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Abstract

Amazonian plants possess high amounts of little-explored lipid compounds. Chemical parameters and lipophilic compounds present in twelve oils and fats from different Amazonian plants were characterized. The fatty acids identified reveal saturated fats, such as babassu oil and muru-muru fat (rich in lauric acid), ucuhuba fat (myristic acid), and bacuri fat (palmitic acid). Buriti, pracaxi, and patawa oils showed high oleic acid content. Passion fruit seed and Brazil nut oils had high levels of the polyunsaturated fatty acids rich in linoleic acid. The oleaginous plants had high unsaturation degree and high content of medium-length-chain fatty acids due to high values of iodine, saponification, and peroxide. For methyl tocols and total carotenes, a simultaneous determination method was used and revealed high levels of these vitamins in buriti oil. No previous work in the literature has described all these parameters in Amazonian oils and fats, especially regarding plant species such as bacuri, cupuassu, and ucuhuba. These results provide information on oils and fats that could be used as alternative sources of raw material for the food and pharmaceutics industries.

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... Entre as matrizes estão o tucumã (Astrocaryum vulgare Mart.,) e o pracaxi (Pentaclethra macroloba) que são espécies com potencial oleaginosa encontrada na Amazônia, o óleo extraído desses frutos são de suma importância por serem fontes de ácidos graxos (AG) ω6 e ω9 que são benéficos à saúde (Rodrigues, Darnet, & Silva, 2010), além disso, essas oleaginosas são excelentes fontes de compostos bioativos com destaque para ß-caroteno encontrado no óleo de tucumã, e vitamina E total encontrada no óleo de pracaxi (Santos et al., 2015;Serra et al., 2019;De Souza et a., 2023). Diversos estudos, in vivo e in vitro dessas matrizes são relatadas na literatura com ação antimicrobiana, antiproliferativo, anti-hiperglicêmicas e antioxidantes Baldissera et al., 2018, Rossato et al., 2019Nascimento et al.,2021), mostrando o potencial desses óleos. ...
... As características físico-química do óleo de tucumã são reportadas na literatura como no estudo de Silva et al., (2022) ( Ferreira et al., 2008); (D) (Lima et al., 2017); (E) (Serra et al., 2019 Ácido oleanólico e hederagenina. ...
... Serra et al., (2019), estudaram diferentes fontes alternativas de óleos e gorduras de plantas amazônicas, para a composição química do óleo de pracaxi os autores obtiveram valores para índice de acidez, peróxido, índice de saponificação, refração e valor para iodo de 5,44 mg KOHg −1 , 8,23 mEq kg −1 , 165,09 mg. KOH/g, 1,47 (°C) e 66,83 (%), repectivamente. ...
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O objetivo desta revisão é demonstrar os benefícios dos óleos de tucumã e pracaxi, que são matrizes oleaginosas da Amazônia que apresentam potencial devido às suas propriedades nutricionais, o que favorece a valorização dessas espécies exóticas, pouco exploradas. Esta revisão oferece informações relacionadas à composição bioativa, ácidos graxos, composição físico-química, estudos in vivo e in vitro e aplicação tecnológica desses óleos. Os óleos de tucumã e pracaxi possuem teor de ácido oleico semelhante a alguns óleos comerciais, como o de canola, girassol e colza, o que pode ser uma opção promissora para aplicação na indústria de alimentos. Em relação aos compostos bioativos, o óleo de tucumã apresenta elevada concentração de ß-caroteno, enquanto o pracaxi é rico em vitamina E, esses antioxidantes são benéficos por apresenta potencial nutricional e funcional para a saúde, as propriedades biológicas dessas matrizes estão associadas ao tratamento de hiperglicemia, potencial microbiano e sistema imunológico, que contribui para aplicação na indústria farmacêutica e cosmética.
... Lauric acid has wide industrial applications because its surfactant and emollient properties can be used in producing cosmetics, soaps, detergents, and biofuels. [35] According to Funasaki et al., [36] myristic acid has high absorption in the skin, and it can therefore be used in cosmetic products such as soap, massage lotion, and hair products. Trans oleic fatty acid was found in ucuuba fat (0.06%), but in a content considered insignificant when compared to the maximum limits recommended by the Codex ...
... The physicochemical properties (Table 2) are determining characteristics to establish the identity, quality, and stability of samples of vegetable oil or fat. [35] Moisture is an important parameter for lipid stability, as high moisture content increases the propensity of hydrolysis of triacylglycerols, leading to the formation of free fatty acids and rancid taste. [1] The samples presented moisture contents of 0.53% ± 0.12% for bati and 0.40% ± 0.00% for ucuuba. ...
... These data are compatible with the higher proportion of medium-chain fatty acids (6-12 carbon atoms) present in this sample. Serra et al.[35] found saponification values for ucuuba fat of 219.98 mg KOH g −1 . On the other hand, the lower saponification index of bati fat (173.99 mg KOH g −1 ) is associated with the highest percentage of long-chain fatty acids(13-21 carbons). ...
Article
The fats extracted from bati ( Ouratea sp.) and ucuuba ( Virola surinamensis ) fruit seeds are consumed by the local population. However, important characteristics for its use as food or cosmetic/pharmaceutical raw material are poorly studied. This study describes the fatty acid profile, physicochemical characteristics, bioactive properties, and cytotoxicity of these materials. The results demonstrated that bati fat presents a high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acid (66.06%), with 45.36% of linoleic acid. In contrast, ucuuba fat presented a higher saturated fatty acid percentage (85.75%), especially lauric acid (37.80%). The methanolic fractions of fats show a total phenolic content of 76 mg GAE g ⁻¹ . The bati and ucuuba fats presented antioxidant activity in vitro by 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical scavenging and inhibition of α‐amylase activity. In addition, the samples showed no toxicity against cell lines of Chinese hamster ovary and human hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings provide relevant and appropriate conditions for applying bati and ucuuba seed fats in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Practical Application : The knowledge gained in the present study will open a new approach for exploiting Ouratea sp. and Virola surinamensis seed fat lipid sources with promising applications in formulating functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products, thereby benefiting a sustainable industry.
... However, palm oil sourced from Nigerian wild populations of oil palm can contain 27-55% palmitic acid, 28-56% oleic acid, and 6.5-18% linoleic acid. In some palm species, oleic and linoleic acids are the most plentiful fatty acids, conceivably at greater levels than other vegetable oils [17]. Palm stearin is harder when it contains 79% of palmitic acid and tripalmitoyl glycerol and it is used as hard stock in soft margarines and baby formulas [3]. ...
... Fats and oils from plant sources are key components of a complete and healthful diet, as they supply essential fatty acids and liposoluble bioactive compounds [17]. Many features and functions of dietary fats and oils have been studied extensively by the scientific community, with a focus on the impact on human health. ...
... There is an increased consumer interest in alternative sources of vegetable oils based on demand for healthy foods [17]. Compared to other plant-based oils, palm oil is higher in saturated fat and, as a result, was the target of past nutrition campaigns [13]. ...
... The current demand for oils and fats, with emphasis on healthy foods and new uses, has accelerated the search for alternative sources of these lipids. However, many oils and fats with interesting characteristics and unique compositions have not yet been fully considered for product formulation due to the scarcity of information about their properties, as is the case of some Amazonian matrices (Serra et al., 2019). ...
... Cupuassu fat has been considered an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) because it has a great content of oleic acid in its composition. These fatty acids have greater oxidation stability when compared to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in addition to reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol and lowering the risk of coronary heart disease (Bezerra et al., 2017;Serra et al., 2019). ...
... and palmitic (7.37-7.50%) acids (Bezerra et al., 2017;Serra et al., 2019). The high content of oleic acid characterizes CSF as a good source of MUFA. ...
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Annatto seed oil (ASO) and cupuassu seed fat (CSF) were combined at the ratios: 30:70, 50:50, and 70:30 (% w/w). Their fatty acid profile, nutritional quality, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectra, and rheological behavior were evaluated. ASO increased the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the blends; whereas CSF conferred higher contents of monounsaturated fatty acids. The blends exhibited low atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices, suggesting nutritional advantages. The Newtonian fluid behavior and FTIR results suggested that mixing ASO and CSF at different proportions did not affect the functional groups. ASO showed an activation energy value which indicated that this fat viscosity was more sensitive to temperature changes. The Newtonian model proved to be suitable to describe the behavior of samples, according to statistical fit parameters R2, χ2, and RSS. The resulting blends presented improved physicochemical properties and nutritional attributes, indicating their feasibility for the development of new products.
... In the first stage of the project, conducted at Humboldt school, we introduced some aspects of BD, including its economic importance (in 2021, Brazil consumed 5.57 billion liters of biodiesel) [1], some relevant properties of oils and fats (acid-and saponification number), and aspects of the reactions used to produce BD (esterification; transesterification; catalysis) [2]. We divided the seventeen participating students into 4 groups, each of 4 or 5, and gave them the following assignment for the next class, based on literature that we provided [3][4][5][6]: (i) discuss aspects (origin, economic and environmental) of (petroleum-based) diesel oil and BD [7]; (ii) suggest candidate oil/fat from the Amazon region [8]; and an alcohol (methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol) to synthesize BD; (iii) discuss some experimental variables that affect the yield of BD [9]. Regarding this assignment, we explained that the transesterification reaction will be base-catalyzed; we asked the students to consider the availability/price of the starting materials. ...
