*2.4.4 Hypercholesterolemic activity*

*Phytochemicals in Human Health*

both diseases.

*2.4.3 Antifungal activity*

evaluation on infection of nectarine and plums. The authors, distinguished that no mycelial development of *M. fructicola* at any wax concentrations in post-contamination tests, however, *R. stolonifer* was totally restrained via by carnauba wax at all concentrations except at 1%. Additionally, *in vitro* evaluation for both *M. fructicola* and *R. stolonifera* no germination occurred of spores at any carnauba wax concentrations. There was 50% inhibition observed in spore germination for *M. fructicola* by utilizing 9% carnauba wax concentration and covered with nectarines 90% for *R. stolonifera*. The carnauba wax concentrations (4.5% and 9%) were applied to the protections with essentially reduced frequencies of both diseases in nectarines and plums. Nevertheless, the utilization of wax control was ineffective after infection by

According to Jo et al. [23] studied quality and microbial safety of Fuji apples coated with CSW/LO (Carnauba-shellac wax nanoemulsion containing lemongrass oil). In this work, carnauba wax incorporated into shellac wax (Carnauba-shellac wax) with essential oils like lemongrass oil coating formulations and their effects on the coating and shelf life of the Fuji apples were evaluated. Total soluble solid content to titratable acid ratio, hardness, weight loss and color, sensory quality and microbial growth of fresh Fuji apples were studied during 5 months of storage at room temperature. According to the authors, results showed that carnauba extracts incorporated to shellac wax-based coatings together with lemongrass oil successfully maintained the firmness and color of coated freshly harvested apples in comparison with uncoated control samples, which presented severe texture softening. During storage conditions, the hardness of the uncoated apples exhibited the lowest conditions by 3.3 N and the weight loss was found by 7.7%. Interestingly, the weight loss was found to be 5.2% and the hardness of the coated apples did not change at any conditions, respectively. The total soluble solids and titratable acidity revealed that not significantly different between coated and uncoated apples.

Hence, the application of CSW-LO coated apples had better sensory scores with the sensory acceptability threshold for any attributes evaluated. In addition, the total aerobic bacteria population on the coated apples were deteriorated (1.4 log CFU/g) compared with uncoated apples after 5 months of storage. Additionally, the population of yeast and molds of the uncoated apples were found 2.2 log CFU/g after 5 months of storage, although yeast and molds were not detected on the coated apples, respectively. The results achieved demonstrate the feasibility of the addition of carnauba wax coating formulations for increasing the nutritional value of fresh

Different kinds of antimicrobial proteins have been purified from plants such as, β-1,3-glucanases, chitinases, ribosome-inactivating proteins, thionins, and defensins. In this case, β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase separated from type B wax of *Copernicia cerifera*, has revealed antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi medium [12]. Based on the results, the yeast *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* showed the patterns of growth for *Fusarium oxysporum* and *S. cerevisiae* in the presence of different fractions obtained from "Carnauba" wax and in control medium. Plant chitinases and β-1,3-glucanases are known as antifungal hydrolases since they inhibit fungal growth in model experiments by using on agar plates and in liquid media. The presence of isolated proteins by using SDS-Tricine-gel electrophoresis, and showed inhibit early growth of all fungi in their fractions in agar plates. Based on these results, defense proteins like chitinase and glucanases which appear to inhibit the early growth of all fungi and cause hyphal morphological alterations for fungi growing in the presence of these proteins (relative molecular masses of 26,000 and

apples without compromising their fresh-like quality attributes.

**78**

Paim et al. [24] first time studied *in vivo* study of the antihypercholesterolemic effect of the aqueous pulp extracts (APE) from the *C. prunifera* (APE 150 and 300 mg/Kg b.w./day) were directed to hyperlipidemic mice for 90 days. It showed that APE was promising results with lipidemic alterations were effective in both models causing significant changes in the values of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-C and triglycerides in serum. Nevertheless, it showed no renal toxicity and liver toxicity parameters (enzyme AST) and renal metabolites (urea and creatinine) to animals. Additionally, APE in high doses showed no renal and liver toxicity to animals. Despite the fact that the histological results bring about liver of mice treated with APE shows that doses (150 and 300 mg/Kg b.w./day) were not ready to alter the inflammatory procedure contrasted with the standard diet (SD) fed mice, all things considered, that better reaction opposing the hypercholesterolemic diet (HD). Besides, it was recognized the reduced intensity of inflammation in higher dose receiving present in the group. According to these results revealed that aqueous fruit pulp extracts of carnauba reduced hypercholesterolemia showing a potential preventive effect against cardiovascular diseases without side effects cause.

