Potential Role of Avocado (Persea americana)
Sakshi Pathania, Raibarinder Singh, Harsh Pathak and Ramica Sharma*
University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rayat Bahra University, India
Submission: May 16, 2023; Published: July 26, 2023
*Corresponding author: Ramica Sharma Head, University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rayat Bahra University, Mohali-Punjab India, Email ID: ramica.17740@rayatbahrauniversity.edu.in
How to cite this article: Sakshi P, Raibarinder S, Harsh P, Ramica S. Potential Role of Avocado (Persea americana) . Glob J Pharmaceu Sci. 2023; 10(5): 555797. DOI: 10.19080/GJPPS.2023.10.555797.
Abstract
Persea Americana commonly called as avocado, belongs to family lauraceae is a species of P. americana. It is native to the Americas and was first domesticated by Mesoamerican. It is a medicinal fruit and used traditionally to treat various diseases like cancer, viral, diarrheal, fungal, microbial infection, skin diseases, ulcer, brain disorder and inflammation. The chemical constituents obtained from different parts of fruit include fibre, carbohydrates, fatty acids. These chemical constituents are mostly responsible for the pharmacological actions. In recent in-vivo and in-vitro studies shows that persea americana have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, insecticidal, anti-cancer, antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, antidiarrheal, and anticonvulsant properties. However, immediate efforts must be made to determine its mode of action, efficacy, dose range, and safety in addressing various disease situations. The current review summarized and presented an up-to-date article on the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of persea americana (avocado) fruit.
Keywords: Avocado; Pharmacological activity; Persea Americana; Fatty acids
Introduction
With industrialization or urbanisation, the medical system gains a lot of importance as per World Health Organization (WHO), the herbal medicine constitutes 80% of the health care system. It has been already known to the world that herbal medicines gain importance because of their possess efficacy, quality, and safety. Evidence indicated that Persea Americana Mill, commonly known as Avocado constitute about 25% of USA medication. Morphologically it is oval, glossy and has evergreen leaves that ranges from 4 to 8 and are 10 to 20cm long. Further it possesses larger, thicker branches and have a fruit of great therapeutic potential. Numerous varieties are available but the Mexican-Guatemalan hybrid Fuerte, with smooth-skinned, shiny-green, pears-shaped fruits is widely grown [1] P. Americana Mill, is a tropical native fruit of America and belongs to Lauralee family [2].
Botanical description [2]
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Laurales
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Persea
Species: P. americana
Synonym: Lauruspersea L.
For the first time in 1922 the nutritional value of avocado fruits was explored by various researchers. Nutritional aspects of Avocado have been already collated in many foods composition as it is regarded as a superior source of fatty acids, vitamins, and energy. Further, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutritional Database for Standard Reference and Nutrient Data Laboratory, Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) Nutritional content of 100 gm of avocado is already mentioned (Table 1 & 2) [3,4].
Pharmacogonostical profile of AVOCADO
Avocado trees grew into a tall tree with elliptic to elliptical leaves that ranges from 10-30cm (4-12 inch) long. It has been documented that the fruit has no petals but have 9 stamens arranged in series of three and an acellular ovary. Moreover, On the basis of tracheophyte, avocado has two flowers: A and B that are dichogamous (the male and female parts develop independently), and only one flower opens twice. Blood group (B) flowers has been found to open as functionally male in the afternoon of the next day after closing as functionally feminine at noon. In addition, Blood type flowers are functionally masculine in the morning, and then become functionally feminine in the afternoon and evening [5]. Figure 1 indicates the avocado.
Pharmacological Activities
Vasorelaxant activity
Researchers indicated the vasorelaxant effects of avocado leaf extract on isolated rat aorta, via releasing endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRFs) and the release of prostanoids. Further, the treatment with the extract decreases vasoconstriction by suppressing the influx of calcium ions (Ca2+) [6,7].
Anti Inflammatory activity
Prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are produced by the enzymes cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase, are two members of the broad family of chemicals known as eicosanoids that are formed from arachidonic acid [8,9]. The most important function in pathology and physiology is played by eicosanoids, which also mediate inflammation [10,11]. Figure 2 indicate that the avocado seed has anti-inflammatory effect. Phospholipase (PLA2) is the enzyme that play an important role in inflammation by releasing arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids Lipidic polyols were isolated from avocado seed which has tendency to inhibit PLA2 activity and in result act as a anti-inflammatory activity.