... Babassu oil (CAS 91078-92-1) was from Coppali, Lago do Junco, Maranhão, Brazil. Based on literature data [8], the molar mass of this BO was taken as 654.37 g mol -1 . Commercial "anhydrous" bioethanol (CAS 64-17-5; hereafter designated as "ethanol"; 99.8 wt%), standardized HCl-(CAS 7647-01-0) and standardized KOH solutions (CAS 1310-58-3), diethylene glycol (CAS 111-46-6), NaCl (CAS 7647-14-5) and anhydrous MgSO 4 (CAS 7487-88-9) were from Synth, São Paulo, all were used as received. ...
... The aqueous waste was discarded by the safety division of ChemUSP. a-This molar ratio is based on a molar mass of 654.37 g mol-1 for babassu oil [8]. b-The sodium ethoxide catalyst was prepared by the instructor at the beginning of the laboratory class by dissolving 1g sodium in 50 mL of commercial anhydrous ethanol; its concentration is 0.88 mol L-1. ...
... The Brazilian territory is composed of five large biomes where a great diversity of oil plant species can be found. Vegetable oils obtained from these species have a unique chemical composition, which gives them interesting biological, nutritional, and physical-chemical properties for application in various industrial sectors, in particular the food industry [1][2][3]. The interest in vegetable oils lies mainly in their high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Epidemiological studies show the strong relationship between the PUFA and MUFA consumption on the decrease in the occurrence of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. ...
... Epidemiological studies show the strong relationship between the PUFA and MUFA consumption on the decrease in the occurrence of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. Unsaturated fatty acids perform vital organic functions in the human body, participate in cell metabolism as precursors of various regulatory lipids, maintenance of cell Techniques such as thermogravimetry, gas chromatography, and Rancimat, among others, allow researchers to obtain information on thermal stability of oils, fatty acid profile, and oxidative stability, respectively [2,22,23]. Therefore, in this research, we propose to study the physical and chemical characteristics of oils obtained from the species of C. brasilienses, E. oleracea, Passiflora sp., and P. guava, to study the potentiality of these oils for use in the food industry, whether in natura or processed. ...
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In this study, the oils of açaí, passion fruit, pequi, and guava were submitted to physicochemical analysis to investigate their potential application in the food industry. Gas chromatography associated with mass spectroscopy showed that oleic and linoleic acids are mainly responsible for the nutritional quality of açaí, passion fruit, pequi, and guava oils, which exhibited 46.71%, 38.11%, 43.78%, and 35.69% of the former fatty acid, and 18.93%, 47.64%, 20.90%, and 44.72% of the latter, respectively. The atherogenicity index of the oils varied from 0.11 to 0.65, while the thrombogenicity index was 0.93 for açaí, 0.35 for guava, and 0.3 for passion fruit oils, but 1.39 for pequi oil, suggesting that the use of the first three oils may lead to a low incidence of coronary heart disease. Thermogravimetry showed that all tested oils were thermally stable above 180 °C; therefore, they can be considered resistant to cooking and frying temperatures. In general, the results of this study highlight possible applications of these oils in the food industry, either in natura or in typical food production processes.
... agrees with the literature. The omega-6 value of the red peach palm, yellow peach palm and white peach palm varieties was higher than in the research by Serra et al. [35] using other Amazonian fruits, such as buriti oil-Mauritia flexuosa-(1.13%), patawa oil-Oenocarpus bataua-(3.49%), ...
... Another variable that can influence the color of vegetable lipid extracts is the presence of lipid oxidation reactions. These reactions commonly occur in lipid matrices, oils, and fats during storage, which can be measured by acidity and peroxide levels (presented previously in Table 4), as well as the presence of metallic ions, such as iron and copper (which can become active oxidizing agents) [33,35]. ...
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This study represents a pioneering investigation and comparative analysis of lipid extracts from four different colors of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunt) fruits—red, yellow, green, and white—by employing a green method based on ethanolic ultrasound-assisted extraction. This study examined the extraction yield, physico-chemical-quality attributes, chromatographic profiles (GC), color measurements, total carotenoid content, differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTA), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The obtained lipid extracts displayed a high quality, considering the physico-chemical parameters of the Codex Alimentarius, and a fatty acids profile characterized by unsaturated fatty acids, notably omegas (ω-3, ω-6, and ω-9). The indices of atherogenicity (A.I.), thrombogenicity (I.T.), and hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic ratios revealed superior outcomes for the red peach palm lipid extract (approximately 0.35, 0.52, and 2.75, respectively), along with higher levels of β-carotene (748.36 µg of β-carotene per 100 g−1 of lipid extract) compared to the yellow, green, and white counterparts. Consequently, this research successfully demonstrates the efficacy of using a green extraction method in preserving the lipid’s quality, which can display cardiovascular functionality and thermal stability. These findings underscore the considerable potential of peach palm lipid extract as a valuable raw material for diverse industrial applications across various sectors. The results support its utilization in the production of functional food products and nutraceuticals due to its favorable fatty acid composition, potent antioxidant properties exhibited by its high β-carotene content, and notable cardiovascular functionality indices.
... Refined BO (CAS 91078-92-1) and CSO (CAS 8001-29-4) were from Cooperativa Central Do Cerrado Maranhão, Brazil, and Cargil Agricola SA, respectively. The average molecular weights employed were 654.4 and 860.6 g.mol −1 , for BO and CSO, respectively [13,14]. Absolute ethanol (CAS 64-17-5), n-hexane (CAS 110-54-3) and standardized analytical solutions (HCl, CAS 7647-01-0; KOH, CAS 1310-58-3; Na 2 S 2 O 3 , CAS 7772-98-7) were from Synth Chemical, São Paulo. ...
... BO is a highly saturated (ca. 89%) oil [13], whereas CSO is highly unsaturated one (ca. 77%) [25]. ...
... The studies included point to the Brazilian biodiversity, as it has in its territory biomes rich in animal and plant species, such as the Amazon 9,16,17,18,25,28,29,39 . Among the plant classes, there is bacaba, pracaxi and uxi. ...
... A number of research studies also cite the presence of phenolic compounds 16,30 such as α-tocopherol, commonly known as vitamin E, and considered one of the best natural antioxidants in the bacaba and pracaxi species, and this demonstrates the antioxidant profile and potential therapeutic application against inflammatory diseases of these plants 16,29 . Inflammation and oxidative stress are related to phenomena involved in pathological conditions such as cardiovascular and phenolic compounds that can contribute to the reduction of inflammatory events 49 . ...
Article
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Fruits such as bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba Mart), pracaxi (Pentaclethra macroloba Kuntze) and uxi (Endopleura uchi (Huber) Cuatrec), from the Amazon rainforest, are potentially interesting for studies of natural products. The current article aims at mapping and characterizing studies on the bacaba, pracaxi and uxi species. This review reports the main bioactive compounds identified in these species and discusses their therapeutic potential. Searches were performed in MEDLINE (Via Pubmed) and Web of Science. Thirty-one studies that described or evaluated the development of formulations aimed at the therapeutic use of the species were included. The findings suggest that species have the potential for the development of pharmaceutical formulations due to their therapeutic properties. However, further studies are required to assess safety and efficacy of these products. Therefore, it is suggested that new research studies propose strategies so that technological development is based on awareness and preservation of the biome. graphical abstract Fullsize Image
... Um desafio chave para o desenvolvimento de comunidades locais na região amazônica consiste na sua capacidade e habilidade de promover formas adequadas de gestão socioeconômica de sua enorme biodiversidade, particularmente dos seus biomateriais, incluindo espécies de palmeiras nativas, através da aplicação de tecnologias apropriadas e/ou do desenvolvimento de processos. Neste contexto, a produção de óleo vegetal é estável, promovendo o crescimento em vários países como o Brasil (CUNHA et al., 2012;SERRA et al., 2019). ...
... Há interesse nas propriedades dos óleos vegetais provenientes de espécies amazônicas, em adição a seus potenciais benefícios à saúde (SERRA et al., 2019). Neste contexto, avaliar as características físico-químicas destes produtos é uma estratégia para verificar a sua qualidade, visando diferentes utilizações na indústria. ...
... A more socially and environmentally sustainable approach to rare earth flotation could be the use of collecting reagents obtained from vegetable oils, which are rich in fatty acids and have high potential for selectivity [15]. The Amazon region stands out for its varied sources of vegetable oils, due to the great diversity of its flora [16], and whose exploitation by the cosmetics and food industries generates a large amount of oil-rich by-products [17]. ...
... This index is considered an indicator of the flotation efficiency and selectivity of fatty acids, being indicated as one the features responsible for the greater selectivity and flotability presented by linoleic acid (C18:2) over oleic acid (C18:1) in pyrophyllite flotation [27]. This parameter also refers to the oxidative stability of oils, and high values indicate good quality and longer shelf life of the vegetable oil [15]. The saponification index of pracaxi oil (176 mg KOH.g − 1 ), when compared to other Amazonian oils, such as patauá oil (190 mg KOH.g − 1 ), can be considered low, indicating that pracaxi oil presents higher molecular weight and also longer hydrocarbon chains [28]. ...
