A andiroba e os desafios para produção de fitoterápicos no Brasil – uma revisão

Abstract

Objective: To address the botanical, chemical, toxicological and pharmacological aspects of Carapa guianensis pointing to the absence of a phytotherapic in circulation in view of the vast knowledge about this natural product in the literature. Bibliographic Review: The species of the genus Carapa are popularly known as andiroba, andirobinha, white andiroba, andiroba-do-igapó etc. The etiology of the name “andiroba” is due to the Tupi-Guarani origin, which has the meaning of bitter taste. They are endemic plants in floodplains and wetlands in the Amazon region. It’s pure oil is treated as a spice and is relevant for export, with a composition rich in fatty acids, especially myristic and palmitic acids, omega 6, omega 9, vitamins and minerals. Andiroba oil is known to have healing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antipyretic properties, being used in the cosmetic and medicinal industries. Currently, there is a growing interest in plant products with therapeutic activities that help combat health problems, in relation to the consumption of industrialized products. Final considerations: Evaluating the economic importance of andiroba vegetable oil and its ethnopharmacological uses, it’s opportune to develop new drugs for the treatment of various diseases, taking into account the pharmacological potential of the compounds found in the plant.