Abstract

LIPID PROFILE AND ANTIBIOTIC ACTIVITY OF OIL FROM BRAZILIAN AMAZON CAIMANS

Samir de Carvalho Buzaglo Pinto*, Vanderson Gabriel Torres, Ariane Mendonça Kluczkovski and Augusto Kluczkovski-Junior

ABSTRACT

Oils of animal origin are studied for their pharmacological and nutritional properties, and the possible effects and benefits regarding their use. These oils can be found in fish, birds, and reptiles, and, among these reptiles, the caimans are of interest. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the lipid profile using Gas Chromatography, characterize and evaluate the potential of caiman oil from the Brazilian Amazon obtained from Melanosuchus niger as an antibiotic against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and fungus (Aspergillus flavus). The acidity and peroxide indexes obtained were, respectively, 1.663 mg KOH/g and 13.193 mEq/Kg, both within acceptable values by brazilian laws; the iodine value was 56.07 g I2/100g, and saponification value was 195.44 mg KOH/g, close to what is observed in some fish oils. The oil showed no signs of antibacterial activity, but it was observed some degree of antifungal activity. The lipid profile indicated that the oil was composed mainly of oleic, palmitic, and stearic acid, with an almost 10% of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, this oil shows promise in possible applications regarding it’s nutritional and medical uses. Hence, further studies should be carried out to analyze its full potential.

Keywords: Melanosuchus niger, Lipid profile, Antibacterial, Antifungal.