Acrocomia aculeata Oil-Loaded Nanoemulsion: A Promising Candidate for Cancer and Diabetes Management

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Diabetes and cancer are leading global health threats.
• Acrocomia aculeata (bocaiuva) fruit pulp oil is rich in beneficial compounds.
• Novel drug delivery systems are needed for effective treatment of chronic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a nanoemulsion of bocaiuva fruit pulp oil.
• To evaluate the nanoemulsion's inhibitory effects on alpha-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase.
• To assess the nanoemulsion's antiglycant activity, cytotoxicity against cancer cells, and impact on blood cells.

Main Methods:

• Bocaiuva fruit pulp oil extraction via cold pressing.
• Nanoemulsion preparation using phase inversion and ultrasonic homogenization.
• Physicochemical characterization, lipid profiling (GC-MS), enzyme inhibition assays, and cytotoxicity assays (Sulforhodamine B).

Main Results:

• Bocaiuva oil is rich in oleic acid (71.25%).
• The nanoemulsion (173.6 nm) effectively inhibited alpha-glucosidase (IC50: 43.21 µg/mL) and pancreatic lipase (IC50: 41.99 µg/mL).
• Nanoemulsion demonstrated potent antiglycation effects and selective cytotoxicity against prostate and breast cancer cells without adverse effects on blood cells.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive characterization of bocaiuva fruit pulp oil and its nanoemulsion was achieved.
• The nanoemulsion is a promising novel therapeutic alternative for managing diabetes and cancer.
• Further clinical studies are warranted to validate the nanoemulsion's efficacy and safety.