Article
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Rare earth elements have played a key role in technological advancement, attracting great visibility in the global commodity market. Xenotime, a heavy rare earth resource (YPO4), can be found associated with granitic rocks, as in the Pitinga deposit, located in the Brazilian Amazon region, where the main gangue minerals are quartz, microcline and albite. This research investigates the application of a new collector produced from pracaxi oil, an Amazon oil abundant in Brazil, in the selective flotation between xenotime and its main gangue minerals. The study conducted the synthesis and characterization of the collector, the chemical, mineralogical and surface characterization of minerals, as well as the evaluation of collector adsorption and flotability via microflotation tests, zeta potential measurements, surface tension determination and XRD, WDXRF, ICP-MS, FTIR and XPS analyses. The pracaxi collector was found to be mainly composed of oleic acid (56.2%), linoleic acid (14.1%) and behenic acid (10.6%), in addition to exhibiting a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of approximately 150 mg/L. Microflotation tests indicated that the best condition for selective recovery of xenotime occur at alkaline condition (pH 9.0), presenting selectivity of approximately 90% with collector concentration of 10.0 mg/L. The zeta potential data confirmed a selective adsorption of pracaxi collector onto xenotime, with an increase in the surface charge from −30 mV to −68 mV, whereas no significant changes were detected in the silicates. The FTIR spectra showed the appearance of a band at 1545 cm−1 on the surface of the xenotime after collector adsorption, which indicates, along with the zeta potential data, the chemical nature of the adsorption. The presence of small amounts of iron in the lattice structure of silicate gangues can act as an activator, and therefore, may be responsible for the small flotability of these minerals. The performance of the pracaxi oil collector presented in this study indicates the great potential of this Amazonian oil for application in the selective flotation of xenotime ores found in the region.
... Conventional sources of biolipids include vegetable oils from soybean, palm, rapeseed, and sunflower seed and marine such as fish ( Duhan et al., 2020 ;Lopes et al., 2020 ;Serra et al., 2019 ). However factors such as population growth, inflation, and sustainability have increased the demand for other lipid sources giving a path towards nonconventional oils ( Garcia -Vaquero & Tiwari, 2021 ; Y. . ...
... Furthermore, marine sources of biolipids such as fish oil present certain drawbacks, such as their typical fishy flavor when directly added to foods, contamination with methyl mercury, and over-fishing causing a burden on natural fish populations ( Garcia -Vaquero & Tiwari, 2021 ;Prieto & Lagaron, 2020 ). These challenges have led to studies of charactering lipids extracted from non-conventional oleaginous materials and processing by-products with enhanced nutritional and functional value that could be used in commercial applications ( Santos, de Aguiar, et al., 2021 ;Serra et al., 2019 ). Non-conventional and unexploited sources include oil from the seeds of njangsa, black cumin, chia, camelina, kenaf, pomegranate and others ( Table 1 ). ...
... These values were higher when compared to corn (11.1%), grapes (13.4%), soybeans (17%), flax (19.3%), being similar to rice bran (23.7%) and sunflower (23.9%). Serra et al. [87] identified the presence of γtocoferol, δtocoferol, α-tocotrienol, βtocotrienol, γtocotrienol (total vitamin E 597,36ppm). ...
... Studies by Costa et al. [15], Bezerra et al. [28]; Lima et al. [35], Pereira et al. [29], Serra et al. [87] and Teixeira et al. [3] characterized the oil by gas chromatography coupled to GC/MS mass spectrometry and revealed the presence of palmitic acid (1.43-1.95%) in pracaxi oil (1.43-1.95%), as well as stearic (2.68 -5.09%), oleic (47.30-53.55% ...
Article
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Pracaxi (Penthaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze) is an Amazonian plant, traditionally used by the native population to treat health disorders such as inflammation, erysipelas, wound healing, muscle pain, ear pain, diarrhea, snake and insect bites as well as for cancer treatment. Other common uses include using the oil for frying, skin and hair beautification, and as an alternative source of energy. This review is focused on highlighting its taxonomy, occurrence and botanical origins, popular uses, pharmacology and biological activities, cytotoxicity, biofuel activity and phytochemistry in order to explore future therapeutic use and other applications. Pracaxi contains triterpene saponins, sterols, tannins, oleanolic acid, unsaturated fatty acids and long-chain fatty acids, with a high behenic acid value, which may serve for incorporation into drug delivery systems as well for the development of new drugs. These components are correlated with its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, healing, anti-hemolytic, anti-hemorrhagic, antiophidic, and larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti and Helicorverpa zea, which ratify the popular/traditional uses. The species is nitrogen fixing; it is easy to propagate in floodplains and the terra firma, and it can be used for the reforestation of degraded areas. Additionally, the oil extracted from the seeds can leverage the bioeconomy of the region based on sustainable exploration.
... A common metric for evaluating unsaturation is the iodine value (IV), which is the most widely used indicator for determining the number of double bonds present in the fatty acid composition. A high IV indicates a greater proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, which are more susceptible to oxidation and degradation during processes such as cooking or long-term storage [2,3]. Conventional methods such as Wijs titration (AOCS Cd-1-25) and Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) are widely used for determining the iodine value (IV) [4][5][6]. ...
Article
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This study presents a fast, non-invasive method to determine the iodine value (IV) of edible oils using Time Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (TD-NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques. The IV, which quantifies the degree of unsaturation in fats and oils, is a key parameter in assessing oil quality and detecting potential adulteration. Different edible oils were used in this study (sunflower, soy, olive, sesame, and linseed). Statistically significant regression models (R2 > 0.92) were established between the IV derived from NMR spectra and the longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) relaxation times of the oils, which were obtained from MRI and TD-NMR analyses. The regression models obtained allow for the prediction of the IV from the T1 and T2 relaxation times across a range that includes predominantly mono- and polyunsaturated edible vegetable oils. The TD-NMR approach stands out for its speed (<2 min), lack of sample preparation (including direct analysis within the commercial packaging), and reproducibility, with a variability of only 0.62%. Meanwhile, the MRI technique allows for the simultaneous evaluation of multiple samples in a single acquisition. Together, these features make TD-NMR and MRI effective tools for the rapid and reliable analysis of the IV in edible oils.
... In general, its fatty acid profile is mainly composed of monounsaturated and unsaturated acids, with emphasis on oleic acid, followed by palmitic acid and linoleic acid, which indicates a good perspective in the use of this product for nutraceutical purposes. Furthermore, the low concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids gives buriti oil high oxidative stability (Darnet et al., 2011;Aquino et al., 2012;Aquino et al., 2015;Serra et al., 2018). ...
Article
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The Amazon is rich in oil-bearing plant species, which possess valuable physicochemical, nutritional, and nutraceutical properties, with great technological and economic potential for various industrial applications. The buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) is one of the most relevant Amazonian fruits for the region due to its high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, and tocopherols, demonstrating its high potential for use as an ingredient in the food industry. Although further investigations should be conducted to correlate the chemical composition with the biological benefits of regular consumption of buriti oil extracted with supercritical fluid, as well as to evaluate its characteristics and estimate possible applications, this technique has already been reported as economically viable for obtaining superior quality buriti oil. In this context, the aim of this research is to explore the supercritical extraction of buriti oil as an innovative approach for obtaining natural food ingredients from the Amazon.
... Oils with low acidity and low free fatty acids are desirable for domestic and biodiesel [26], however, oils with high free fatty acid could be useful for production of liquid soaps, paint, and cosmetics. Free fatty acids values obtained were 0.28, 0.14, and 1.21 % respectively. ...
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The oil contents and fatty acid composition of three non-edible seed oils extracted using Soxhlet extraction with hexane as the solvent were presented. The physical and chemical properties of the oils were determined from which cetane number, biofuel potential, higher heating values, and antimicrobial activities were assessed. The dominant fatty acids were 49 % linoleic acid, 37 % pentadecenoic acid, and 38 % cis-10-heptadecenenoic acid for Hura crepitans (HC), Thevetia nerifolia (TN) and Trichosanthes cucumerina (TC), respectively. The seed oils were majorly unsaturated, with HC having the highest degree of unsaturation. Acid value, saponification value, iodine value, and free fatty acids were low compared to many reported values in literature. The cetane values were generally high because the oils have a reasonable amount of saturated fatty acid, with TN having the highest cetane number. The low iodine value and saponification value make the biofuel potential and higher heating value to be high with TN having the highest in both and thus the best seed oil for biofuel. However, TN and HC have no antimicrobial activity to Klebsiella pneumoniae (gram -ve), Staphylococcus aureus (gram +ve), Escherichia coli (gram -ve), Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Candida albican, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium Solani, Aspergillus flavus and Candida tropicalis, while TC has broad spectrum of activity against all tested bacteria and fungi, except Klebsiella pneumoniae.
... Esse resíduo possui alto potencial, pois contém açúcares, vitaminas e nutrientes minerais, além de ser rico em fibras, óleos e outros compostos com propriedades funcionais (SILVA; JORGE, 2014). Pesquisas têm sido realizadas sobre as propriedades químicas e físicas de óleos e gorduras extraídos de espécies vegetais não convencionais para encontrar fontes alternativas de lipídios com melhor valor nutricional, bem como para potencializar a aplicação comercial (SERRA et al., 2019). ...
