Process optimisation for recovery of carotenoids from tomato waste

Carotenoids constitute an important component of waste originating from tomato processing plants. Studies were carried out to assess the extraction yield of tomato waste carotenoids in different solvents and solvent mixtures and to optimise the extraction conditions for maximum recovery. A mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane gave the highest carotenoid extraction yield among the others examined. Extraction conditions, such as percentage of hexane in the solvent mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane, ratio of solvent to waste and particle size were optimised using a statistically designed experiment. A regression equation for predicting the carotenoid yield as a function of three extraction variables was derived by statistical analysis and a model with predictive ability of 0.97 was obtained. The optimised conditions for maximum carotenoid yield (37.5 mg kg⁻¹ dry waste) were 45% hexane in solvent mixture, solvent mixture to waste ratio of 9.1:1 (v/w) and particle size 0.56 mm.     

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Tomato Cultivars

The bioactive compounds of 16 tomato cultivars, grown in the same field for 2 years (2003 and 2004) were investigated. Lycopene (5.7–26.3 mg kg^?1) was the predominant carotenoid, while β-carotene (2.1–11.2 mg kg^?1) and a small amount of lutein (0.02–0.49 mg kg^?1) were found in all tomato cultivars. Kagome 77, the richest source of total carotenoids and L-ascorbic acid, also showed the highest antioxidant activity. β-Carotene and lutein contents of tomatoes differed between 2 years statistically. Antioxidant activities of tomatoes were found between 48 and 118 μmol TEAC 100 g^?1. A significant correlation was only observed between L-ascorbic acid (2.2–13.8 mg 100 g^?1) and antioxidant activity using TEAC assay.     

Carotenoids in cassava: Comparison of open-column and HPLC methods of analysis

Cassava leaves and tubers from six cultivars were analysed for carotenoids by both open-column chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The major carotenoids of leaves were the non-vitamin A carotenoid lutein (86-290 mg kg^?1 fresh weight (FW)) and the pro-vitamin A carotenoid β-carotene (13-78 mg kg^?1 FW). Immature leaves contained less than mature leaves. Tubers contained 0.1-3 mg kg^?1 FW of β-carotene and 0.05-0.6 mg kg^?1 FW of lutein. Carotenoids present in small amounts included α-, γ-, and §-carotenes and β-cryptoxanthin and others were separated and partially identified. Yellow tubers contain much more β-carotene than white tubers and cassava is a good source of pro-vitamin A carotenoids compared with other root crops. Both methods gave similar results for β-carotene and lutein, but the open-column method did not allow separation and quantitation of carotenoids present in small amounts. HPLC separated many carotenoids, but most peaks could not be identified for lack of reference compounds. A great advantage of open-column chromatography for developing countries is its use of simple equipment and readily available reagents and solvents compared with HPLC, which requires complex equipment needing careful maintenance and expensive solvents. The open-column method is more labour intensive but this is not a constraint in developing countries.     

Optimisation of extraction conditions for recovering carotenoids and antioxidant capacity from Gac peel using response surface methodology

The peel of Gac fruit is regarded as waste product in the processing of Gac although it contains high level of carotenoids and possesses a significant antioxidant capacity. This study optimised the extraction yields of carotenoids and antioxidant capacity from Gac peel. Different organic solvents were examined to determine the most suitable solvent for the extraction. The extraction conditions including time, temperature and solvent–solid ratio were then optimised for maximising extraction yields of carotenoids and antioxidant capacity from Gac peel using response surface methodology. Ethyl acetate was identified as the most suitable solvent. The optimal extraction time, temperature and solvent–solid ratio were 150 min, 40.7 °C and 80 mL g^?1, respectively. The carotenoid extraction yield and the antioxidant capacity extraction yield were 271 mg/100 g DW and 737 μm TE/100 g DW, respectively. Thus, the extraction using ethyl acetate with the ratio of 80:1 (mL solvent per g Gac peel) for 150 min at 40.7 °C is suggested for recovering carotenoids and antioxidant capacity from Gac peel.     

