Frozen pulp extracts of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia McVaugh) attenuate the hyperlipidemia and lipid peroxidation of Type 1 diabetic rats

- The Amazonian camu-camu fruit is rich in phenolic antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Type 1 diabetes is associated with systemic oxidative stress.
- Camu-camu raw and polyphenol-rich extracts were administered to diabetic rats.
- Increased plasma antioxidant capacity and reduced lipid peroxidation were observed.
- Supplementation decreased plasmatic levels of triacylglycerol and total cholesterol.

Several epidemiological and experimental studies demonstrate that modulation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress by natural phytochemicals is a promising strategy to prevent and treat many chronic inflammatory diseases. Camu-camu is an Amazonian fruit with a high content of antioxidants, especially phenolic compounds and vitamin C. In the present study we evaluated the in vivo effects of chronic ingestion of raw extracts derived from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia McVaugh) frozen pulp on plasma lipid profile and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of camu-camu raw extracts significantly increased plasma antioxidant activity, reduced triacylglycerol and total cholesterol and lipid peroxidation in the plasma of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. However, no effect was observed on glucose metabolism of diabetic rats, probably due to the severity of this model.