Obtenção de filme orodispersível à base de extrato hidroalcóolico da semente de açaí como alternativa para o tratamento de Transtornos de Ansiedade

Abstract

Anxiety disorder is one of the most prevalent psychiatric conditions in the world, affecting millions of people and imposing a significant burden on public health. In this context, this study aimed to develop and characterize an orodispersible film containing a hydroalcoholic extract of açaí seed, evaluating the extraction process, physicochemical properties, performance, in vitro safety, and stability, as well as valorizing an agroindustrial residue with potential therapeutic application. Açaí seed, currently treated as waste, has stood out for its high content of phenolic compounds associated with biological activities, including possible interactions with pathways related to neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. The seed was characterized in terms of particle size, moisture content, and total ash. The extract was obtained by maceration in hydroalcoholic solution for different times (2, 5, and 10 days) and characterized in terms of yield, pH, density, viscosity, antioxidant activity (DPPH), dry residue, and polyphenol and flavonoid content. The films were prepared using the casting method, employing a polymeric matrix, plasticizers, and adjuvants, and evaluated for thickness, disintegration time, water absorption capacity, polyphenol dose, moisture content, mechanical properties, and dissolution profile. Cytotoxicity was analyzed using the Alamar Blue assay, and accelerated stability was monitored for 90 days. The physicochemical characterization of the seed revealed a moisture content of 7.85% and total ash of 1.42%. The extraction process showed the best performance at 10 days, allowing the extraction to contain 53.68 mg GAE/L of polyphenols and 36.22 µg QE/mL of flavonoids. The orodispersible film formulation presented adequate characteristics, with a thickness of 90 ± 0.03 µm, a disintegration time of 4.51 minutes in water, and a release profile of 85% in 60 minutes, consistent with the literature. The safety assessment indicated cell viability >76% after 3 hours, and accelerated stability studies confirmed the maintenance of physicochemical properties for 90 days under controlled conditions (40°C/75% RH). The results indicate that the developed orodispersible film constitutes a promising alternative, combining performance, safety, and sustainable use of plant-based raw materials.