Hypotensive potential
Avocado (presea americana) seed extract is used in Nigeria for the treatment of hypertension. An aqueous seed extract from Fuerte avocados (200-600mg/kg bw) significantly reduced the blood pressure in NaCl-induced hypertensive rats after 4 weeks of treatment. A reduction in plasma triglycerides (TG), total serum cholesterol (TC) and serum low density lipoprotein-associated cholesterol (LDL-C) levels was also observed at doses of 500mg/kg bw and higher [12]. In a similar study 200 - 600mg/kg bw aqueous avocado seed extract dose-dependently reduced blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, urea and sodium levels in hypertensive rats after 5 weeks [13]. Acute treatment of acetylcholine-induced hypertensive rats with aqueous seed extract (260mg/kg bw) for 10 d led to a reduction in mean arterial pressure (37 - 43% reduction) and heart rate (9.3-19.7% reduction) [14].
AAnticonvulsant activity
Aqueous P. americana leaf extract has anticonvulsant effects in mice. Because the plant extract worked so well in the experimental convulsion model, it is likely possible to treat both petit mal and grand mal epilepsy with it. Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and picrotoxin (PCT)-induced convulsions responded to the plant’s leaf extract more effectively than bicuculline (BCL)- induced seizures. In general, the average convulsion’s start and duration were noticeably delayed and shortened, respectively. These results seem to suggest that P. americana leaf aqueous extract may have prevented or reduced the mice’s susceptibility to PTZ, PCT, and BCL-induced seizures by boosting, or maybe by inhibiting, GABAergic activity and/or neurotransmission in brain [15].
Antioxidant activity
Avocado oil has antioxidant activity by reducing the formation of ROS in the damaged mitochondria. Based on the data that avocado oil favourably changed hepatic indicators in rats given sugar, which had altered hepatic markers, it has been claimed that avocado oil is an effective dietary supplement for managing metabolic diseases. Additionally, it promotes liver regeneration [16].
Antidiabetic activity
In laboratory models, avocado seed extracts have been demonstrated to lower blood sugar and improve diabetes. Experimentally, it has been found that 14-day treatment with ethanolic seed extract (450 or 900 mg/kg bw) to lower blood glucose levels by 47 to 55% In Alloxan-induced diabetic. Histopathological studies indicated that the extract has protective effect on pancreatic islet cells [17]. Edem et al. [18] discovered that treatment with aqueous seed extract (300 or 600mg/kg bw) for 21 days decreased plasma glucose concentrations by 73 and 78%, respectively. The presence of insulin-mimetic compounds in the extract, which promote insulin secretion by B cells or improve glucose utilisation, is thought to be the cause of the extract’s hypoglycaemic effects, according to the scientists.
Anticancer activity
The role of avocado seed and peel extracts against cancer have only been documented via activation of in caspase-3, caspasc-7, and poly (ADP ribose) polymerase cleavage. Moreover, it has been explained that treatment with the methanolic extract of avocado seed (100μg/ml) stimulates Apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. In comparison to the seeds, the peel has been reported to have more content of total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids [19].
Effect on body weight
According to Brail et al.’s [20,21] study, administration of P. Americana leaf extracts in aqueous and methanolic form resulted in a decrease in body weight when compared to hyper lipidemic controls. It’s possible that P. americana leaf extracts boost the breakdown of lipids gathered in adipose tissue, causing a drop in the average body weight.
Analgesic
According to one study, giving mice an aqueous leaf extract of avocado at a dose of 1600mg/kg significantly decreased the writhing that acetic acid injection causes in mice. The hot plate test revealed that it may also raise the threshold for pain by 87.2% with administration of 800mg/kg and block both stages of formalin-induced pain in a dose-dependent manner. These outcomes were comparable to those attained in the mice writhing assay and hot plate test, respectively, following the administration of medicines such acetylsalicylic acid and morphine. The analgesic effect of the extract on mice was demonstrated by the results, which also showed that formalin-induced pain was inhibited [22].
Miscellaneous
Antiviral activity: In vitro viral replication inhibitory effects of the P. americana dry leaf infusion and ethanol extract has been reported to have inhibitory effect on viral activity when screened via invitro methods [23].
Wound healing activity: Rats treated with oral, or topically administered P. americana fruit extract (300mg/kg/day) showed full epithelialization (total healing) on average by day 14 in the excision wound model. The controls, on the other hand, took around 17 days to fully heal. It was discovered that the extracttreated wounds epithelialized more quickly than the controls. The tissue taken from extract-treated animals utilised in the dead space wound model had significantly greater wet and dry granulation tissue weight and hydroxyproline content than that of the controls [24].
Osteoarthritis: Blend of soyabean and avocado oil piascledine has been implicated in the management of Osteoarthritis. Various research has been carried out that indicated the role of medication in reducing the production of fibronectin and increasing proteoglycan and collagen synthesis. However, it too reduced the activity and release of metalloproteinases and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are crucial in the progression of osteoarthritis [25,26].