Furthermore, in this investigation, Filho et al. [25] revealed that the extract of PCO-C (100 mg/kg) found that productive in decreasing total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels in both dyslipidemia induction models in hypercholesterolemic mice. This effect ascribed to the presence of high dietary and crude fiber content and antioxidant potential of PCO-C. Histological investigations demonstrated that PCO-C has no hepatotoxic impact and diminishes hepatic steatosis in animals that expended hyperlipidemic ration. In this manner, it was inferred that PCO-C separated from *Copernicia prunifera* may be helpful in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. Additionally, the authors highlighted that the results obtained in animals treated with PCO-C were pivotal compound had therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of diseases related with the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids.

#### *2.4.5 Hypoglycemic activity*

Rodrigues et al. [26] studied that oral administration of *Copernicia cerifera* in glibenclamide diabetic mice at doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg bodyweight for 21 days.

According to the authors, the findings of this study indicated that 10% isopropanol in heptane leaf extract of Carnauba powder extract had antidiabetic activity when using therapeutic doses (100 and 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)). However, after treatment with 150 mg/kg b.w dose was found to be effective in significantly controlling blood glucose levels (*p* < 0.05), when compared to the reference drug glibenclamide. The observed hypoglycemic activity could be associated with the phytochemicals present in carnauba wax powder. These finding results suggested that PCO-C leads to diabetes by protecting beta-cells from oxidative damage. Indeed, the presence of the antioxidant effect of PCO-C may improve the pancreatic beta-cells to inhibit glucagon secretion and release more insulin levels. Finally, this study clearly shows that the leaf extract of carnauba wax powder possesses possible hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.

#### *2.4.6 Antiprotozoal activity*

Almeida et al. [22] identified antiprotozoal metabolites from the *Copernicia prunifera* (Miller) showed *in vitro* action against promastigote and amastigote types of *Leishmania infantum*, trypomastigote forms of *Trypanosoma cruzi*. Among the separated dammarane-type triterpenoids, from the hexane and ethanolic extracts 'carnauba' wax (type 1 and 4) indicated antiprotozoal activity against promastigotes of Leishmania *infantum*, which showed the values of IC50 of 46.2 mM in tested extract 1. Besides, considering the positive controls miltefosine and benznidazole, the obtained results recommended that the impact of tested extract 1 against *L. infantum* is less noticeable than that observed against trypomastigotes of *Trypanosoma cruzi*. The intracellular amastigotes of *L. infantum* were sensitive to three types of triterpenoids, with IC50 estimations of 7.8, 37.6 and 51.9 μM, individually. Regardless of triterpenoid 2 and 3 exhibited absence of activity against the extracellular promastigotes, they killed the intracellular structures with selective index (SI) esteems more than 5.3 and 3.8, respectively, proposing a conceivable commitment of macrophages at the end of parasites. Notwithstanding, the tested extract 1 and 2 were less effective than standard drug miltefosine, which showed an IC50 of 16.4 μM. Finally, this study provided useful information about the antiprotozoal activity of 'carnauba' (*C. prunifera*) wax as well as the identification of compounds responsible to this potential.

#### **2.5 Pharmaceutical processing**

Carnauba wax has a wide scope of utilizations and, as a result, is industrially accessible in an assortment of blends. Carnauba wax utilized in fruit and vegetable coating is constantly connected as a microemulsion made with unsaturated fatty acids and an essential counterion [27]. These produce an anionic emulsifier where the carnauba wax is dispersed. In addition, various types of unsaturated fats utilized incorporate oleic, linoleic, palmitic, myristic or lauric acids. The fundamental counterion may be hydroxides of sodium, potassium salts, ammonium, morpholine [28] and triethanolamine [29]. Since carnauba wax is just utilized as a fruit coating in the mix with different substances, the adequacy and consistence of different substances should likewise be considered.

