Caracterização e funcionalidades de recursos genéticos de butiá (Arecaceae)

Abstract

The Butia genus (Arecaceae) comprises 24 species of palms native in Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. Butia palms can form populations known as “butiazais”. Despiste their potential, Butia face threats of extinction. Characterizing these resources and their usages can contribute to their conservation. To characterize the nutritional and nutraceutical profile of the fruits of Butia odorata, Butia catarinensis and Butia eriospatha from populations in southern Brazil, and to study the socio-cultural dimensions associated with the use of B. eriospatha, research activities were conducted in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. Physicochemical, morphometric, chemical-centesimal, bioactive and colorimetric characterizations were conducted out on Butia fruits from populations of B. catarinensis from Imbituba/SC, Laguna/SC, Torres/RS, B. eriospatha from Rio das Antas/SC and Ponte Alta do Norte/SC, and B. odorata from Encruzilhada do Sul/RS. The genotypes of B. odorata showed higher pulp yield, fruit diameter and height. The genotypes of B. catarinensis had the highest pH, chroma, dry matter, crude fiber and lipid values. Meanwhile, Butia eriospatha stood out for its higher content of total phenolic compounds.The antioxidant and anti hyperglycemic potential and the phenolic profile of the fruit extracts were studied during in vitro digestion process. Differences in the phenolic profile of the samples and in the stability of the compounds were observed during the digestion. Antioxidant and anti hyperglycemic activities were detected in all samples. The fruits from Encruzilhada do Sul, Torres and Imbituba exhibited the highest capacity to eliminate nitric oxide radicals, and those from Laguna had the greatest neutralization of hydroxyl radicals. The Rio das Antas sample stood out with the highest concentrations of 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) alcohol, a compound that was reported for the first time in the genus. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to investigate the use of B. eriospatha in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. Thirty-six individuals aged between 28 and 85 years from seven municipalities were interviewed. Forty-one forms of use were reported, with the main ones being consumption of the fresh fruit (n=36), fresh almonds (n=26), liqueur (n=16) and infused in cachaça (n=15). The leaf was the most versatile part of the plant, with 16 different uses. The butiá-da-serra was identified as a symbol with emotional significance, contributing to the sense of belonging and social identity of the region. Butia odorata, B. catarinensis, and B. eriospatha exhibit antioxidant and anti hyperglycemic activity. There is variability in fruit characteristics among different species and populations. B. eriospatha is a versatile resource with over 40 uses, including food, drink production, utilities, celebrations, medicinal, landscaping, and craft purposes, which encompass eight parts of the plant.