Integrated processing of fresh Indian sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) berries and chemical evaluation of products

An efficient pilot‐scale process was developed to produce nutraceutical products from fresh sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) berries. Fresh berries were subjected to high‐pressure dewatering using a continuous screw press. The separated liquid phase containing 80–90% of pulp oil was clarified at 80 °C and centrifuged to obtain pulp oil, clear juice and sludge. The pulp oil yield was 2.7–2.8% of fresh berry weight with 66–70% extraction efficiency. The pulp oil was remarkably rich in carotenoids (2450–2810 mg kg^?1), tocopherols (1409–1599 mg kg^?1) and sterols (4096–4403 mg kg^?1), with a characteristic fresh berry flavour and 16:1 as the major fatty acid (45.6–49.1%). The clear juice obtained was free from oil and contained high amounts of vitamin C (1683–1840 mg kg^?1) and phytochemicals such as polyphenols (2392–2821 mg kg^?1) and flavonoids (340–401 mg kg^?1). Isorhamnetin (251–310 mg kg^?1) was the major flavonoid in the juice, along with quercetin (77–81 mg kg^?1) and kaempherol (12–16 mg kg^?1). The juice was very acidic (pH 3), with high concentrations of organic acids (30.8–36.0 g kg^?1). High‐performance liquid chromatography profiling of organic acids revealed quinic acid (18.1–19.9 g kg^?1) as the major acid in the juice. The seeds in the pressed cake were separated and extracted for oil using supercritical CO₂. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Solid-state fermentation for recovery of carotenoids from tomato waste

Tomato waste is an excellent source of nutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds. Some extraction technologies have been used to recover these pigments for their proven biological activities. In this study, solid-state fermentation with Aspergillus niger GH1 was used as a bioprocess for carotenoid extraction and recovery in tomato waste. The chemical composition was evaluated, in addition to the viability of the tomato waste as a solid-fermentation substrate. The results showed that at 70% humidity, pH 4.0, 30 °C, 1 × 10⁶ spores/g of inoculum concentration, and 36 h of fermentation gave the optimal yield. A biomass/carotenoids ratio of 0.164 mg/L of total carotenoids was realized. The number of carotenoids extracted from tomato waste was improved from 0.062 mg/L from zero hours of fermentation to 0.164 mg/L of total carotenoids after 36 h of fermentation. Solid-state fermentation with Aspergillus niger GH1 was a viable approach to enhance the extraction and recovery of carotenoids.     

Influence of different crop management practices on the nutritional properties and benefits of tomato ‐Lycopersicon esculentum cv Perfectpeel‐

In this study, we have explored the relationship between the cultivation method and the concentration of major flavonoid aglycones, hydroxycinnamic acids, carotenoids and the total antioxidant activity of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv Perfectpeel); in addition, we have investigated the bioactivity of polyphenol extracts from tomato. The main polyphenols in extracts were quercetin (33.90 ± 6.31 mg kg^?1 and 17.92 ± 1.09 mg kg^?1 in conventional and organic extracts), chlorogenic acid (3.52 ± 0.74 mg kg^?1 and 2.82 ± 0.92 mg kg^?1 in conventional and organic extracts) and caffeic acid (3.61 ± 0.71 mg kg^?1 and 3.29 ± 0.33 mg kg^?1 in conventional and organic extracts). Although statistical differences were found between organic and conventional extracts in several target compounds, no difference in biological effect was observed using cell models. The observed Trans Epithelial Electrical Resistance values were not significantly different between organic and conventional tomato extracts, but we have observed, in both samples, a decrease in tight‐junction permeability at 17 μm of polyphenol concentrations. Antioxidant compounds entering within the cell could exert an antioxidant action, nevertheless at concentrations >17 μm could have a pro‐oxidant effect.     

Antioxidant properties of polar and non‐polar extracts of some tropical green leafy vegetables

BACKGROUND: The higher consumption of vegetables and fruits could be a practical approach to the management of oxidative stress. The present study sought to compare the antioxidant properties of polar and non‐polar constituents of some tropical green leafy vegetables (Struchium sparganophora, Amaranthus cruentus, Telfairia occidentalis, Ocimum gratissimum, Talinium triangulare, Cnidoscolous aconitifolius and Vernonia amygdalina). RESULTS: The polar antioxidant constituents (total phenol (3330–17 572 mg kg^?1), total flavonoid (1668–4306 mg kg^?1) and vitamin C (224–642 mg kg^?1)) were higher than the non‐polar antioxidant constituents (total phenol (703–3115 mg kg^?1), total flavonoid (130–1303 mg kg^?1) and carotenoids (132–1303 mg kg^?1)). Furthermore, the polar extracts had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability (except T. triangulare), total antioxidant capacity, reducing power (except T. triangulare and A. cruentus) and Fe(II) chelating ability (except C. aconitifolius and S. sparganophora). However, the polar and non‐polar extract of O. gratissimum had the highest antioxidant properties while that of T. triangulare had the least antioxidant properties. CONCLUSION: The polar extract of most of the vegetables had higher antioxidant properties than the non‐polar extract, with O. gratissimum extracts having the highest antioxidant properties. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Carotenoids in yellow‐ and red‐fleshed papaya (Carica papaya L)

