seja, para detectar seu composto bioativo e sua eficácia) para atividade hepatoprotetora.

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Zinc phosphide is a rodenticide that is used in agricultural, urban and industrial environments in México. After ingestion, it reacts with hydrochloric acid, hydrolyzing into phosphine. It causes cellular hypoxia via mitochondrial toxicity, resulting in multiple organ dysfunction and death. There is no antidote or specific treatment for zinc phosphide toxicity. We present the case of a 45-year-old female who ingested zinc phosphide with suicidal intent. On arrival at the emergency department, she had multisystemic disorders. Supportive care, decontamination and antidotal therapy were initiated. Subsequently, she evolved to clinical improvement with a resolution of the biochemical abnormalities of tissue hypoperfusion. She was discharged on day 7 without complications. In this review, we provide updated therapeutic options and discuss their specific pathophysiological basis.

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Recent data from meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) suggest that dietary intake of coconut oil, rich in saturated fatty acids, does not result in cardiometabolic benefits, nor in improvements in anthropometric, lipid, glycemic, and subclinical inflammation parameters. Nevertheless, its consumption has surged in recent years all over the world, a phenomenon which can possibly be explained by an increasing belief among health professionals that this oil is as healthy as, or perhaps even healthier than, other oils, in addition to social network misinformation spread. The objective of this review is to present nutritional and epidemiological aspects related to coconut oil, its relationship with metabolic and cardiovascular health, as well as possible hypotheses to explain its high rate of consumption, in spite of the most recent data regarding its actual effects.

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Abstract This study evaluated the efficacy of incorporating different concentrations of bioactive glass-ceramic (Biosilicate) into coconut oil on the remineralizing potential and surface roughness of white spot lesions. Fragments (6 x 6 x 2mm) of bovine teeth were sectioned and initial microhardness (KHN) and surface roughness (Ra) readings were obtained. The samples were submitted to cariogenic challenge to form white spot lesions and were separated into six groups (n=13): 1) Artificial Saliva (AS); 2) Coconut Oil (CO); 3) CO+2% Biosilicate (CO+2%Bio); 4) CO+5% Biosilicate (CO+5%Bio); 5) 2% Biosilicate Suspension (2% Bio) and 6) 5% Biosilicate Suspension (5% Bio). The treatments for 1 cycle/day were: immersion into the treatments for 5 minutes, rinsing in distilled water, and storage in artificial saliva at 37ºC. After 14 days, KHN and Ra readings were taken. The surface roughness alteration ((Ra) was analyzed (Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn's post-test, p<0.05). CO+2%Bio had higher (p = 0.0013) (Ra followed by CO+5%Bio (p = 0.0244) than AS. The relative KHN and remineralization potential were analyzed (ANOVA, Tukey, p<0.05), and 5% Bio treatment presented a higher relative microhardness than all other groups (p>0.05). The remineralizing potential of all the treatments was similar (p > .05). When Biosilicate was added, the pH of the suspensions increased and the alkaline pH remained during the analysis. Biosilicate suspension is more efficient than the incorporation of particles into coconut oil at white spot lesion treatment. In addition to the benefits that coconut oil and Biosilicate present separately, their association can enhance the remineralizing potential of Biosilicate.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a eficácia da incorporação de diferentes concentrações de vitrocerâmica bioativa (biosilicato) ao óleo de coco no potencial remineralizante e na rugosidade superficial de lesões de manchas brancas. Fragmentos (6 x 6 x 2mm) de dentes bovinos foram seccionados e as leituras iniciais de microdureza (KHN) e rugosidade superficial (Ra) foram obtidas. As amostras foram submetidas ao desafio cariogênico para formação de lesões de manchas brancas e foram separadas em seis grupos (n=13): 1) Saliva Artificial (AS); 2) Óleo de Coco (CO); 3) CO+2% Biosilicato (CO+2%Bio); 4) CO+5% Biosilicato (CO+5%Bio); 5) Suspensão de Biosilicato 2% (2% Bio) e 6) Suspensão de Biosilicato 5% (5% Bio). Os tratamentos de 1 ciclo/dia foram: imersão nos tratamentos por 5 minutos, enxágue em água destilada e armazenamento em saliva artificial a 37ºC. Após 14 dias, foram feitas as leituras de KHN e Ra. A alteração da rugosidade superficial ((Ra) foi analisada (Kruskal-Wallis, pós-teste de Dunn, p<0,05). CO+2%Bio apresentou maior (p = 0,0013) (Ra seguido de CO+5%Bio (p = 0,0244) do que AS. O KHN relativo e o potencial de remineralização foram analisados (ANOVA, Tukey, p<0,05), e o tratamento 5% Bio apresentou uma microdureza relativa maior do que todos os outros grupos (p>0,05). A suspensão de biosilicato é mais eficiente que a incorporação de partículas ao óleo de coco no tratamento de lesões de mancha branca. Além dos benefícios que o óleo de coco e o Biosilicato apresentam separadamente, sua associação pode amplificar o potencial remineralizante do Biosilicato.

