RAIN FOREST PRODUCTS

The Amazonian flora is extremely rich and diverse in oilseed plants and therefore it is incomparable and unique. The seeds vary in size, shape and in the quality of the oil they contain. Amazonian oils have a fantastic potential to be used by various cosmetic, pharmaceutical, textile and foods industries.

The table below lists the different characters that specific Amazonian oils have. Additional information on the fatty acid composition and physical-chemical properties of each oil, which defines their applications for various purposes, is available in the individual descriptions of Rain Forest Products.

Amazonian oilseed species


Characteristics

Andiroba - Carapa guianensis

Contains limonoids (andirobina) and terpenes (meliacins), acts as a repellent, fungicide and bactericide.

Cupuaçu - Theobroma grandiflorum

Possesses a high capacity to absorb water, 120% higher that than of lanolin, phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), excellent emollient.

Açaí - Euterpe oleraceae

High concentration of the antioxidant anthocyanin, up to 33 times more than grapes, rich in essential fatty acids.

Buriti - Mauritia flexuosa

Contains oleic acid (70%), the beta-carotene concentration (118 mg/100 g of oil) is 20 times more than what is found in carrots.

Bacuri - Platonia insignis

Contains the bioactive tripalmitin (50% to 55%) and palmitoleic acid (5%).

Pracachy - Pentaclethra macroloba

Contains behenic acid (19%), six times higher than that of peanut oil.

Copaíba - Copaifera spp.

Contains 72 sesquiterpenes (hydrocarbons) and 28 diterpenes (carboxylic acids), is a natural anti-inflammatory, is twice as active against inflammation than Diclofenac Sodium.

Ucuuba - Virola surinamensis

Melting point (53°C), replacement of animal tallow, contains 70% of trimeristin, contains 74% myristic acid.

Brazilnut - Bertholletia excelsa

Contains selenium (126 ppm), with antioxidant properties, contains 75% unsaturated fatty acids.

Murumuru - Astrocaryum murumurú

Rich in lauric acid (47%) and myristic acid (26%), melting point (32.5ºC).

Passion fruit - Passiflora edulis
Rich in linoleic acid (62%).