pequi oil

Pequi oil is extracted from the fruits of the pequi tree (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm) and is widely used in traditional medicine in the Brazilian northeast for the management of inflammation and joint pain. A pharmaceutical formulation, PeONC (pequi pulp fixed oil nanoencapsulated with Carbopol® hydrogel), has been developed and evaluated for its therapeutic effect on functionality and pain in women with knee osteoarthritis. This nanoformulation is a gel with a particle size of 209.5 ± 1.06 nm, a pH of 6.23 ± 0.45, a zeta potential of − 23.1 ± 0.4 mV, and a polydispersity index of 0.137 ± 0.52. It consists of spherical nanocapsules with a polymeric wall and an oily nucleus. The gel demonstrated no cytotoxicity and was not irritating to human skin. Treatment with PeONC increased the strength of knee flexor and extensor muscles, improved the total range of motion of the knee, and reduced knee instability, pain, swelling, and locking. It also led to an improvement in functional capacity and social aspects as measured by the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire.

Other names

pequi pulp fixed oil