Metabolic and Redox-Related Effects of Mauritia flexuosa (Buriti) Oil Supplementation in Wistar Rats

Mauritia flexuosa (buriti) oil is rich in oleic and palmitic fatty acids, bioactive compounds associated with inflammation regulation, redox balance, and metabolism. This study evaluated the effects of buriti oil supplementation on body and bone composition, biochemical parameters, and redox balance in male Wistar rats. Thirty rats were assigned to the following groups: saline (SC, n = 10); soybean oil (SO, n = 10); and buriti oil (BURI, n = 10). Oils were administered by gavage at a dose of 0.5 mL/100 g body mass for 30 consecutive days. At PN120 (120 days old), body, biochemical, bone, and redox balance parameters were analyzed. BURI group showed lower body mass (-7.6%, p < 0.05), serum carbonylated protein (-20.6%, p < 0.05), triglycerides (-33.3%, p < 0.05), high-density lipoprotein (HDL, -10.4%, p < 0.05), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL, -33.3%, p < 0.05), total proteins (-8.4%, p < 0.05), alanine aminotransferase (-10.4%, p < 0.05), alkaline phosphatase (-34%, p < 0.05), calcium (-7.9%, p < 0.05), iron (-32.7%, p < 0.05), magnesium (-21.3%, p < 0.05), and uric acid (-30.9%, p < 0.05), as well as reduced femur width (-16.5%, p < 0.05). Conversely, BURI exhibited higher hepatic FRAP activity (+12.9%, p < 0.05) and increased femur length (+3.4%, p < 0.05). SO group presented lower serum carbonylated protein (-22.7%, p < 0.05), triglycerides and VLDL (-37.1% and -37.1%, respectively, p < 0.05), total protein (-7.2%, p < 0.05), alkaline phosphatase (-26.8%, p < 0.05), calcium (-7.7%, p < 0.05), iron (-22.2%, p < 0.05), magnesium (-14.6%, p < 0.05), uric acid (-20.9%, p < 0.05), and femur weight and width (-8% and -20.2%, respectively, p < 0.05), as well as higher FRAP levels (+8.6%, p < 0.05). No changes were observed in body composition among groups. Buriti oil supplementation modulated metabolic pathways, leading to reduced body mass and improved lipid profile, hepatic markers, redox balance, and bone parameters. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Buriti oil, a native Amazonian fruit oil, improved lipid profile and antioxidant balance in healthy rats, suggesting its potential for functional foods and supplements with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.