Oilseed Plants of the Semi-arid Region: Acrocomia aculeata and Syagrus cearensis as Therapeutic Sources

Medicinal plants have been used for centuries as a valuable therapeutic alternative, especially in communities with limited access to conventional medicines. Today, scientific interest in these plants continues to grow, primarily due to the compounds they produce, known as secondary metabolites. These compounds not only help plants defend themselves against threats such as insects and diseases but also offer health benefits, including antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the Chapada do Araripe, a region of the Brazilian semi-arid zone, biodiversity is vast, and several plants with medicinal potential have been identified. Among them, two palm species stand out: Acrocomia aculeata and Syagrus cearensis. The oil extracted from A. aculeata is rich in oleic acid, a type of healthy fat widely used in cosmetics, food, and even biofuel production. Meanwhile, the oil from S. cearensis, known as catole coconut oil, has high nutritional value and antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Additionally, the use of natural products, such as vegetable oils and plant extracts, is increasingly being studied as a promising solution to combat microbial resistance. When combined with traditional medicines, these products can enhance treatment effectiveness, offering new health alternatives.