Nart et al. [30] studied carnauba wax demonstrates a pivotal reinforcement to support the sustained release of high soluble medications in relationship with Ethocel™ (EC) and Kollicoat® SR 30D utilizing reservoir and matrix systems, respectively. However, melt granulation of the medication with carnauba wax was connected as an intermediary of the key to sustained release mini-tablets, utilizing captopril (6.25 mg/mini-tablet) and metformin hydrochloride (15.0 mg/minitablet) as profoundly soluble model drugs. In addition, investigating the impacts of carnauba wax as a granulating excipient in the arrangement of mini-scale tablets, unmistakably the excipient diminished the contact of the drug particles with the disintegration medium, decreasing the release rate of the drugs and submitting the disintegration of the smaller than usual tablets. In this manner, it was seen that the melt granulation technique with carnauba wax improved the rheology of the considered drugs. The carnauba wax added to diminish the diffusion rate of the drug to the medium by expanding the hydrophobicity and lessening the disintegration rate of the structure of the measurements, impeding water dispersion a while later. The blend of carnauba wax with the EC at 50% indicated promising profiles for sustained release formulations.

Neto et al. [31] developed methionine microencapsulated with lipid matrix using carnauba wax by the melt emulsification technique. Different compositions of

**81**

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.90252*

microencapsulation.

*2.5.1 Post-harvest storage*

*The Phytochemical Composition of Medicinal Plants: Brazilian Semi-Arid Region (Caatinga)*

carnauba wax: methionine (MEM 2:1 and MEM 4:1) were prepared and compared with pure methionine. In addition, scanning electron micrograph results showed no invade by ruminal microorganisms of both formulations after *in situ* testing. Taking into account that carnauba can apply an impact of protective on amino acids by covering their degradation in the rumen due to its hydrophobic distinguishing. In addition, it is a characteristic result of low degradability because of its concoction structure in unsaturated fats, and it is easy to obtain. Notwithstanding, carnauba wax sustained its thermal degradation temperatures and typical melting after the microencapsulation procedure, this diminishing in thermal stability of methionine is not because of its collaboration with the wax however most likely is because of the forces of intermolecular level (presences of hydrogen bridges) among the methionine particles. Finally, the formulation MEM 4:1 showed that promising results of the lower level of thermal degradation and higher yield and efficiency of

The valuable role of carnauba wax is outstanding for improving shelf life and supporting postharvest quality of a few fruits, for example, mango [32], avocado [33] and mamey sapote organic product [34]. Barmen et al. [35] studied pomegranate (*Punica granatum* L., cv. Mridula) fruits were treated with putrescine, carnauba wax and putrescine + carnauba wax combination prior at 2°C cold storage temperature. Further, carnauba wax is additionally stated to reduce the improvement of chilling injury (CI) manifestations. Respiration rate of stored fruits has been discovered expanded with the progression of the capacity period under every one of the medicines. Up to the fifteenth day of capacity, there was no critical contrast in breath rate in the organic products treated with polyamine like putrescine (PUT), carnauba wax and their mix. The low breath rate in carnauba wax treated organic product ascribed because of diminished gas exchange and thusly low oxygen accessibility to the natural product tissues for breath. The utilization of carnauba wax gave higher maintenance of fruit solidness, most likely because of the less drying out happened and furthermore to a slower degradation of cell divider segments. In this way, in control group and carnauba wax treated pomegranate fruits, the expansion in juice recuperation after 30th day of storage capacity may be ascribed to CI intervened activities of cell degrading enzymes such as pectin methylesterase and polygalacturonase. In addition, the utilization of carnauba wax covering in blend with PUT may have applied synergistic impact which aided in keeping up higher

juice recuperation by diminishing loss of moisture from the fruits.

climacteric rise in 59.3 mg CO2 kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>

(FA) showed a diminished value 168.6 mg CO2 kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>