Article
Muitas plantas são usadas para produção de óleo e processadas com diferentes técnicas de extração em todo o mundo. Os óleos obtidos a partir de subprodutos representam uma alternativa ecológica para o descarte de resíduos. Este trabalho avaliou resíduos da fruta Campomanesia xanthocarpa, conhecida popularmente como gabiroba, como fonte de óleo. O óleo do resíduo da gabiroba foi obtido por extração assistida por ultrassom (UAE), que foi comparada com a extração por Soxhlet (SE). Os óleos foram caracterizados quanto ao perfil de ácidos graxos e comportamento térmico. Os resultados mostraram que a técnica de extração não influenciou significativamente nesses aspectos. A técnica de UAE se mostrou vantajosa uma vez que apresentou menor tempo de extração, quando comparado ao Soxhlet.
... The different carotenoid concentration values in different regions can be attributed to climatic variations such as sunlight and temperature, differences in soil, plant genetic variations, plant maturation stage, and local environmental factors such as pollution and altitude (Salami et al. 2022). According to Serra et al. (2019), 1722.87 μg/g was quantified in buriti oil in the municipality of Benevides, where the authors reported that this oleaginous matrix was used as an alternative source of raw material for the food and pharmaceutical industries. According to Costa et al. (2022), buriti oil extracted in the city of Belém was used to manufacture a cassava starch-based film that resulted in a new active and bioactive material for applications in food packaging. ...
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Buriti oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the pulp and seeds of buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.), a palm commonly found in the Amazon region, and is used both in popular medicine and in the cosmetic and food industries. This work aimed to develop a faster and more accessible procedure to quantify the content of carotenoids, polyphenols, and total flavonoids in buriti oils, where predictive models emphasize figures of merit. The study was carried out with 50 buriti oil samples from the state of Pará, Brazil, which were sampled by combining attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy with mid-infrared Fourier transform (FT-MIR) together with partial least squares regression (PLSR). The confidence and validation matrix were obtained from ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The PLSR model regarding the total carotenoid content presented values between 335.33 and 1557.05 μg/g was validated by the concentration demonstration coefficient (R²cal) equal to 0.9556, prediction demonstration coefficient (R²pred) equal to 0.85642, bias = 5.68.10⁻¹³, performance deviation ratio value (RDP) of 2.0135, and range error rate (RER) equal to 4.3747. Concentrations of phenolic compounds were predicted between 96.2964 and 121.857 GAE/100 g, where the model presented R²cal = 0.9762, R²pred = 0.8198, bias = 3.38.10⁻¹⁰, RDP = 5.9028, and RER = 5.7578. The flavonoid prediction model contains concentrations between 86.844 and 133.852 mg EC/100 g that circulate R²cal = 0.9445, R²pred = 0.8536, bias = 6.98.10⁻⁸, RDP = 6.7085, and RER = 6.7085. Buriti oil showed high levels of b-carotene. Prediction models are overwhelming and can be used for screening and quality control of natural products.
... The main phytochemicals are often chemically characterized and discussed in the papers overviewed, considering oil seeds and mesocarp flour extracts as sources (Fig. 2). Oil seed covers significant quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) 46,47 but also minor amounts of ( poly)phenols, tri-, diglycerides, terpenes, and phytosterols. 48 Table 1 shows some babassu derivatives rich in phytochemicals reviewed in this work based on the preparation method and there is an overview of the primary class of phytochemicals screened in studies. ...
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Babassu coconut (Attalea speciosa syn. Orbignya phalerata) contains an oil-rich nut primarily found in South America’s Amazon. Future market researchers prospected an increase from USD 227.7 Mn in 2022 to...
... In this research, we will focus on carotenoids, one of the main bioactive compounds present in fruits from the Brazilian Amazon region [11,12]. Carotenoids provide provitamin A and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, cardioprotective, vision protection, photoprotective and immunomodulatory actions and are lipid deposit and storage modulators. ...
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Epidemiological studies have shown that a diet rich in bioactive components significantly reduces cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. In this sense, there is a need for meta-analytical research that confirms this phenomenon and increases specific knowledge about certain bioactive compounds such as carotenoids. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to disseminate knowledge about the sources of carotenoids in fruit consumed in the north of Brazil which are outside the Brazilian trade balance. A systematic review and a meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines were conducted based on a random effects synthesis of multivariable-adjusted relative risks (RRs). Searches of seven sources were carried out, including PubMed, Science Direct from Elsevier, Web of Science, Scielo, Eric Research and Google Scholar databases. The systematic review was guided by a systematic review protocol based on the POT strategy (population, outcome and type of study) adapted for use in this research. Mendeley was a resource used to organize and manage references and exclude duplicates of studies selected for review. In this review, we present the potential bioactive compounds concentrated in little-known fruit species from the Amazon and their benefits. Consuming fruits that are rich in notable constituents such as carotenoids is important for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases through anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, as well as antivirals, immunomodulators and antioxidants agents that directly affect the immune response.
... The iodine index is the number of grams of iodine fixed per 100 g of fat under standardized conditions. Iodine binds to the double bonds of fatty acids according to the following equation: R-CH = CH-R΄ + I 2 → R-CHI-CHI-R΄ [41]. Indeed, the iodine index expresses the degree to which the fatty acids are established in a given oil. ...
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To feed up the world’s growing population and adapt to the global pandemic it is necessary to explore more sites of food including the unconventional sources of food and food ingredients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of oil from three morphotypes of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit obtained from the Maradi local market, Niger. These samples were used for the extraction of the oil by using two extraction methods namely mechanical and solvent (n-hexane). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for each of the variables to carry out a statistical analysis of the results obtained. The parameters such as iodine index, peroxide index, acid value, saponification value, and fatty acid profile were determined using standard methods described in the literature. Relative density and moisture content were also quantified. The results revealed that the iodine index ranged between 85.78±1.12 to 98.90±1.61 gI2/100 g oil which falls within the standard of edible oil. Moreover, the data from the peroxide index, water content, and fatty acid composition confirmed the quality of B. aegyptiaca oil, and it is said to have similarities with argan (Argania spinosa L.) oil. The results obtained for the relative density ranged between 0.84 to 0.97 and the saponification index values of the samples are in the range of 170.29±17.81 to 195.47±9.02 mg KOH/g. It can be concluded that this oil conforms to the standard of edible vegetable oil and can be recommended for general consumption.
... According to research, Amazonian fruits are high in bioactive components, particularly unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, and sterols. It has been observed that high levels of linoleic acid are mainly found in passion fruit seeds and Brazil nut oil [143]. There are some natural producers, such as marine microalgae, yeast, bacteria, diatoms, and phytoplankton, and protists such as thraustochytrids that can produce DHA, EPA, and ARA. ...
Article
The biorefinery approach ensures a sustainable source of valuable fatty acids and opens up new avenues for their application in healthcare industries. Recent studies highlight the health benefits of omega-PUFAs, spurring the search for cost-effective production methods. Microbial platforms are promising for high-yield PUFA production, with ω-3 dominating the market. ω-3 PUFAs offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing illness risk, while all PUFAs contribute to cardiovascular health, diabetes prevention, cancer risk reduction, and more. ω-6 PUFAs, particularly linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), play vital roles in various aspects of health, making them high-demand bioavailable compounds. Additionally, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) exhibit potential benefits in brain development and COVID-19 prevention. This comprehensive review provides insights into the state-of-the-art microbial biorefinery strategies for ω-3 and ω-6 PUFA production and their wide-ranging health-related benefits.
... Dicarboxylic acids and derivatives (oxalic acid, methylmalonic acid, succinic acid, glutaconic acid, and malonic acid); three quinone and hydroquinone lipids (γ, α, and δtocopherol); two stigmastanes and derivatives (stigmasterol and β-sitosterol); one pyrimidine nucleoside (uridine); one pyrrolidone (2-pyrrolidinone); and one triterpenoid (squalene), were also identified. These results also agree well with previous publications that demonstrate that pracaxi nuts contain sterols, such as stigmasterol and β-sitosterol [28]; and tocopherols [29]. In addition, the high amounts for oxalic acid detected in pracaxi nuts were also reported for other nuts, such as almonds or Brazilian nuts [30,31]. ...
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The Amazonian Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze nuts contain a lipidic fraction with health-promoting effects, but little is known about the bioactivity of other constituents. In this study, the lipidic fraction obtained using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO2 was chemically characterized by using lipidomics techniques. The SFE-CO2 residue, named as pracaxi cake, was re-extracted by pressurized liquid extraction following a biorefinery approach. Using a response surface methodology and based on the extraction yield and different in vitro assays, two optimum conditions were obtained: 80% and 12.5% of ethanol at 180 °C. Under these conditions, extraction yield and different in vitro measurements related to neuroprotection were assessed. Chemical characterization of these extracts suggested the presence of triterpenoid saponins and spermidine phenolamides, which were not previously reported in pracaxi nuts. These results suggest that pracaxi oil extraction by-products are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with neuroprotective potential.
... Fatty acids play critical roles in energy storage and membrane structure. Over-representation of this pathway is congruent with the need for lipid-building blocks during fruit growth and maturation [67]. Another lipid metabolism that was found to be important was steroid biosynthesis. ...
