# Caryocar brasiliense

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/caryocar-brasiliense
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Amazonian
**Also Known As:** Caryocar brasiliense, pequi, piqui, pequizeiro, souari nut, butter nut tree, pequi do cerrado, peki

## Overview

Caryocar brasiliense is an Amazonian fruit rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids that provide potent [antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). These bioactive compounds scavenge free radicals and protect cellular DNA from oxidative damage through direct radical neutralization pathways.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids that scavenge free radicals and protect DNA from oxidative damage (preliminary evidence from C. elegans models)
• Potential [anti-aging](/ingredients/condition/longevity) effects: Improved lifespan, locomotion, and stress resistance in C. elegans studies (preliminary evidence)
• [Cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support: Bark extract reduces ROS production in diabetic human coronary endothelial cells (in vitro evidence only)
• Potential anticancer properties: Oil nanoemulsions enhanced chemotherapy effects against triple-negative breast cancer cells (in vitro evidence only)
• Safety profile: No acute toxicity observed at 2000 mg/kg in rats, with no significant toxic effects in 28-day studies (animal evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Caryocar brasiliense's phenolic compounds and flavonoids function as electron donors, neutralizing [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) and preventing lipid peroxidation. These antioxidants activate cellular [stress response](/ingredients/condition/stress) pathways including the insulin/IGF-1 signaling cascade, which regulates [longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity) genes. The compounds also upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Caryocar brasiliense comes primarily from preliminary C. elegans nematode studies showing improved lifespan, locomotion, and stress resistance. These laboratory models demonstrated enhanced survival under oxidative stress conditions, but no human clinical trials have been conducted. The antioxidant activity has been confirmed through in vitro assays measuring [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing capacity. More robust clinical research in humans is needed to validate therapeutic potential.

## Nutritional Profile

The fruit of Caryocar brasiliense (pequi) has a distinctive nutritional composition centered on its oil-rich mesocarp (pulp) and lipid-dense kernel/nut. **Macronutrients (per 100 g fresh pulp):** Energy ~120–170 kcal; Lipids ~15–25 g (up to 33 g in some analyses of dried pulp), predominantly monounsaturated fatty acids — oleic acid (C18:1) comprising ~50–55% of total fatty acids, palmitic acid (C16:0) ~35–40%, and smaller amounts of palmitoleic, stearic, and linoleic acids; Carbohydrates ~10–20 g; Dietary fiber ~10–12 g (significant insoluble fraction); Protein ~2–3 g. **Pulp oil composition:** Total lipids can reach 30–60% of dry weight; rich in triacylglycerols with a fatty acid profile dominated by oleic (~50–55%) and palmitic (~35–40%) acids, with minor linoleic (~2–4%) and stearic (~1–2%) acids. **Kernel/nut oil:** Higher in palmitic (~40–45%) and oleic (~45–50%) acids, with total lipid content ~40–50% of dry weight. **Carotenoids:** Pulp is exceptionally rich — total carotenoids ~7–30 mg/100 g fresh pulp (varying by maturity and origin); major carotenoids include β-carotene (~1.5–6 mg/100 g), lycopene (~0.5–2 mg/100 g), violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, neoxanthin, and anteraxanthin; the intense yellow-orange color reflects high provitamin A activity (~200–800 µg RAE/100 g pulp equivalent). **Tocopherols and tocotrienols:** Pulp oil is notably rich in α-tocopherol (~10–20 mg/100 g oil) and γ-tocopherol (~5–15 mg/100 g oil), contributing strong vitamin E activity (~3–7 mg α-tocopherol equivalents/100 g pulp). **Phenolic compounds:** Total phenolics ~100–500 mg GAE/100 g (pulp); bark and peel fractions are substantially higher (~1,000–4,000 mg GAE/100 g dry weight); key phenolics include gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, and quercetin glycosides (quercetin-3-O-arabinoside identified in leaf/bark). **Flavonoids:** Total flavonoids ~20–80 mg/100 g pulp (catechin equivalents); bark extracts significantly richer. **Vitamin C:** ~10–30 mg/100 g fresh pulp (moderate source). **Minerals (per 100 g pulp):** Calcium ~20–40 mg; Phosphorus ~15–30 mg; Potassium ~150–250 mg; Magnesium ~15–30 mg; Iron ~0.5–1.5 mg; Zinc ~0.3–1.0 mg; Copper ~0.1–0.5 mg; Manganese ~0.2–0.8 mg. **Bioavailability notes:** The high lipid content of the pulp significantly enhances bioavailability of fat-soluble carotenoids (β-carotene, lycopene) and tocopherols — the natural oil matrix acts as an endogenous carrier, yielding superior absorption compared to low-fat plant matrices. Carotenoid bioavailability is further improved by traditional cooking (pequi is typically simmered in rice or stews), which disrupts cell walls and releases carotenoids from chromoplasts. However, prolonged high-heat cooking can degrade carotenoids by 20–40%. Phenolic compounds from bark and peel fractions may have lower oral bioavailability due to extensive Phase II [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (glucuronidation/sulfation), though gallic acid and ellagic acid show moderate absorption. The high oleic acid content supports favorable postprandial lipid profiles and may enhance absorption of co-consumed fat-soluble nutrients.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages are available. Animal studies used pequi oil at 125-1000 mg/kg body weight daily for 28 days in rats with no significant toxicity. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No specific safety data or drug interactions have been established for Caryocar brasiliense supplements due to limited human studies. As with other [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)-rich botanical extracts, potential interactions may occur with anticoagulant medications or chemotherapy drugs. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid supplementation due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with fruit allergies should exercise caution when using Caryocar brasiliense products.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on pequi. All available evidence comes from preclinical studies including in vitro cell cultures and animal models, particularly C. elegans [longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity) studies and Wistar rat toxicity assessments.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Brazilian folk medicine, pequi fruit has been traditionally used for its nutritional value and as a vitamin source, with the oil applied in culinary and cosmetic preparations. It symbolizes the Cerrado biome and has broad popular use, with leaves and fruit showing traditional [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) applications.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Green tea extract, Resveratrol, Quercetin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What bioactive compounds are found in Caryocar brasiliense?