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ABSTRACT Recent data from meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) suggest that dietary intake of coconut oil, rich in saturated fatty acids, does not result in cardiometabolic benefits, nor in improvements in anthropometric, lipid, glycemic, and subclinical inflammation parameters. Nevertheless, its consumption has surged in recent years all over the world, a phenomenon which can possibly be explained by an increasing belief among health professionals that this oil is as healthy as, or perhaps even healthier than, other oils, in addition to social network misinformation spread. The objective of this review is to present nutritional and epidemiological aspects related to coconut oil, its relationship with metabolic and cardiovascular health, as well as possible hypotheses to explain its high rate of consumption, in spite of the most recent data regarding its actual effects.

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BACKGROUND: Obesity leads to chronic low-grade inflammation, promoting detrimental effects on bone. The consumption of virgin coconut oil (VCO) is associated with benefits related to meta-inflammation. We evaluated the effect of VCO supplementation on osteopenia promoted by diet-induced obesity in mice. METHODS: Male BALB/c mice were fed a control (C) or highly refined carbohydrate-containing (HC) diet for eight weeks. After that, the HC diet group was supplemented with three doses of VCO for four weeks. RESULTS: The HC diet increased the adiposity and leptin levels associated with augmented systemic inflammatory cells improved with VCO supplementation. The HC diet reduced the trabecular bone in the tibia, lumbar vertebrae, distal and proximal femur, as well as the bone mineral density of the femur and alveolar bone. The VCO supplementation reverted bone osteopenia by increasing the trabecular bone in different sites and improving femur and alveolar bone microarchitecture. Although the reduced number of osteoblasts in the alveolar bone of the HC diet group was not significantly enhanced by VCO supplementation, the reduced Alp expression in the HC diet group was enhanced in the VCO group. These beneficial effects were associated with lowering the Rankl/Opg ratio. CONCLUSION: VCO supplementation might be an effective strategy to attenuate bone osteopenic effects induced by obesity.

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BACKGROUND: Despite having a 92% concentration of saturated fatty acid composition, leading to an apparently unfavorable lipid profile, body weight and glycemic effect, coconut oil is consumed worldwide. Thus, we conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to analyze the effect of coconut oil intake on different cardiometabolic outcomes. METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, and LILACS for RCTs conducted prior to April 2022. We included RCTs that compared effects of coconut oil intake with other substances on anthropometric and metabolic profiles in adults published in all languages, and excluded non-randomized trials and short follow-up studies. Risk of bias was assessed with the RoB 2 tool and certainty of evidence with GRADE. Where possible, we performed meta-analyses using a random-effects model. RESULTS: We included seven studies in the meta-analysis (n = 515; 50% females, follow up from 4 weeks to 2 years). The amount of coconut oil consumed varied and is expressed differently among studies: 12 to 30 ml of coconut oil/day (n = 5), as part of the amount of SFAs or total daily consumed fat (n = 1), a variation of 6 to 54.4 g/day (n = 5), or as part of the total caloric energy intake (15 to 21%) (n = 6). Coconut oil intake did not significantly decrease body weight (MD -0.24 kg, 95% CI -0.83 kg to 0.34 kg), waist circumference (MD -0.64 cm, 95% CI -1.69 cm to 0.41 cm), and % body fat (-0.10%, 95% CI -0.56% to 0.36%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (MD -1.67 mg/dL, 95% CI -6.93 to 3.59 mg/dL), and triglyceride (TG) levels (MD -0.24 mg/dL, 95% CI -5.52 to 5.04 mg/dL). However, coconut oil intake was associated with a small increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (MD 3.28 mg/dL, 95% CI 0.66 to 5.90 mg/dL). Overall risk of bias was high, and certainty of evidence was very-low. Study limitations include the heterogeneity of intervention methods, in addition to small samples and short follow-ups, which undermine the effects of dietary intervention in metabolic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Coconut oil intake revealed no clinically relevant improvement in lipid profile and body composition compared to other oils/fats. Strategies to advise the public on the consumption of other oils, not coconut oil, due to proven cardiometabolic benefits should be implemented. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42018081461.