Vitamin A deficiency is a disorder of public health importance in Sri Lanka. A recent national survey revealed that 36% of preschool children in Sri Lanka have vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol <0.2 µg ml^?1). In view of its well‐established association with child morbidity and mortality, this is a reason for concern. One of the main fruits which has been recommended for prevention of vitamin A deficiency in Sri Lanka is papaya (Carica papaya L). In this study the carotenoid profiles of yellow‐ and red‐fleshed papaya were analysed by medium‐pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) and UV‐vis spectrophotometry. A section of yellow‐fleshed papaya showed small carotenoid globules dispersed all over the cell, whereas in red‐fleshed papaya the carotenoids were accumulated in one large globule. The major carotenoids of yellow‐fleshed papaya were the provitamin A carotenoids β‐carotene (1.4 ± 0.4 µg g^?1 dry weight (DW)) and β‐cryptoxanthin (15.4 ± 3.3 µg g^?1 DW) and the non‐provitamin A carotenoid ζ‐carotene (15.1 ± 3.4 µg g^?1 DW), corresponding theoretically to 1516 ± 342 µg kg^?1 DW mean retinol equivalent (RE). Red‐fleshed papaya contained the provitamin A carotenoids β‐carotene (7.0 ± 0.7 µg g^?1 DW), β‐cryptoxanthin (16.9 ± 2.9 µg g^?1 DW) and β‐carotene‐5,6‐epoxide (2.9 ± 0.6 µg g^?1 DW), and the non‐provitamin A carotenoids lycopene (11.5 ± 1.8 µg g^?1 DW) and ζ‐carotene (9.9 ± 1.1 µg g^?1 DW), corresponding theoretically to 2815 ± 305 µg kg^?1 DW mean RE. Thus the carotenoid profile and organisation of carotenoids in the cell differ in the two varieties of papaya. This study demonstrates that carotenoids can be successfully separated, identified and quantified using the novel technique of MPLC. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of genotype and cultivation environment on lycopene content in red‐ripe tomatoes

Lycopene, a natural red pigment found in tomato, is correlated with reduced incidence of some cancers. Forty tomato varieties, including cluster F₁ hybrid tomatoes, round breeding line tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) and cherry tomato types (L esculentum var cerasiforme), grown under greenhouse and field conditions were evaluated for their lycopene content using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometry. Lycopene content varied significantly among the tomato varieties, with cherry tomato types having the highest lycopene content. Greenhouse‐grown cluster and round tomatoes contained more lycopene (mean = 30.3 mg kg^?1) than field‐grown tomatoes (mean = 25.2 mg kg^?1), whereas cherry tomato types had a higher lycopene content in field‐grown (mean = 91.9 mg kg^?1) than in greenhouse‐grown (mean = 56.1 mg kg^?1) fruits. HPLC analysis of lycopene isomeric forms revealed a higher content of all‐trans isomers in all tomato genotypes examined. However, the cis isomeric form was exceptionally higher in the field‐ and greenhouse‐grown cherry tomato L esculentum var cerasiforme cv Gardener's Delight, which contained ～9.3 and 9.9 mg kg^?1 cis isomers respectively. Results indicate that genetics and choice of cultivation environment may have a strong influence on tomato lycopene content. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of extraction with ethanol or ethyl acetate on the yield of lycopene, β-carotene,phytoene and phytofluene from tomato peel powder

This study evaluated the extraction yield of the food grade solvents ethanol and ethyl acetate by extracting lycopene, β-carotene, phytoene and phytofluene from tomato peel powder at varying heating intensities, and the influence of the solvent and heating intensity on carotenoids isomerization and degradation during extraction. The heat treatments assayed were 25, 35, 50 and 60 °C which were applied for periods of 5, 10, 20, 30 or 40 min. The carotenoid yield was higher in the extractions with ethanol than with ethyl acetate. In general, the temperature increase caused an increase in the carotenoid concentrations; however in the extractions performed with ethanol at 60 °C, the yield of (all-E)-lycopene and their (Z)-isomers was lower than at 50 °C. This could indicate that a great isomerization is produced in the high temperature extractions with ethanol but the oxidative degradation is the predominant reaction. On the contrary, the obtained results in the extractions with ethyl acetate indicate that the isomerization is the predominant reaction.     

