Caryocar brasiliense Camb. Fruit Improves Health and Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

The Caryocar brasiliense Camb. is a native Brazilian Cerrado species, considered the symbol of this biome. This tree produces a fruit known as pequi, which is much appreciated in Brazilian traditional culinary and is also used in popular medicine. However, there is still limited knowledge about the pharmaceutical potential of the fruit of C. brasiliense. In this study, we evaluated the bioactive compounds present in the lyophilized fruit pulp of C. brasiliense (CBFP) and investigated its antioxidant properties in vitro and in vivo, as well as its effects on models of Alzheimer's disease and longevity. As a main result, we revealed that CBFP presented phenolic and flavonoid constituents, lipophilic compounds, and ascorbic acid. The in vitro antioxidant activity was observed through free radical scavenging and DNA protection against oxidative damage. In the in vivo life quality assay, no signs of CBFP-induced toxicity were observed, and nematode viability and reproductive capacity remained unaltered. Furthermore, CBFP treatment delayed paralysis in the Alzheimer's disease mutant strain and improved locomotor capacity during aging in the wild-type strain. CBFP increased the lifespan of C. elegans and enhanced resistance to oxidative and heat stresses. Together, our findings demonstrate that CBFP exhibited beneficial effects on healthspan, attributed to its antioxidant properties and the regulation of oxidative stress.