Caryocar brasiliense contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids as its primary bioactive constituents. These antioxidant compounds are responsible for the fruit's free radical scavenging activity and potential anti-aging properties demonstrated in laboratory studies.

### How much Caryocar brasiliense should I take daily?

No standardized dosage recommendations exist for Caryocar brasiliense supplements due to lack of human clinical trials. Most preliminary research has been conducted in C. elegans models, making it impossible to establish safe and effective human dosing guidelines at this time.

### Can Caryocar brasiliense help with aging?

Preliminary C. elegans studies suggest Caryocar brasiliense may support longevity through improved stress resistance and locomotion. However, these anti-aging effects have only been demonstrated in nematode models and require validation through human clinical trials before making health claims.

### Is Caryocar brasiliense safe to take with medications?

Safety interactions between Caryocar brasiliense and medications are unknown due to limited research. The antioxidant compounds may potentially interfere with blood-thinning medications or cancer treatments, so consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before supplementation.

### Where does Caryocar brasiliense come from?

Caryocar brasiliense is a fruit native to the Amazon rainforest region of South America. The plant grows naturally in Brazil and other Amazonian countries, where indigenous populations have traditionally used various parts of the plant for nutritional and medicinal purposes.

### What is the difference between Caryocar brasiliense fruit pulp and bark extract?

Caryocar brasiliense fruit pulp is nutrient-dense and commonly consumed as food in Brazil, while bark extract is more concentrated for supplement applications. The bark extract has shown specific cardiovascular benefits in research, particularly for reducing reactive oxygen species in diabetic conditions, whereas the fruit pulp offers broader nutritional support. Each form may have different phenolic profiles and bioavailability, making them suitable for different health goals.

### How strong is the current scientific evidence for Caryocar brasiliense?

Most evidence for Caryocar brasiliense comes from preliminary laboratory and animal model studies, particularly C. elegans research demonstrating antioxidant and lifespan-extending effects. Human clinical trials remain limited, so while traditional use in Brazil is well-established, health claims require further validation through larger controlled studies. The compound shows promise but should not be considered definitively proven for human applications without more robust clinical data.

### Who should consider taking Caryocar brasiliense supplements?

Individuals seeking antioxidant support or those with cardiovascular concerns, particularly those with diabetic conditions, may benefit from Caryocar brasiliense based on preliminary research. Those interested in traditional Amazonian ingredients or seeking age-related antioxidant protection are also potential candidates, though more human research is needed. People currently taking blood thinners or with bleeding disorders should consult a healthcare provider before use due to potential effects on vascular function.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*