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite recent scientific evidence indicating absence of cardiometabolic benefit resulting from coconut oil intake, its consumption has increased in recent years, which can be attributed to a promotion of its use on social networks. We evaluated the patterns, reasons and beliefs related to coconut oil consumption and its perceived benefits in an online survey of a population in southern Brazil. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a before-and-after study using an 11-item online questionnaire that evaluated coconut oil consumption. In the same survey, participants who consumed coconut oil received an intervention to increase literacy about the health effects of coconut oil intake. We obtained 3160 valid responses. Among participants who consumed coconut oil (59.1%), 82.5% considered it healthy and 65.4% used it at least once a month. 81.2% coconut oil consumers did not observe any health improvements. After being exposed to the conclusions of a meta-analysis showing that coconut oil does not show superior health benefits when compared to other oils and fats, 73.5% of those who considered coconut oil healthy did not change their opinion. Among individuals who did not consume coconut oil, 47.6% considered it expensive and 11.6% deemed it unhealthy. CONCLUSIONS: Coconut oil consumption is motivated by the responders' own beliefs in its supposed health benefits, despite what scientific research demonstrates. This highlights the difficulty in deconstructing inappropriate concepts of healthy diets that are disseminated in society.

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In our experiment, coconut and palm oil supplementation was added to the diet of broiler chickens to prove the hypothesis that medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) can reduce the occurrence of potential pathogens (Clostridium perfingens, Coliform) in gut microflore and therefore improve bird welfare. Cobb 500 cockerels were divided in five groups. Control birds were fed commercial broiler diet, while birds in the four treatment group diets were supplemented with coconut, palm oil, or a combination of the two, respectively. As a positive control, sunflower oil supplementation was included in the diet of the fifth group. During the 28 days of the study (from 14 to 42 days of life), 5 samplings were scheduled, when excreta samples were taken from the litter to analyse total microbial count and the number of Clostridia, Coliforms, and Salmonella. According to the results of microbiological analysis, coconut oil supplementation led to the continuous decline of Clostridium perfringens numbers until they vanished by the end of the experimental period. A similar but faster decline was found as a result of palm oil and the combined (palm oil+coconut oil) treatment. However, the number of Coliforms and total microbial count changed only slightly by the end of the study. No Salmonella spp. was present in the samples throughout the experiment. Altogether, coconut and palm oil supplementation has a beneficial effect on the microbiological composition of poultry litter.

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In our experiment, coconut and palm oil supplementation was added to the diet of broiler chickens to prove the hypothesis that medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) can reduce the occurrence of potential pathogens (Clostridium perfingens, Coliform) in gut microflore and therefore improve bird welfare. Cobb 500 cockerels were divided in five groups. Control birds were fed commercial broiler diet, while birds in the four treatment group diets were supplemented with coconut, palm oil, or a combination of the two, respectively. As a positive control, sunflower oil supplementation was included in the diet of the fifth group. During the 28 days of the study (from 14 to 42 days of life), 5 samplings were scheduled, when excreta samples were taken from the litter to analyse total microbial count and the number of Clostridia, Coliforms, and Salmonella. According to the results of microbiological analysis, coconut oil supplementation led to the continuous decline of Clostridium perfringens numbers until they vanished by the end of the experimental period. A similar but faster decline was found as a result of palm oil and the combined (palm oil+coconut oil) treatment. However, the number of Coliforms and total microbial count changed only slightly by the end of the study. No Salmonella spp. was present in the samples throughout the experiment. Altogether, coconut and palm oil supplementation has a beneficial effect on the microbiological composition of poultry litter.(AU)

