Potenciais efeitos do Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) na modulação dos danos cutâneos induzidos pela radiação ultravioleta: uma revisão

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.8651325150210

• Palavras-chave: envelhecimento; fotoproteção; Tucumã; fruto amazônico

• Keywords: aging; photoprotection; Tucumã; amazonic fruit

• Abstract: The increase in life expectancy is a global reality; the population is aging. As individuals grow older, they become more susceptible to morbidities, particularly non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCDs), such as cancer. Among the predisposing factors for the development of malignant neoplasms, in addition to aging itself, is excessive exposure to solar radiation. The sun is essential for human health; however, excessive exposure during peak radiation hours can lead to phototoxicity, which is harmful to the body, especially to skin cells that are directly exposed to UVA and UVB radiation. As a consequence, there is a high incidence of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (CSCC), also known as squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer originates in the outermost layer of the epidermis and generally affects areas of the body that are sun-exposed, such as the face, ears, and neck. Plant extracts rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids, have potent antioxidant activity that prevents cellular damage. Amazonian fruits like tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum), which are rich in bioactive compounds and carotenoids, have promising photoprotective potential. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to highlight the potential effects of Tucumã in modulating skin damage induced by ultraviolet radiation. To achieve this, a literature review was conducted using the PubMed database, employing the descriptors: aging, solar radiation, photoprotection, human skin, Tucumã - Astrocaryum aculeatum.