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Cocos nucifera L. is one of the most cultivated palm trees in the world since it is used to obtain both raw materials and food. From a human point of view, the coconut fruit is a very valuable product, producing an aromatic and tasty liquid endosperm (coconut water) containing high levels of sugars, amino acids and other molecules of nutritional and nutraceutical value. Most of the chemical composition studies conducted on coconut to date have focused on the determination of fatty acid content in coconut oil and the extension of the shelf life of coconut water. Despite the economic importance of this species, the maturation of the coconut fruit is a complex biological process scarcely studied from the metabolic approach and biochemical changes occurring during fruit maturation are not well-known. The objective of this study is to investigate and elucidate the metabolic changes that occur during the maturation process of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) fruits, specifically focusing on the liquid endosperm of the Yucatan green dwarf variety. In this study, the liquid endosperm of coconut fruits at the immature, intermediate and mature stages have been analyzed through an untargeted metabolomics approach by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). A total of 591 spectrometric features were detected and the corresponding identified compounds were classified into 24 chemical classes. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed segregation among the samples, according to their stage of maturation. Most of the metabolites detected were related to the metabolism of flavonoids, carbohydrates and organooxygen compounds. Pathway analysis showed that sphingolipid, starch and sucrose metabolisms were among the most over-accumulated during ripening, followed by the metabolism of glyoxylates and dicarboxylates and the metabolism of amino acids such as alanine, aspartate and glutamate, and others. This is the first study that focuses on elucidating the metabolic profiles of the liquid endosperm of coconut Yucatan green dwarf variety during three stages of maturation with an untargeted metabolomics approach through UPLC-MS.
... The baru oil extracted by the UP30 treatment showed refractive index values of 1.46. This parameter indicates the general degree of unsaturation of the oil and is often used as a criterion for detecting the purity value of extracted oils [36,42]. The iodine value measures the total number of double bonds (unsaturation) in the oil sample [43]. ...
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The baru almond stands out as almond rich in proteins, lipids, fibers, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant potential. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of fixed oil from baru seed (Dipteryx alata), performed by the hydraulic press and Soxhlet using eco-friendly solvents (ethanol, 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran (2-METHF), and d-limonene), using preliminary treatment with ultrasound and microwaves, as well as carrying out the chemical and functional oil and evaluate its stability during 60 days of storage at 25 °C. Evaluating the combinations of extraction methods and solvents, ethanol was the solvent that presented the best results. The ultrasound method as a pretreatment in 30 min, followed by hydraulic pressing, was the one that presented the best results in oil yield and quality. Therefore, this method was adopted for the other stages of this study. Regarding the chemical composition of the oil, it was rich in unsaturated fatty acids, the main fatty acid being oleic acid at 45.90%, followed by linoleic acid at 25.96%. Regarding oxidative stability, the oil remained stable during 30 days of storage at 25 °C. During the days of storage, there were changes in the peroxide index (of 0.15 for 4.32 meq Kg⁻¹), in the composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (of 26.04 for 25.03%), and a reduction in the total tocopherols (of 10.94 for 7.43 mg 100 g⁻¹) present in the oil. Finally, ultrasound has shown promise in extracting baru oil. Still, special methods are needed to protect the extracted oils from pro-oxidative factors. Graphical abstract
... Aryee, 2023aAryee, , 2023bSerra et al., 2019). These nonconventional lipid sources include a wide range of plant-and microbial-based oils with unique compositions of BFAs, diverse array of fatty acids (FAs) with distinct nutritional and functional properties (Diomande et al., 2019;Gutiérrez-Luna et al., 2022). ...
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There is growing evidence that bioactive fatty acids (BFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5–3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6–3), and conjugated fatty acids offer multiple biological benefits and constitute ingredients in functional food development. Despite their potential, novel and alternative/nonconventional sources with unique bioactive properties to meet growing demand remain largely unexplored, poorly characterized, and their effects are not well understood. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify studies on alternative sources of BFAs, their functions, extraction, and application in the food and nutraceutical industry. Twenty studies delved into alternate sources such as plants, bacteria, and algae. Six studies found EPA and DHA as the dominant FA in algal sources, while ten studies reported several BFAs from plant sources. Five studies assessed the health benefits of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), arachidonic acid (ARA), EPA, γ‐linolenic acid (GLA), and linoleic acid (LA). Eleven studies compared the quality of oil recovered by green solvents, pressurized liquid, supercritical fluid, and assisted extraction methods. Three studies assessed the effects of assisted extraction methods and reported that these approaches improved oil yield and quality, but the findings may have limited applicability to other lipid sources. The quality of nonconventional lipids largely depends on extraction techniques. Four studies suggested methods like 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, LC‐MS/MS; however, their analytical differences make accurate comparison inadequate. Five studies found that the incorporation of algal and seafood biolipids during product development increased EHA and DHA contents.
... Tocotrienols either were not present in any of the other investigated oils or were found only in negligible amounts. A relatively high concentration has previously only been observed in Pentaclethra filamentosa = P. macroloba by [41]; however, tocotrienol standards are not listed in used materials and it is unclear what method was used to confirm the identity of the compounds. As such, the notable concentration of tocotrienols in D. regia oil should be regarded with caution and more studies are needed to corroborate this finding. ...
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Bioactive lipophilic compounds were investigated in 14 leguminous tree species of timber, agroforestry, medicinal or ornamental use but little industrial significance to elucidate their potential in food additive and supplement production. The tree species investigated were: Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia concinna, Albizia lebbeck, Albizia odoratissima, Bauhinia racemosa, Cassia fistula, Dalbergia latifolia, Delonix regia, Entada phaseoloides, Hardwickia binata, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Senegalia catechu, Sesbania sesban and Vachellia nilotica. The hexane-extracted oils of ripe seeds were chromatographically analysed for their fatty acid composition (GC-MS), tocochromanol (RP-HPLC/FLD), squalene and sterol (GC-FID) content. A spectrophotometrical method was used to determine total carotenoid content. The results showed generally low oil yield (1.75–17.53%); the highest was from H. binata. Linoleic acid constituted the largest proportion in all samples (40.78 to 62.28% of total fatty acids), followed by oleic (14.57–34.30%) and palmitic (5.14–23.04%) acid. The total tocochromanol content ranged from 100.3 to 367.6 mg 100 g−1 oil. D. regia was the richest and the only to contain significant amount of tocotrienols while other oils contained almost exclusively tocopherols, dominated by either α-tocopherol or γ-tocopherol. The total carotenoid content was highest in A. auriculiformis (23.77 mg 100 g−1), S. sesban (23.57 mg 100 g−1) and A. odoratissima (20.37 mg 100 g−1), and ranged from 0.7 to 23.7 mg 100 g−1 oil. The total sterol content ranged from 240.84 to 2543 mg 100 g−1; A. concinna seed oil was the richest by a wide margin; however, its oil yield was very low (1.75%). Either β-sitosterol or Δ5-stigmasterol dominated the sterol fraction. Only C. fistula oil contained a significant amount of squalene (303.1 mg 100 g−1) but was limited by the low oil yield as an industrial source of squalene. In conclusion, A. auriculiformis seeds may hold potential for the production of carotenoid-rich oil, and H. binata seed oil has relatively high yield and tocopherol content, marking it as a potential source of these compounds.
... Previous studies have demonstrated a similar nutritional characterization of this oil, which has a predominance of monounsaturated fatty acids, followed by saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids [23,31]. Buriti oil has a higher concentration of β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and oleic acid compared to oils extracted from the mesocarp of other Brazilian palm trees (Arecaceae), such as bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba), inajá (Maximiliana maripa), pupunha (Bactris gasipaes), tucumã (Astrocaryum vulgare), and buritirana (Mauritiella armata) [32][33][34][35]. ...
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The indiscriminate use of oral ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) doses induces significant oxidative damage to health. However, carotene-rich foods such as buriti oil can help the endogenous antioxidant defense and still maintain other body functions. This study aimed to assess the effects of buriti oil intake in iron-overloaded rats by FeSO4 administration. Buriti oil has β-carotene (787.05 mg/kg), α-tocopherol (689.02 mg/kg), and a predominance of monounsaturated fatty acids (91.30 g/100 g). Wistar rats (n = 32) were subdivided into two control groups that were fed a diet containing either soybean or buriti oil; and two groups which received a high daily oral dose of FeSO4 (60 mg/kg body weight) and fed a diet containing either soybean (SFe) or buriti oil (Bfe). The somatic and hematological parameters, serum lipids, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined after 17 days of iron overload. Somatic parameters were similar among groups. BFe showed a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (38.43%) and hemoglobin (7.51%); an increase in monocytes (50.98%), SOD activity in serum (87.16%), and liver (645.50%) hepatic GPx (1017.82%); and maintained serum GPx compared to SFe. Buriti oil showed systemic and hepatic antioxidant protection in iron-overloaded rats, which may be related to its high carotenoid, tocopherol, and fatty acid profile.
