Babassu Interactions Overview

Babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) is a tall tree native to South America, mainly found in the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil. Its fruit contains seeds rich in babassu oil, with the dried, powdered mesocarp (inner husk layer) and extracted kernel oil being the primary parts used. The mesocarp provides starch, protein, lipid, soluble carbohydrates, fiber, and minerals, along with glucan MP1, tannins, steroid compounds, and triterpenes. Babassu oil is particularly rich in medium-chain triglycerides. Research indicates that babassu oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show it stimulates fibroblast migration, inhibits nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated peritoneal macrophages, and boosts interferon-gamma and interleukin 6 levels. Topical application of babassu oil in mice models reduced swelling, hyperplasia, and myeloperoxidase activity, indicating its potential in managing inflammation. Additionally, a constituent in babassu mesocarp, glucan MP1, has been found to enhance phagocytosis and reduce acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, early-stage inflammatory reactions. However, some studies suggest that an aqueous extract of babassu mesocarp flour may activate peritoneal macrophages, leading to increased nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide production, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) release, and MHC class II expression.