Anti diarrheal: Bioactive substances found in avocado seeds have been shown to have anti-diarrheal properties. The wetness of the faeces was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner when these seeds’ chloroform-methanolic extracts were administered to rats with castor oil-induced diarrhoea [27].
Anti-fungal: The fruit of the avocado contains a substance called (E, Z, Z)-1-Acetoxy-2-hydroxy-4-oxoheneicosa-5,12,15- triene, that possess anti-fungal properties against the fungus Collet otrichumgloeo sporioides and thereby preventing spore germination [28,29].
Dermatological effect: Keratinocyte development may be encouraged by avocado seed components. In comparison to vehicle-treated controls, keratinocytes pre-treated with avocado seed-derived PFAs had higher cell viability after UVB exposure [30,31]. Along with improving DNA repair and reducing the release of pro-inflammatory mediators like IL-6 and PGE2, the therapy significantly decreased the number of burnt cells in human skin explants. Treatment with a water-ethyl acetate extract of avocado seed at a concentration of 10 ug/mL similarly increased keratinocyte proliferation and cell viability [32]. Based on several research, avocado seed unsaponifiable fatty acids (UFA) have been acceptable for usage in a cosmetic basis to enhance skin quality in human subjects. In the first research, stretch marks and keratoses on 28 out of 40 participants improved mildly or moderately following a six-week topical therapy. In a second research, four weeks of UFA therapy reduced stretch marks compared to the control group. According to a third research, therapy dramatically decreased redness, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and ridging. After two weeks of UFA treatment, a fourth trial found that skin moisture retention increased by 33% and skin elasticity increased by 8% when compared to the control. Metal chelators were added, which enhanced the effects of UFA on the damaged [33]. It has been demonstrated that the avocado seed oil’s unsaponifiable component prevents lysyl oxidase from working. This enzyme starts the cross-linking process in collagen, and too many cross-links lead to wrinkles and a lack of skin suppleness [34]. The treatment group of hairless mice received 3% natural or synthetic separated linoleic acid-acid conjugated furan for 14 days, which boosted metabolic activity in the skin, increased flexibility, protein content, DNA content, and epidermal thickness. Similarlooking compounds that had at least 9 carbon units linked to the furan ring’s number 2 position were similarly deemed efficient. Two patents have been filed in relation to the compounds [35,36].
Conclusion
Avocado (Persea Americana) are tropical fruits native to Mexico and Central America. Avocados has numerous properties such as increasing absorption of lipid -soluble bioactive phytonutrients such as carotenoids, enhancing the absorption of lycopene and β-carotene, increases absorption of α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein. This review gives a glimpse of overall research conducted worldwide to explore the therapeutic potential of the fruit that can be used in the management of various diseases. Research must be carried out to scrutinize more pathways that can be targeted by the various extracts of Avocado.
Acknowledgement
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to S. Gurvinder Singh Bahra, Hon’ble Chancellor and Chairman, Rayat Bahra University, Mohali, who gave me a platform for pursuing masters work in this esteemed University. I am greatly indebted to Prof. (Dr.) Parvinder Singh, worthy Vice Chancellor, for graciously permitting me to carry on the research work.
References
- Yasir M, Das S, Kharya MD (2010) The phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Persea americana Pharmacogn Rev 4(7): 77-84.
- Gupta SK, Singhal P, Singh A, Chauhan R, Kumar B (2018) Nutritional and pharmceutical benifits of avocado plant. Journal of Advanced Scientific Research 9(02): 4-11.
- Yahia EM, Woolf AB (2011) Avocado (Persea americana ). In: Postharvest biology and technology of tropical and subtropical fruits. Woodhead Publishing, pp. 125-186.
- Hurtado FE, Fernandez GA, Carrasco PA (2018) Avocado fruit-Persea americana. In: Exotic fruits. Academic Press, p. 37-48.
- Nirpal MK, Thange MT, Wamane MV (2022) A Review on Avocado. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews 3(6): 4557-4569.
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/avocado
- Carvajal-Zarrabal O, Nolasco-Hipolito C, Aguilar Uscanga MG, Melo-Santiesteban G (2014) Disease markers. 1-8.
- Dabas D, M Shegog R, R Ziegler G, D Lambert J (2013) Avocado (Persea americana) seed as a source of bioactive phytochemicals. Curr pharm Des 19(34): 6133-6140.
- Sudhir K (2005) Clinical review: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, a novel inflammatory biomarker and independent risk predictor for cardiovascular disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90(5): 3100-3105.
- Etozioni S (2003) Lipidic polyols from plants as a natural source for phospholipase A2 inhibitors. In: Biotechnology. Technion Israci Institute of Technology, Haifa.