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Objectives Favism is a metabolic disease while pracaxi oil is a strong antioxidant agent. This study evaluates anti-infertility activity and assists normal male fertilization of pracaxi oil in favism-induced male rats. Methods A 36 male albino rats of six equal sets were each with 6 rats; Control, Pracaxi oil (1 mL), and Pracaxi oil (2 mL), Favism-induced male rats-, Pracaxi oil (1 mL) + Favism-induced male rats, and Pracaxi oil (2 mL) + Favism-induced male rats groups. Blood parameters, liver function, serum male hormones were determined. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, total protein, and cholesterol in testis were estimated. Sodium/potassium-ATPase and antioxidants in the hypothalamus, testis, and sperm were assessed. Sperm count, motility, and abnormality, and sperm monoclonal proliferating antibody Ki-67 were evaluated. Results Favism decreased blood parameters, liver function, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, serum testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, sperm count and motility, sodium/potassium-ATPase activity while increased malondialdehyde, serum follicle stimulating hormone, sex hormone binding globulin, and luteinizing hormone, glucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cholesterol, total protein, sperm abnormality, the percentage of spermatogonia, 1st spermatocyte, 2nd spermatocyte, and spermatid in the testis. Furthermore, two doses of pracaxi oil to favism-induced male rats back all of aforementioned parameters to be close control values where a higher dose of pracaxi oil had an efficient impact than a lower dose. Conclusions Pracaxi oil protects the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis, and preserves sperm quality in favism-induced male rats.
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This study differentiates, based on their physicochemical properties, the fats of pork, beef and chicken. Fats from the three animal species were extracted and assessed for their iodine, peroxide and acid values and moisture/volatile matter contents. Triacylglycerol (TAG) and fatty acid compositions of the oils were determined, and their structural and thermal properties analysed. Results showed that chicken fat had higher iodine value compared to that of lard and beef fat indicating that avian fat has more double bonds and less oxidative stability. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the acid values of lard and beef fat. Similarly, there was no significant differences (P>0.05) either in the moisture/volatile matter content of lard, and fats of beef and chicken. Highest unsaturated fatty acids were present in chicken fat (68%) followed by lard (55.06%) and beef fat (46.86%). Chicken fat has the lowest cooling and melting temperatures (~ -38 oC and ~ -27 oC, respectively). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of beef fat could be differentiated from that of lard and chicken fat in existing peak at frequency ~1127 cm−1. Highest total saturated TAG and fatty acids were observed in beef fat (~84% and ~ 53%) while chicken fat showed the highest total unsaturated TAGs and fatty acids (~81% and ~68%). Results from this study could serve as a basis for authenticity determination of food products and quantification of adulteration.
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Portulaca oleracea L., commonly known as purslane, is a plant consumed in Europe, Asia and Africa, with nutraceutical compounds and essential fatty acids whose content exceeds that of vegetables such as spinach and lettuce. On the other hand, organic fertilization improves the physical-chemical characteristics of the soil and thus promotes growth, physiology and secondary metabolism, improving the chemical composition of the plant. In order to evaluate the effect of organic fertilization on fatty acid content and anti-diabetic activity (α-Glucosidase), greenhouse-grown plants were subjected to three treatments: control without additional fertilizers, with compost and vermicompost. The results indicated that vermicompost significantly increased oleic and linoleic acid content. However, palmitic acid content decreased, although other saturated fatty acids such as lauric, myristic and stearic acids did not show variations in the different treatments. Of the polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, linolenic acid (omega-3) increased in the control treatment. On the other hand, the enzyme α-Glucosidase did not show differences in the different fertilization treatments. However, its high percentage of inhibition (60 %) positions it as a species with high antidiabetic potential. Efeito da adubação orgânica na produção de ácidos graxos e atividade antidiabética de Portulaca oleracea L.
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Small ruminant husbandry is an important source of subsistence and income for family farmers, contributing to food security and socioeconomic development. To increase the production of these animals while aiming for low feeding costs, it is necessary to resort to different food alternatives that not only reduce expenses but also provide the animals with higher nutrient consumption and utilization. In this context, mesocarp and babassu oil emerge as dietary alternatives, which are generally considered nutritious sources, improving productive performance and reducing metabolic diseases caused by high grain concentration in the diet. The objective of this literature review is to survey the consumption and digestibility of nutrients in small ruminants fed with babassu oil and mesocarp in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. The selected articles for this review were published in databases from 2013 to 2023, using the following inclusion criteria: babassu oil, babassu mesocarp, alternative feeding, lambs nutrition, intake, and digestibility of nutrients. The studies indicate that babassu oil and mesocarp can be used in small ruminant feeding, resulting in significant gains in nutrient consumption and digestibility. However, there are restrictions regarding the use of these alternative feeds in the diet, with the appropriate quantity for mesocarp being between 10% to 10.5%, and for babassu oil, up to 7%. KEYWORDS: alternative feed; caprine; ovine; babassu palm; animal production.
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The work analyzed a total five (5) different soil samples in the rhizosphere of rice from Sokoto metropolis. Therewith, the potentially of bacterial isolate was screened for the lipase production using standard methods and procedures, and chemicals of analytical grade. Bacillus spp had the highest percentage of occurrence 40%. The next was E. coli with percentage of 30%. Followed by, Flavobacterium with percentage of 20% which also show that flavobacterium appears in two locations. S.aureus had a percentage occurrence of 10% respectively. The results of this study outlined the potential of synthesizing lipase enzyme from bacteria (especially the Bacillus spp which had a highest lipase activity). In turn, microbes examined could be utilized as for industrial production and other benefits.
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Brazil nut oil is highly valued in the food, cosmetic, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as other sectors of the economy. This work aims to use the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique associated with partial least squares regression (PLSR) and principal component analysis (PCA) to demonstrate that these methods can be used in a prior and rapid analysis in quality control. Natural oils were extracted and stored for chemical analysis. PCA presented two groups regarding the state of degradation, subdivided into super-degraded and partially degraded groups in 99.88% of the explained variance. The applied PLS reported an acidity index (AI) prediction model with root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) = 1.8564, root mean square error of cross-validation (REMSECV) = 4.2641, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) = 2.1491, R2cal (calibration correlation coefficient) equal to 0.9679, R2val (validation correlation coefficient) equal to 0.8474, and R2pred (prediction correlation coefficient) equal to 0, 8468. The peroxide index (PI) prediction model showed RMSEC = 0.0005, REMSECV = 0.0016, RMSEP = 0.00079, calibration R2 equal to 0.9670, cross-validation R2 equal to 0.7149, and R2 of prediction equal to 0.9099. The physical–chemical analyses identified that five samples fit in the food sector and the others fit in other sectors of the economy. In this way, the preliminary monitoring of the state of degradation was reported, and the prediction models of the peroxide and acidity indexes in Brazil nut oil for quality control were determined.
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Babassu mesocarp is a product generated during the processing of babassu fruit. That material is a valuable source of starch, which exhibits distinct properties. This review addresses the extraction methods, chemical composition, structure, morphology, properties, and potential uses of babassu mesocarp starch (BMS). In addition, comparisons with other conventional and nonconventional starch sources are also presented. Significant variations in the chemical composition of BMS are found by some authors. Morphological studies demonstrate that starch granules come in a variety of sizes, but the shape is mostly oval. Additionally, authors have observed C-type crystallinity of babassu starches by X-ray diffraction. Although native BMS has techno-functional limitations and food applications have been poorly explored, their characteristics are like those of corn. This review provides the latest useful references about BMS and its usability in the food and nonfood industries and shows potential remarks to direct future research on BMS.
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Five samples of buriti oil from industrial and artisanal suppliers were characterized in terms of nutritional quality parameters (nutraceutical levels) and acidity. As a first screening, each sample was analyzed by titration, spectrophotometry and an HPLC method, and the results were compared. As expected, artisanal samples showed lower acidity and higher levels of carotenes and tocols (tocopherols and tocotrienols). A blend of industrial and artisanal samples in suitable proportions was completely characterized in terms of analytical and physico-chemical properties, i.e., fatty acid composition, iodine value, partial and total acylglycerol contents, refractive index (40°C), saponification value, unsaponifiable matter, acidity (expressed as % of oleic acid), peroxide value, phosphorus content, oil stability index, tocol and carotene concentrations. The results of the present study showed that buriti oil is a valuable source of monounsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins A and E. No previous work in the literature has analyzed buriti oil to this extent. The chromatographic method using HPLC was effective in qualifying and quantifying tocopherols, tocotrienols and carotenes.
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The kernel oils of five different palm species native to the Amazon basin and French Guyana were studied. Those studied were Acrocomia lasiospatha Wall., Astrocaryum vulgare C. Mart., Bactris gasipaes H.B.K., Elaeis oleifera (Kunth) Cortés, and Maximiliana maripa Drude. Lauric and myristic acids were found in all of the oils. Analysis of the unsaponifiable contents, especially the sterol and triterpene alcohol determinations, revealed the preponderance of sitosterol and the presence of two triterpene alcohols (cycloartenol and 24-methylenecycloartanol). Antioxidant (vitamin E) levels were present in small amounts, with the levels being more similar to olive than to palm oil.
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The fatty acid (FA) composition of Oenocarpus bataua oil from 38 samples collected over a large geographical range (i.e. French Guiana and Peru) was analyzed. Fifteen fatty acids were obtained from the mesocarp of this palm species. Oleic (72.7%) and palmitic (18.1%) acids were the predominant FAs. Minor FAs were cis-vaccenic acid (2.3%), linoleic acid (1.9%), stearic acid (1.7%), palmitoleic (0.9%) and alpha-linolenic acid (0.8%). The mean lipid content of the dry mesocarp was 51.6%. The O. bataua oil samples analyzed were remarkably rich in α-tocopherol. By contrast, the other fractions of the unsaponifiable matter (sterols, carotenoids) did not show any noteworthy specificity in comparison with common vegetable oils. However, the particularly high percentage in Δ5-avenasterol of O. bataua oil could serve as a marker for its authentication. Results are discussed in terms of the potential nutritional value of O. bataua oil.