Germano et al. [36] studied, a galactomannan-carnauba wax-based coating improved the guava fruit in postharvest quality and storability over preservation of firmness in ambiental conditions (25°C). The authors prepared edible coating galactomannan (0.75%) and carnauba wax (0.9%) were treated with guava fruits (Paluma). At day 15, coated and refrigerated (FR) guava fruits were showed a

firmness of 14.3 N attributed to lower lipid peroxidation and cell wall hydrolysis. In addition, no increase values of control refrigerated fruit (CR) and no further evaluation of control-uncoated 'Paluma' guava stored at ambient (CA) for 9 days. Additionally, coating improves increased antioxidant enzymes CAT and SOD activities refrigerated samples presented 35% lower H2O2 levels (*p* < 0.05) while compared to uncoated control samples. However, symptoms of chilling injury (CI) inhibition of softening and respiratory peaks are exhibited in refrigerated uncoated fruits. According to the authors, galactomannan carnauba wax coating was effective

and however, coated guava at ambient

at 15 days of storage and

h<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>

h<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>

#### *DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.90252 The Phytochemical Composition of Medicinal Plants: Brazilian Semi-Arid Region (Caatinga)*

carnauba wax: methionine (MEM 2:1 and MEM 4:1) were prepared and compared with pure methionine. In addition, scanning electron micrograph results showed no invade by ruminal microorganisms of both formulations after *in situ* testing. Taking into account that carnauba can apply an impact of protective on amino acids by covering their degradation in the rumen due to its hydrophobic distinguishing. In addition, it is a characteristic result of low degradability because of its concoction structure in unsaturated fats, and it is easy to obtain. Notwithstanding, carnauba wax sustained its thermal degradation temperatures and typical melting after the microencapsulation procedure, this diminishing in thermal stability of methionine is not because of its collaboration with the wax however most likely is because of the forces of intermolecular level (presences of hydrogen bridges) among the methionine particles. Finally, the formulation MEM 4:1 showed that promising results of the lower level of thermal degradation and higher yield and efficiency of microencapsulation.

#### *2.5.1 Post-harvest storage*

*Phytochemicals in Human Health*

*2.4.6 Antiprotozoal activity*

compounds responsible to this potential.

substances should likewise be considered.

for sustained release formulations.

**2.5 Pharmaceutical processing**

Almeida et al. [22] identified antiprotozoal metabolites from the *Copernicia prunifera* (Miller) showed *in vitro* action against promastigote and amastigote types of *Leishmania infantum*, trypomastigote forms of *Trypanosoma cruzi*. Among the separated dammarane-type triterpenoids, from the hexane and ethanolic extracts 'carnauba' wax (type 1 and 4) indicated antiprotozoal activity against promastigotes of Leishmania *infantum*, which showed the values of IC50 of 46.2 mM in tested extract 1. Besides, considering the positive controls miltefosine and benznidazole, the obtained results recommended that the impact of tested extract 1 against *L. infantum* is less noticeable than that observed against trypomastigotes of *Trypanosoma cruzi*. The intracellular amastigotes of *L. infantum* were sensitive to three types of triterpenoids, with IC50 estimations of 7.8, 37.6 and 51.9 μM, individually. Regardless of triterpenoid 2 and 3 exhibited absence of activity against the extracellular promastigotes, they killed the intracellular structures with selective index (SI) esteems more than 5.3 and 3.8, respectively, proposing a conceivable commitment of macrophages at the end of parasites. Notwithstanding, the tested extract 1 and 2 were less effective than standard drug miltefosine, which showed an IC50 of 16.4 μM. Finally, this study provided useful information about the antiprotozoal activity of 'carnauba' (*C. prunifera*) wax as well as the identification of

Carnauba wax has a wide scope of utilizations and, as a result, is industrially accessible in an assortment of blends. Carnauba wax utilized in fruit and vegetable coating is constantly connected as a microemulsion made with unsaturated fatty acids and an essential counterion [27]. These produce an anionic emulsifier where the carnauba wax is dispersed. In addition, various types of unsaturated fats utilized incorporate oleic, linoleic, palmitic, myristic or lauric acids. The fundamental counterion may be hydroxides of sodium, potassium salts, ammonium, morpholine [28] and triethanolamine [29]. Since carnauba wax is just utilized as a fruit coating in the mix with different substances, the adequacy and consistence of different

