Avaliação dos efeitos antioxidantes da carne de cordeiros suplementados com urucum sobre parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos em ratos

Abstract

Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, is associated with cellular damage and the development of chronic diseases. Annatto (Bixa orellana L), rich in bixin, stands out as a promising source of natural antioxidants. This study investigated the effects of supplementation of lamb meat enriched with annatto concentrate microencapsulated in alginate on hematological and biochemical parameters in Wistar rats. Thirty rats were divided into three groups: control (standard diet), negative control (lamb meat diet without annatto) and treated (lamb meat diet supplemented with 0.3% annatto microcapsules). For 28 days, food consumption, weight gain and general health of the animals were monitored. Blood tests, performed by cardiac puncture, revealed significant benefits of annatto, especially in the treated group. In the lipid profile, a reduction in triglyceride and total cholesterol levels was observed, accompanied by a significant increase in HDL, demonstrating cardiovascular protection and better metabolic regulation. In hematological parameters, there was an increase in hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocyte levels, suggesting improvements in blood health and tissue oxygenation. Additionally, the supplemented group showed an increase in total plasma proteins and globulins, evidencing a positive influence on protein metabolism and immune function. These results highlight annatto as an efficient functional additive, with the potential to act as an antioxidant and health promoter in diets. The inclusion of annatto-enriched meat in diets offers a promising strategy to improve nutritional and metabolic quality, with application in products aimed at human well-being and disease prevention.