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Omega-6 (ω6) and omega-3 (ω3) fatty acids are two classes of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from linoleic acid (18:2ω6) and α-linolenic acid (18:3ω3), respectively. Enzymatic metabolism of linoleic and α-linolenic acids generates arachidonic acid (20:4ω6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5ω3; EPA), respectively, both of which are substrates for enzymes that yield eicosanoids with multiple and varying physiological functions. Further elongation and desaturation of EPA yields the 22-carbon fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (22:6ω3; DHA). The main dietary source of EPA and DHA for human consumption is fish, especially oily fish. There is considerable evidence that EPA and DHA are protective against cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke), particularly in individuals with pre-existing disease. ω3 Fatty acids benefit multiple risk factors including blood pressure, blood vessel function, heart function and blood lipids, and they have antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative actions. ω3 Fatty acids do not adversely interact with medications. Supplementation with ω3 fatty acids is recommended in individuals with elevated blood triglyceride levels and patients with coronary heart disease. A practical recommendation for the general population is to increase ω3 fatty acid intake by incorporating fish as part of a healthy diet that includes increased fruits and vegetables, and moderation of salt intake. Health authorities recommend the general population should consume at least two oily fish meals per week.
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Inflammation is a normal process that is part of host defense and tissue healing. However, excessive or unresolved inflammation can lead to uncontrolled tissue damage, pathology and disease. In humans on a Western diet, the omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid (ARA) makes a significant contribution to the fatty acids present in the membrane phospholipids of cells involved in inflammation. ARA is a precursor to a number of potent pro-inflammatory mediators including well described prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which has led to the development of anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals that target the ARA pathway to successfully control inflammation. Hence, it is commonly believed that increasing dietary intake of the omega-6 fatty acids ARA or its precursor linoleic acid (LA) will increase inflammation. However, studies in healthy human adults have found that increased intake of ARA or LA does not increase the concentrations of many inflammatory markers. Epidemiological studies have even suggested that ARA and LA may be linked to reduced inflammation. Contrastingly, there is also evidence that a high omega-6 fatty acid diet inhibits the anti-inflammatory and inflammation-resolving effect of the omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, the interaction of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and their lipid mediators in the context of inflammation is complex and still not properly understood.
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Background With a continuous increase in population and economic development, the demand for high quality seed oils keeps increasing in China. In the last decades, many minor edible oils become increasing and popular. Scope and approach In this review, the chemical composition and nutritional properties of minor edible oils, including flaxseed oil, corn oil, rice bran oil, camellia oil, safflower oil, almond oil, grape seed oil, walnut oil, perilla seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, evening primrose oil, Eucommia ulmoides Oliver seed oil, penoy seed oil, sea buckthorn seed oil, Acer truncatum Bunge seed oil, Torreya grandis seed oil and tomato seed oil, were summarized. The characteristic chemical compositions of these 17 kinds of minor edible oils were analyzed from fatty acid composition, phytosterols, tocopherols, total phenolic content, squalene and β-carotene contents. Key findings and conclusions Different types of vegetable oils have their own specific advantages and biological activities, and appropriate vegetable oils can be selected to meet individual needs accordingly. For example, Acer truncatum Bunge seed oil contains 5.52% nervonic acid (C24:1) that can promote the repair and regeneration of nerve cells and tissues damaged, while corn oil and rice bran oil have higher contents of campesterol and total phytosterol and might be therefore better choices for patients with high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. This review could benefit comprehensive understanding nutritional values of minor vegetable oils and future researches on nutrition and product development.
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As a part of ‘Nutritive Value of Indian Foods’ project, total 320 samples of edible oils and fats (Oils-236; Vanaspati- 45; Ghee-39) were evaluated for their fatty acid profile analysis. It is the first comprehensive report on fatty acids profile of fats & oil commonly consumed in India. Each edible oil showed its own unique fatty acid profile with significant variation within individual fatty acid. A large variation was noticed in fatty acid profile among various edible oils and fats. Pure safflower oil exhibited the highest total TPUFA (76.78%) while the highest TSFA was noticed for coconut oil (90.84%). High level of erucic acid in the range of 48.5 to 54.2% was observed in mustard oil.. Groundnut and rice bran oils showed TPUFA/TSFA ratio closer to WHO recommended value. Several vanaspati samples exhibited trans fatty acid beyond the permitted limit while trace amount of the same was also detected in ghee.
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The research for new alternative energy sources has encouraged the study of different raw materials for the production of biodiesel. This work evaluated the use of murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru Mart.) butter, and oils of buriti (Mauritia flexuosa Mart.) and pracaxi (Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze) for biodiesel production by homogeneous alkaline transesterification. It was also studied their thermal stability by thermal gravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) and performed a kinetic study of the thermal decomposition of biodiesels using the Ozawa method. Classical physical and chemical analyses were used to characterize the oils and synthesized biodiesels. The results regarding the physico-chemical properties of the biodiesels were consistent with the values specified by Brazilian, American and European standards. Pracaxi biodiesel was thermally more stable than buriti and murumuru biodiesels. Due to their low decomposition temperatures, buriti and murumuru biodiesels showed high volatility, a very important feature associated with improved combustion properties, allowing their application in diesel engines. The values obtained for the activation energy of the thermal decomposition process of biodiesels confirmed that pracaxi biodiesel possesses greater thermal stability among the species studied.
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Oils and fats have many functions in food product preparation. Quality, stability and nutritional features of oils are the most important factors in food technology. There is no pure oil with good functional and nutritional properties and appropriate oxidative stability. Therefore, vegetable oils are modified using different methods to enhance their commercial applications and to improve their nutritional quality. Modification methods are hydrogenation, interesterification, fractionation and blending.
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Tocopherols are plant-synthesized, lipid-soluble compounds widely distributed in vegetable oils. They all behave as antioxidants and have other biological functions in the body. Nutritionally, the most important is α-tocopherol, now defined as vitamin E. It prevents specific neurological deficiency symptoms appearing rarely in humans. Liver α-tocopherol transfer protein binds specifically α-tocopherol and spares it for tissues, whereas other tocopherols are easily metabolized and excreted. Despite its antioxidant function, α-tocopherol supplementation was not found effective against chronic diseases triggered by oxidative stress. Recently, interest in non-α-tocopherols and tocotrienols has increased, yet their fate and function in the body are poorly known.
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Lauric oils form a group of tropical oils that have in common that lauric acid is the main fatty acid in their constituent triglycerides. Myristic acid also tends to be well represented, and the unsaturated fatty acid content is low in comparison with most seed oils. Annual production exceeds 10 million tons. The oils are used to make soaps and as such in cooking and frying applications. Palm kernel oil can be fractionated to yield a stearin fraction that on hydrogenation yields a cocoa butter substitute, and all lauric oils can be used in blends to be interesterified with palm stearin to yield trans isomer-free hardstocks for margarine and shortenings. The medium-chain fatty acid content of lauric oils makes them a source for medium-chain triglycerides, fats that are easily metabolized and are therefore given to patients who have difficulty in absorbing fats with longer-chain fatty acids.
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This study aimed to assess the nutritional composition of the fruit and the physicochemical and bioactive properties of jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril L.) pulp and seed oils. The lipid content of both fractions was below 6%. There was a significant presence of minerals, especially, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. The main macronutrient in pulp and seed was crude fiber, and considerable amounts of Vitamin C, 51.87 and 121.45 mg/100 g respectively, were found. The physicochemical properties demonstrated the good quality of the oils. The oxidative stability index was influenced by the composition of fatty acids reaching a value of 45.97 h for the jatoba pulp oil. The most abundant bioactive compounds were α-tocopherol (886.37 and 993.63 mg/kg) and β-sitosterol (61.83 and 91.09 mg/kg) for pulp and seed oils, respectively. Among the unsaturated fatty acids in the pulp, the oleic (46.09%) and linolenic acid (14.54%) stood out. The pulp and seed oils can be considered a valuable source for new industrial, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
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The aboriginal people of Amazon region cultivate the seje palm (Jessenia bataua) as a source of food and vegetable fiber. The oil, which is locally used mainly for medicinal purposes, is obtained from the palm fruits by artisanal procedures in which the fruit is heated in hot water and then the mass is pressed using a “sebucan.” The chemical characteristics of virgin seje oils obtained from eight Piaroa communities of the state of Amazonas, Venezuela, were evaluated, with particular emphasis on their minor constituents. The fatty acid profile indicated that oleic acid was the major component (>75%). The most abundant sterols were Δ5avenosterol andβ-sitosterol, with relative contents of 35 and 38%, respectively. The most abundant aliphatic alcohols were those with 7, 8 and 10 carbon atoms. Among tocopherols, α-tocopherol was predominant. Aldehydes such as heptanal, octanal and decanal were present in the volatile fraction along with terpenoid compounds. The virgin seje oil is an important source of edible oil with high oleic acid content and low concentrations of saturated fatty acids, which is different from oils other than palm oils. It can be used as edible oil and also for soap making, in cosmetics and for medical treatment of pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis and tuberculosis. It is also an important source of a nonconventional vegetable oil with bioactive compounds of special interest from a nutritional point of view. In general, this oil has a great potential due to the increasing use of lower quality edible oils for the production of biodiesel.
