Evaluation of the antihyperlipidemic properties of cupulate

• Grant number: 09/03774-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: September 01, 2009
• End date: August 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Science
• Principal Investigator: Maria Ines Genovese Rodriguez
• Grantee: Thiago Belchior de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

High arterial pressure and cholesterol levels, lack of physical activities and the low or zero ingestion of fruits and vegetables are the main risk factors for the development of chronicle diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. The phenolic compounds, especially the flavonoids found in vegetable foods seem to have a role in the reduction of the oxidative stress and hyperlipidemias. The cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum Willd. Ex Spreng. K. Shum) is a Brazilian native fruit, with good palatability and great agro industrial potential, especially in relation to the confection of products similar to cocoa and chocolate, obtained from the seed. The similarity with cocoa, which cardiovascular health beneficial properties have been widely reported, indicates that the cupulate could have similar effects. However, little is known about the composition and levels of the polyphenolic compounds of this product, and no evaluation of its functional potential was reported. The general goal of this project is to study the possible beneficial effects of the powdered cupulate to reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases, with the parameter of comparison the powdered cocoa. For that, the effects of the chronicle administration of the powdered cupulate and powdered cocoa and their phenolic fractions on the lipid profile and antioxidant status of hyperlipidemic rats and caquetic rats will be evaluated.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

OLIVEIRA, Thiago Belchior de. Evaluation of anti-hyperlipidemic activity of cupulate®. 2011. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Conjunto das Químicas (IQ e FCF) (CQ/DBDCQ) São Paulo.