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6079098 
Journal Article 
Biological Properties of Sucupira Branca (Pterodon emarginatus) Seeds and Their Potential Usage in Health Treatments 
Barbosa Raposo, NR; Dutra, RC; Ferreira, AS 
2011 
Academic Press 
San Diego 
Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention 
1087-1095 
WOS:000311222400130 
Publisher Summary This chapter outlines the potential usage of sucupira branca seeds for health promotion and disease prevention. Pterodon emarginatus produces large quantities of viable seeds, which can be harvested directly from the fruit of the tree, or collected on the ground after the fall of the fruit. There is a growing interest in plants as new drug sources, and the genus Pterodon is attracting investigation because of its successful use in folk medicine. The Pterodon emarginatus seed preparation commonly used in folk medicine is a good source of a variety of active compounds, which suggests a proven therapeutic action. Pterodon emarginatus essential oil (EO) and the hexanic fraction (HF) from Pterodon emarginatus seeds showed a significant diminution of the number of writhings at 500 mg/kg, and their action was similar to that of indomethacin (5 mg/kg, p.o.), used as anti-inflammatory reference drug. In the formalin test, both EO and the seed methanolic fraction (MF) presented a biphasic licking response; this means that they act on the earlier phase, which seems to be caused predominantly by c-fiber activation due to peripheral stimulation. They also act on the later phase, which seems to be caused by tissue and functional changes in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and is accompanied by inflammatory mediator release. Owing to its antimicrobial and antioxidative properties, Pterodon emarginatus could be used as an additive in the food industry. More studies should be performed to ensure the safety of Pterodon emarginatus in scientific applications. 
Watson, Ronald Ross