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Cocoa butter (CB) is an ingredient traditionally used in the manufacturing of chocolates, but its availability is decreasing due to its scarcity and high cost. For this reason, other vegetable oils, known as cocoa butter equivalents (CBE), are used to replace CB partially or wholly. In the present work, two Peruvian vegetable oils, coconut oil (CNO) and sacha inchi oil (SIO), are proposed as novel CBEs. Confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) was used for the chemical differentiation and polymorphism of these oils with CB based on their Raman spectra. To analyze their miscibility, two types of blends were prepared: CB with CNO, and CB with SIO. Both were prepared at 5 different concentrations (5%, 15%, 25%, 35%, and 45%). Raman mapping was used to obtain the chemical maps of the blends and analyze their miscibility through distribution maps, histograms and relative standard deviation (RSD). These values were obtained with multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares. The results show that both vegetable oils are miscible with CB at high concentrations: 45% for CNO and 35% for SIO. At low concentrations, their miscibility decreases. This shows that it is possible to consider these vegetable oils as novel CBEs in the manufacturing of chocolates.

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ABSTRACT: The present in vitro study determined the antibacterial effect of Coconut (Cocus nucifera) oil on Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175. Cross-sectional and experimental study. Streptococcus mutans strain ATCC 25175 was seeded on Müeller- Hinton Blood Agar. The effect was determined by inhibition halo and the minimum inhibitory concentration, using procaine penicillin G as a positive control and standard suspension of Streptococcus mutans as a negative control. Twelve replicates per Coconut oil concentration (25 %, 50 % and 75 %) were performed. Coconut oil concentration at 25 % generated an inhibitory mean of 17 mm and 2.23x102 CFU, at 50 % a mean of 21.75 mm and 0.17 x 102 CFU, at 75 % a mean of 22 mm and 0 CFU, procaine penicillin G a mean of 14.25 mm and 0 CFU, the negative control gave a mean of 2.8 x 10 5 CFU. The Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test detected a highly significant statistical difference of the three concentrations of Coconut oil (p < 0.01). The Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni adjustment determined that the 50 % and 75 % concentration had similar inhibitory action and that both the 75 % concentration and procaine penicillin G gave a mean of 0 CFU. All concentrations of Coconut oil showed inhib itory action on Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175. 75 % concentration showed the highest inhibitory mean and was the minimum inhibitory concentration that completely eliminated CFU.

RESUMEN: El presente estudio in vitro determinó el efecto antibacteriano del aceite de coco sobre Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175. Estudio transversal y experimental. La cepa de Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 se sembró en Agar Sangre Müeller-Hinton. El efecto se determinó mediante el halo de inhibición y la concentración inhibitoria, utilizando la penicilina G procaína como control positivo y la suspensión estándar de Streptococcus mutans como control negativo. Se realizaron doce réplicas por cada concentración de aceite de coco (25 %, 50 % y 75 %). La concentración de aceite de coco al 25 % generó una media inhibitoria de 17 mm y 2,23 x 102 UFC, al 50 % una media de 21,75 mm y 0,17 x 102 UFC, al 75 % una media de 22 mm y 0 UFC, la penicilina G procaína una media de 14,25 mm y 0 UFC, el control negativo dio una media de 2,8 x 10 5 UFC. La prueba no paramétrica de Kruskal-Wallis detectó una diferencia estadística altamente significativa de las tres concentraciones de aceite de coco (p < 0,01). La prueba de Mann-Whitney con ajuste de Bonferroni determinó que las concentraciones del 50 % y del 75 % tenían una acción inhibidora similar y que tanto la concentración del 75 % como la penicilina G procaína daban una media de 0 UFC. Todas las concentraciones de aceite de coco mostraron una acción inhibitoria sobre Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175. La concentración del 75 % mostró la media inhibitoria más alta y fue la concentración inhibitoria mínima que eliminó completamente las UFC.