- Rosenblat G, Meretski S, Segal J, Tarshis M, Schroeder A, et al. (2010) Polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols derived from avocado suppress inflammatory response and provide non-sunscreen protection against UV-induced damage in skin cells. Arch Dermatol Res 239-246.
- Imafidon KE, Amacchina FC (2010) Effects of Aqueous Seed Extract of Persea americana (Avocado) on Blood Pressure and Lipid Profile in Hypertensive Rats. Adv Biol Res 4(2): 116-121.
- Kale IE, Lucky O (2009) Biochemical evaluation of the Tradomedicinal uses of the seeds Perseo americana Mill (Family Lauraceae). World J Med Sci 4(2): 143-146.
- Anaka ON, Ozolua RI, Okpo SO (2009) Effect of the aqueous seed extract of Perseu americano Mill (Lauraceac) on the blood pressure of sprague-dawlcy rats. African J Pharm Pharmacol 3(10): 485-490.
- Ojewole JA, Amabeoku GJ (2006) Anticonvulsant effect of Persea americana Mill (Lauraceae) (Avocado) leaf aqueous extractin mice. Phytother Res 20(8): 696-700.
- Carvajal-Zarrabal O, Nolasco-Hipolito C, Aguilar Uscanga MG, Melo-Santiesteban G (2014) Biomed Res Int 45: 271-287.
- Edem DO (2009) Hypoglycemic effects of ethnaolic extracts of alligator pear seed (Persea Americana Mill) in rats. Buropean J Sci Res (33): 669-678.
- Edem D, Ekanem I, Ebong P (2009) Effect of aqueous extracts of alligator pear seed (Persea americana mill) on blood glucose and histopathology of pancreas in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Pak J Pharm Sci 22(3): 272-276.
- Lee SG, Yu MH, Lee SP, Lee IS (2008) Antioxidant Activities and Induction of Apoptosis by Methanol Extracts from Avocado. J Korean Soc Food Sci Nutr 37(3): 269-275.
- Rosenblat G, Meretski S, Segal J (2010) Polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols derived from avocado suppress inflammatory response and provide non-sunscreen protection against UV-induced damage in skin cells. Arch Dermatol Res 1-8.
- Ramos-Jerz MDR, Villanueva S, Deters AM (2007) Influence of avocado seed fractions (Persea americano ) obtained by ISCCC on human skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts: Differences of effects in regard of tested cell types. In: 55th International Congress and Annual Mecting of the Society for Medieinal Plant Research: Graz, Austria.
- Moy LS (1999) Cosmetic formulation and method for amerlioration of skin keratoses and striae distensae.
- Werman MJ, Mokady S, Neeman I (1990) Partial isolation and characterization of a new natural inhibitor of lysyl oxidase from avocado seed oil. J Ag Food Chem 38(12): 2164-2168.
- Counts DF, Huber R (1990) Lipidic furans and retinol palmitate compositions useful for skin therapeutics.
- Ruiseco MG (1990) Oil based scalp treatment composition.
- Raymond Chia TW, Dykes GA (2010) Antimicrobial activity of crude epicarp and seed extracts from mature avocado fruit (Persea americana) of three cultivars. Pharm Biol 48(7): 753-756.
- Nagaraj M, Sandhya V, Supriya G, Mamju R, Kumari P, et al. (2010) Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of avocado (Persea gratissima Gaertner) seed extract, World Appi Sci J 9: 695-698.
- Leite JJG, Brito EHS, Cordeiro RA, Nogueira Brilhante RS, Costa Sidrim JJ, et al. (2009) Chemical composition, toxicity and larvicidal and antifungal activities of Persea americana (avocado) seed extracts. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 42(2): 110-113.
- Pliego Alfaro F, Litz Richard E (2007) California Avocado Society Yearbook 90: 149-167.
- Brai BI, Odetola AA, Agomo PU (2007) Effects of Persea americana leaf extracts on body weight and liver lipids in rats fed hyperlipidaemic diet. Afr J Biotech 6(8):1007-1011
- Ukwe CV, Nwafor SV (2005) Nig J Pharm Res 3: 91-95.
- Rodriguez-Sanchez DG, Flores-Garcia M, Silva-Platas C, Rizzo S (2015) Food Funct 6: 192202.
- Kucharz EJ (2003) Ortop Traumatol Rehabil 5: 248-251.
- Adeyemi OO, Okpo SO, Ogunti OO (2002) Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of leaves of Persea americana mill (lauraceae). Fitoterapia 73(5): 375-380
- Angermann P (2005) Ugeskrift for laeger 167: 3023-3025.
- Nayak BS, Raju SS, Chalapathi Rao AV (2008) Wound healing activity of Persea americana (avocado) fruit: a preclinical study on rats. J Wound Care 17(3): 123-126.