Nart et al. [30] studied carnauba wax demonstrates a pivotal reinforcement to support the sustained release of high soluble medications in relationship with Ethocel™ (EC) and Kollicoat® SR 30D utilizing reservoir and matrix systems, respectively. However, melt granulation of the medication with carnauba wax was connected as an intermediary of the key to sustained release mini-tablets, utilizing captopril (6.25 mg/mini-tablet) and metformin hydrochloride (15.0 mg/minitablet) as profoundly soluble model drugs. In addition, investigating the impacts of carnauba wax as a granulating excipient in the arrangement of mini-scale tablets, unmistakably the excipient diminished the contact of the drug particles with the disintegration medium, decreasing the release rate of the drugs and submitting the disintegration of the smaller than usual tablets. In this manner, it was seen that the melt granulation technique with carnauba wax improved the rheology of the considered drugs. The carnauba wax added to diminish the diffusion rate of the drug to the medium by expanding the hydrophobicity and lessening the disintegration rate of the structure of the measurements, impeding water dispersion a while later. The blend of carnauba wax with the EC at 50% indicated promising profiles

Neto et al. [31] developed methionine microencapsulated with lipid matrix using carnauba wax by the melt emulsification technique. Different compositions of

**80**

The valuable role of carnauba wax is outstanding for improving shelf life and supporting postharvest quality of a few fruits, for example, mango [32], avocado [33] and mamey sapote organic product [34]. Barmen et al. [35] studied pomegranate (*Punica granatum* L., cv. Mridula) fruits were treated with putrescine, carnauba wax and putrescine + carnauba wax combination prior at 2°C cold storage temperature. Further, carnauba wax is additionally stated to reduce the improvement of chilling injury (CI) manifestations. Respiration rate of stored fruits has been discovered expanded with the progression of the capacity period under every one of the medicines. Up to the fifteenth day of capacity, there was no critical contrast in breath rate in the organic products treated with polyamine like putrescine (PUT), carnauba wax and their mix. The low breath rate in carnauba wax treated organic product ascribed because of diminished gas exchange and thusly low oxygen accessibility to the natural product tissues for breath. The utilization of carnauba wax gave higher maintenance of fruit solidness, most likely because of the less drying out happened and furthermore to a slower degradation of cell divider segments. In this way, in control group and carnauba wax treated pomegranate fruits, the expansion in juice recuperation after 30th day of storage capacity may be ascribed to CI intervened activities of cell degrading enzymes such as pectin methylesterase and polygalacturonase. In addition, the utilization of carnauba wax covering in blend with PUT may have applied synergistic impact which aided in keeping up higher juice recuperation by diminishing loss of moisture from the fruits.

Germano et al. [36] studied, a galactomannan-carnauba wax-based coating improved the guava fruit in postharvest quality and storability over preservation of firmness in ambiental conditions (25°C). The authors prepared edible coating galactomannan (0.75%) and carnauba wax (0.9%) were treated with guava fruits (Paluma). At day 15, coated and refrigerated (FR) guava fruits were showed a climacteric rise in 59.3 mg CO2 kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> h<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> and however, coated guava at ambient (FA) showed a diminished value 168.6 mg CO2 kg<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> h<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> at 15 days of storage and firmness of 14.3 N attributed to lower lipid peroxidation and cell wall hydrolysis. In addition, no increase values of control refrigerated fruit (CR) and no further evaluation of control-uncoated 'Paluma' guava stored at ambient (CA) for 9 days. Additionally, coating improves increased antioxidant enzymes CAT and SOD activities refrigerated samples presented 35% lower H2O2 levels (*p* < 0.05) while compared to uncoated control samples. However, symptoms of chilling injury (CI) inhibition of softening and respiratory peaks are exhibited in refrigerated uncoated fruits. According to the authors, galactomannan carnauba wax coating was effective in guava postharvest quality and maintaining firmness and color, also preventing chilling symptoms under refrigerated conditions, respectively.