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Emulsion stabilization is a broad and relevant field with applications in oil, polymer and food industries. In recent years, the use of solid particles to stabilize emulsions or Pickering emulsions have been studied for their kinetic and physical properties. Nanomaterials derived from natural sources are an interesting alternative for this application. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) have been widely explored as a Pickering emulsifier with potential food applications, however, in some cases the presence of surfactants is unavoidable, and the literature is devoid of an evaluation of the effect of a non-ionic food-grade surfactant, such as polysorbate 80, in the stabilization of a vegetable oil by CNFs. To better assess the possible interactions between CNFs and this surfactant emulsions containing coconut oil, an emerging and broadly used oil, were processed with and without polysorbate 80 and evaluated in their qualitative stability, morphological and physical properties. Fluorescence microscopy, dynamic light scattering and rheology were used for this assessment. Results indicate in absence of the surfactant, emulsion stability increased at higher CNFs content, creaming was observed at 0.15 and 0.3 wt.% of CNFs, while it was not evidenced when 0.7 wt.% was used. After the addition of surfactant, the droplets are covered by the surfactant, resulting in particles with a smaller diameter, entrapped in the cellulosic structure. Rheology indicates a lower network stiffness after adding polysorbate 80.

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This study was carried out aiming to evaluate the repellent and acaricidal activity of major ingredient compounds from coconut oil including their methyl ester derivatives and catnip oil against nymphs and larvae of Amblyomma sculptum. Repellent candidates, coconut oil free fatty acids (coconut FFA mainly C12, C10 and C8 acid); lauric acid (C12 acid); capric acid (C10 acid); methyl laurate; methyl caprate and 10 % each of C12, C10 and C8 acid (1:1:1) in lavender oil formulation (CFA in lavender formula) and catnip oil (Nepeta cataria), were screened using a Petri dish bioassay to assess repellency. Catnip oil, methyl caprate, methyl laurate, and CFA in lavender formulation repelled ticks strongly (P < 0.05) at almost all times evaluated, with an average of 77.8-100% repellency. Some candidate repellents with consistent strong repellence observed were selected for further evaluation, with coconut CFA in lavender formula showing a repellency lasted up to 7 days, while those of catnip oil and methyl caprate were active for 4 and 3 days, respectively. For the acaricide test, five concentrations (2.5; 5; 10; 15 and 20 mg/mL) were evaluated using the larval packet test. Only CFA in lavender formula and two methyl esters showed acaricidal activity, with methyl laurate presenting the strongest toxicity at 15 mg/mL concentration, which was effective against more than 93 % of the tested larvae. Catnip oil caused no mortality of A. scultptum larvae in all concentrations tested.

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SCOPE: Coconut oil (CO) diets remain controversial due to the possible association with metabolic disorder and obesity. This study investigates the metabolic effects of a low amount of CO supplementation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Swiss male mice are assigned to be supplemented orally during 8 weeks with 300 µL of water for the control group (CV), 100 or 300 µL of CO (CO100 and CO300) and 100 or 300 µL of soybean oil (SO; SO100 and SO300). CO led to anxious behavior, increase in body weight gain, and adiposity. In the hypothalamus, CO and SO increase cytokines expression and pJNK, pNFKB, and TLR4 levels. Nevertheless, the adipose tissue presented increases macrophage infiltration, TNF-α and IL-6 after CO and SO consumption. IL-1B and CCL2 expression, pJNK and pNFKB levels increase only in CO300. In the hepatic tissue, CO increases TNF-α and chemokines expression. Neuronal cell line (mHypoA-2/29) exposed to serum from CO and SO mice shows increased NFKB migration to the nucleus, TNF-α, and NFKBia expression, but are prevented by inhibitor of TLR4 (TAK-242). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that a low-dose CO changes the behavioral pattern, induces inflammatory pathway activation, TLR4 expression in healthy mice, and stimulates the pro-inflammatory response through a TLR4-mediated mechanism.