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Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family thought to have hypocholesterolaemic, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective properties. We compared the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of 450 mg total tocotrienols from α-tocotrienol-rich barley oil and γ-tocotrienol-rich palm oil (both also low in tocopherols) in seven healthy male human subjects 0–24 h post-dose. The maximum α-tocotrienol plasma concentration (22.57 ± 2.84 mg/L, 2.1 ± 0.3 h) was significantly (p < 0.001) higher for barley oil than for palm oil (5.25 ± 0.99 mg/L, 2.3 ± 0.6 h). The area under the curve (0–24 h) of total (α-, β-, γ-, δ-) tocotrienols was significantly (p < 0.001) (2.6fold) higher in the barley oil group, where the total (0–24 h) urinary metabolites carboxyethyl-hydroxychromans (CEHC) and carboxymethylbutyl-hydroxychromans (CMBHC) were also significantly (p < 0.05) (1.2fold) higher (163.9 ± 19.2 μmol). Thus, due to its high proportion of α-tocotrienol, which is known for its preferential absorption, the barley oil formulation was superior to the commercial palm oil formulation. This provides support for the application of tocotrienols from barley oil in the functional foods field.
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Fruits and nuts from the North and Northeast regions of Brazil were collected to determine their phytosterol and tocopherol content. The species studied were Cotia nut (Aptandra spruceana M.), Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.), Mucajá (Couma rigida M.), Red Açaí (Euterpe oleracea M.), Inajá (Maximiliana maripa D.), Jenipapo (Genipa Americana L.), Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) and Uxi (Endopleura uchi C.). Phytosterols were analyzed by GC–FID using β-cholestanol as an internal standard, while tocopherols were determined by RP-HPLC-DAD. The pulps of Mucajá (26–236 mg 100 g–1), Inajá (119–285 mg 100 g–1) and Jenipapo (216 mg 100 g–1) showed the highest total phytosterol contents. Considering α-tocopherol equivalents, the pulps of Buriti (346.72 μg g–1) and Uxi (200.92 μg g–1) contained the highest vitamin E activity. Therefore, the results indicate that these fruits and nuts have great potential to be cultivated and marketed as alternative dietary sources for these bioactive compounds.
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The thermal and structural behavior of four industrial lauric fats, sold under the same commercial description, were investigated by using pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (pNMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) in order to obtain more basic information about their physical properties and particularly, about their polymorphism. The four fats have been classified into two groups based on their fatty acid (FA) and triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions: group 1 was characterized by its high concentration of stearic acid and group 2 by its high concentrations in lauric and myristic acids. After cooling and 24 h tempering at 4 °C, groups 1 and 2 crystallized in the β′2 and β′1 forms, respectively. These crystalline varieties corresponded to double-chain-length organizations (2 L) with the long spacing (LS) values around 36.48, 37.43, and 37.65 Å for group 1, and 33.89, 34.00, 35.04, 37.64, and 37.76 Å for group 2. During heating from 5 to 50 °C at 5 °C/min, the two groups evolved, respectively, from the 2Lβ′2 or 2Lβ′1 forms to liquid state without going through the 2Lβ form, indicating their great β′ polymorph stability. However, after rapid cooling (−25 °C/min), all fats exhibited the same polymorphic evolution; they evolved from the α form between −30 and −10 °C to a mixture of α and β′2 forms with the vanishing of α crystal between 10 and 20 °C and that of β′2 polymorph at the temperatures above 35 °C. The passage to liquid state was also realized without the occurrence of β transition. The XRD data were in accordance with DSC melting profiles or with solid fat content (SFC) melting profiles.
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In the present work, a detailed study is performed for carotene thermal degradation in palm oil at four temperatures ranging from 170 to 230 °C. The heating process was carried out with injection of nitrogen, and the samples were collected every 20 min during a total heating period of 140 min. HPLC analysis was conducted to monitor the carotenoids and tocols variations over the heating time at each temperature. The experimental data were then compared to literature data concerning carotenoids thermal degradation. The thermal degradation kinetics of carotenoids in palm oil followed an order superior to 1. The dependence of constant rates with temperature obeyed the Arrhenius relationship. The activation energy for the carotenoids thermal degradation in palm oil was found to be 109.4 kJ/mol.
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The tocopherol (Toc) isoforms in 14 edible oils were determined and related to lipid oxidation of the oils. Oxidative stability of the vegetable oils was assessed using Rancimat analysis. The oxidation of these oils at specific lipid oxidation phases was determined by measuring the primary oxidation products generated during propagation phase (conjugated dienes and trienes), and lipid peroxides (iodometric assay), together with secondary oxidation products (TBARS assay). The naturally occurring α-Toc level of oils was correlated (R = 0.696; P < 0.05) with conjugated diene level in vegetable oils, indicating a potential pro-oxidant effect. This relationship was not observed for other lipid oxidation measures, or with other Toc isoforms. In addition, there was a common tendency for significant losses of α-Toc which paralleled the formation of conjugated dienes (R = 928, P < 0.05) in heated vegetable oils; again confirming the potential for α-Toc content to elicit pro-oxidant activity. The fact that γ-Toc was the dominant form of Toc isoform in many different vegetable oil sources tested herein, suggests that the pro-oxidant activity of α-Toc can be attributed to its high chemical reactivity as a free radical scavenger, rather than the abundance of α-Toc, in comparison to γ-Toc or δ-Toc in the oil. This observation was supported by the consistently greater degradation of α-Toc in heated vegetable oils compared to the non-α-Toc isoform counterparts. Lastly, the observed pro-oxidant activity of α-Toc was found to be specific to the formation of conjugated dienes, thus indicating that this measure of lipid oxidation assessment needs to be included when evaluating the roles of mixed Toc in different plant oil systems.
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Functional and nutritional quality of oils is the most important parameter in food-related areas of study. The applicability of these products depends directly on the cost-benefit analysis and extraction yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield, nutritional quality, and thermaloxidative stability of the Brazil nut oil obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction under different conditions of temperature and pressure. The results showed that the highest extraction yield was obtained at pressure of 300 bar and temperature of 60 °C. The quality and colorimetric evaluations revealed a material with strong tendency to yellow color. Its fatty acid profile showed predominance of unsaturated fatty acids (75%). It was thermally stable under progressive temperature increases up to 300 °C. The oxidative stability showed oxidation induction time around 14.85 h. The spectroscopic profile confirms the quality of the oil obtained without the presence of carbon compounds that could indicate oxidative degradation.
Article
A normal-phase HPLC method for analysis of carotenes, tocopherols and tocotrienols has been developed and validated. In this work we presented a modification to the official AOCS method for analysis of tocols which allowed simultaneous quantification of the three groups of compounds, including carotenes. Analytes were separated using a gradient mobile phase (hexane and isopropanol) and with a gradient flow rate (1–2mLmin−1). The column effluent was monitored by Photo Diode Array detector (PDA) set at 292nm (tocols) and 455nm (β-carotene) and by fluorescence detector set at an excitation wavelength of 290 and 330nm emission. Inter- and intra-run accuracies and precision of the analytical method were better than±15%. The lower limit of quantification was 5.0mgL−1 for the tocols and 0.1mgL−1 for carotenes. The method has been applied for the quantification of these compounds in Amazon oils.
Article
A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the laboratory scale determination of the tocopherol content of assai pulp is reported. This method includes the description of microscale saponification and extraction with diethyl ether. The optimized conditions for reversed-phase HPLC with UV and fluorescence detection were as follows: 250mm×4.60mm Gemini C18 column with 5μm particles, 28°C column temperature, 95:5 (vv-1) methanol:water mobile phase, 1.0mLmin-1 flow rate and 2.6% method precision for α-tocopherol. To determine the α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherol content of fresh pulp, the analyzed assai pulp was collected from three different regions of production in the Amazonian estuary. This study revealed that assai pulp is rich in vitamin E (394.3μgg-1 dry matter of α-tocopherol), confirming the nutritional properties of assai.
Article
The difference in bioactivity between d- and dl- forms of α-tocopherol is reflected in the currently established United States Pharmacopoeia Standards for vitamin E activity. Current evidence strongly supports the concept that the presently accepted values assigned to the d- and dl- forms of α-tocopherol and corresponding acetate esters are valid for application to farm animals. Consequently, there is no known advantage to supplementing animal feeds with d- forms of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) so long as what is supplemented is provided in International Units and not in milligrams.
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The chemical composition of seeds ofLecythis usitata,Allantoma lineataandCouroupita guianensis(Lecythidaceae) were analysed in order to contribute to better understanding of the nutritional and economic potential of Amazon oleaginous species. Results are presented for the main components, minerals and some trace elements, the fatty acid, tocopherol and sterol as well as the amino acid composition. In the case of elemental composition the high contents of barium and selenium are remarkable, especially inL. usitataseeds (100 mg/100 g and 2·9 mg/100 g, resp.). The extractability of elements with water and lipids was examined. The biological value of the proteins of all the three species are in the same range as many other vegetable proteins, they are characterized by expressively high concentration