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Exploring an alternative to improve the clinical management of hypertension, we tested the hypothesis that food supplementation with coconut oil (EVCO), alone or combined with aerobic exercise training, could exert an antihypertensive effect (primary outcome) in patients with stage 1 hypertension. Forty-five hypertensive volunteers of both genders participated in a placebo-controlled clinical trial. The volunteers were submitted to 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, analysis of blood pressure variability (BPV), measurement of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and nutritional assessment. Results indicate that EVCO consumption had no adverse effects. The supplementation did not increase the caloric intake compared with placebo, and the dietary constituents were similar between groups, except for the saturated fats, especially lauric acid. The analysis of blood pressure indicated absence of antihypertensive effect of EVCO alone or combined with physical training. Furthermore, no effects on blood pressure variability and oxidative stress were observed in the supplemented hypertensive patients. Thus, despite the results observed in pre-clinical studies, the current clinical study did not provide evidence to support the use of coconut oil as an adjuvant in the management of hypertension in humans.

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HIGHLIGHTS Production of lipid nanoemulsions (<100 nm) of industrial interest with low energy demand. The antioxidant properties of babassu oil have been improved and the nanoemulsions are not cytotoxic. Babassu oil is a food and medicinal product. The nanoemulsion is strategic for the developed of new antioxidants phytotherapeutics.

Abstract Background: Babassu oil is an extract from a Brazilian native coconut (Orbignya phalerata Martius) and is used both as a food and a medicinal product. Methods: we produced two babassu oil nanoemulsions and evaluated them regarding their nanoscopic stability, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity.The nanoemulsions were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering, and their stability was investigated for 120 days. The antioxidant activity was assessed by Spectroscopy Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, and the cytotoxicity was assessed by a colorimetric method (MTT) with the NIH/3T3 cell lineage. Results: the results showed nanoemulsions with average hydrodynamic diameter lower than 100 nm (p(0.001).and a polydispersity index of less than 0.3 (p(0.001), indicating monodisperse systems and good stability at room temperature. The exposure of nanoemulsions at varying pH revealed that the isoelectric point was at 3.0, and the images obtained by Transmission Electron Microscopy showed spherical droplets with a size 27 nm. The antioxidant activity showed that the babassu nanoemulsions exposed to free radicals had a better response when compared to the oil free samples. The cell viability assays showed low toxicity of the formulation with viability over 92% (p(0.05). Conclusion: babassu oil nanoformulations showed low polydispersity and kinetic stability with effective antioxidant action. Therefore, they can be promising for application in the food industry or as antioxidant phytotherapeutics.

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BACKGROUND: Liquid wax esters are widely used in cosmetic as well as pharmaceutical and other industries. The demand of organic and natural products is increasing nowadays. Coconut oil contains benefit fatty acids and has been mainly used for oil-based and moisturizer products. Liquid wax esters from coconut oil and unsaturated fatty alcohol can be synthesized by enzymatic reaction; and it is interesting for using as an alternative natural ingredient in these industries. RESULTS: Optimal condition for coconut oil based wax ester synthesis by immobilized lipase EQ3 was 10 U of enzyme, temperature at 30°C and molar ratio of coconut oil to oleyl alcohol at 1:3 (mol/mol) (0.33X) dissolved in isooctane for 12 h, while for Lipozyme RM IM optimal condition was 10 U of enzyme, temperature at 45°C and oil/alcohol molar ratio at 1:3 (0.33X) dissolved in isooctane for 3 h. Percentage of wax esters synthesized by both lipases reached more than 88%. Both immobilized lipases catalyzed high yield of wax esters within the 2nd batch; after that, the immobilized lipases showed reduced activity and synthesized b60% of wax esters from the 3rd to 5th batch. The main composition of wax esters was ~48% oleyl laurate with 10% degradation at ~250°C. CONCLUSIONS: The liquid wax ester synthesis by commercial Lipozyme RM IM had higher effect than immobilized lipase EQ3, but both catalysts were stable within 2 batches in the optimum condition. The characteristic properties of wax esters showed potential for use as components in cosmetics and skin care products.

Assuntos