Carotenoid and anthocyanin contents of grains of Brazilian maize landraces

BACKGROUND: Carotenoid and anthocyanin contents of 26 maize landraces cultivated in southern Brazil were determined to evaluate their potential as natural colorants or functional food ingredients. RESULTS: The major carotenoids detected in the whole grain flour were zeaxanthin and lutein. Anthocyanins of landraces with purple starchy endosperm (Lingua de Papagaio and Mato Grosso Palha Roxa) were more extractable in methanol–HCl (1%, v/v), exhibiting 2.45 and 0.94 g kg^?1 of whole grains flour, respectively. In contrast, butanol–HCl (30%, v/v) was more effective for the extraction of anthocyanins from the purple‐colored landraces Roxo 29 and Roxo 41; genotypes with pigments localized in the outer parts (pericarp) of grains (2.60 and 2.19 g kg^?1). The Roxo 41 landrace showed the highest concentration of pigments, e.g. 11.72 10^?3 g kg^?1 of total carotenoids and 2.16 g kg^?1 of total anthocyanins. Similarly, the yellow‐colored MPA 1 and the purple‐colored Roxo 29 landraces showed prominent amounts of carotenoids (10.86 10^?3 g kg^?1) and anthocyanins (2.60 g kg^?1), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the colored grains of maize landraces studied may hold promise for the development of grain‐based functional foods or natural colorants regarding their carotenoid and anthocyanin contents and as genetic resource in breeding programs. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Recovery of lycopene from industrially derived tomato processing by-products by pulsed electric fields-assisted extraction

The influence of pulsed electric fields (PEF) pre-treatment at different field strength (E = 1–5 kV/cm) and energy input (W_T = 5–10 kJ/kg) on the recovery yield of lycopene in either acetone or ethyl lactate from industrial tomato peels residues, was investigated. The rate of lycopene extraction in both solvents decreased with time and was predicted rather satisfactorily (R² = 0.96–0.99) by the Peleg's model. Micrograph of tomato peels showed that PEF induced size reduction and separation between the plant cells likely due to pore formation and leakage of intracellular matter. Coherently, PEF treatment (5 kV/cm, 5 kJ/kg) significantly enhanced the extraction rate (27–37%), the lycopene yields (12–18%) and the antioxidant power (18.0–18.2%) in either acetone and ethyl lactate extracts, as compared with untreated samples. However, acetone gave the highest lycopene yield. HPLC analyses revealed that all-trans lycopene was the main carotenoid extracted and no degradation/isomerization phenomena occurred. The results obtained in this work suggest that the application of PEF prior to solid-liquid extraction with environmentally friendly solvents could represent a sustainable approach for the valorization of industrial tomato peels residues.Industrial relevanceIndustrial processing of tomatoes generates large amount of by-products, mainly peels, which represent a cheap and abundant source of natural carotenoids, especially lycopene. The recovery lycopene from tomato peels residues is a crucial step for use in a wide range of industrial applications in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors as natural pigment and antioxidant. PEF pre-treatment allows to intensify the extractability of lycopene from of tomato processing by-products using environmentally friendly solvents, thus adding new value to the tomato processing chain, improving economic performances and decreasing waste problems.     

Effect of solvent type on the extractability of bioactive compounds,antioxidant capacity and colour properties of natural annatto extracts

This study was conducted to obtain annatto extracts with both high antioxidant capacity and colour potential using solvents of different polarities (water, ethanol/water, ethanol, ethanol/ethyl acetate and ethyl acetate). The highest levels of total phenolic compounds were found in the water, ethanol/water and ethanol extracts (0.5 mg GAE mL^?1), and the highest level of bixin was found in the ethanol/ethyl acetate extract (5.2 mg mL^?1), which was characterised as the reddest and the most vivid one (a* = 40.5, h° = 46.1, C* = 58.4). The ethanol/ethyl acetate extract also showed the highest antioxidant activity (4.7 μm TEAC mL^?1) and the highest percentage of tryptophan protection against singlet oxygen (63.6%). On the other hand, ethyl acetate and ethanol/water were the least effective solvents for the extraction of phenolic compounds and bixin, respectively. According to the multivariate statistical analysis, ethanol/ethyl acetate and ethyl acetate were the most promising solvents to obtain annatto extracts with both antioxidant and colour properties.     

Boron concentrations in selected foods from borate‐producing regions in Turkey

As part of a large‐scale programme to investigate the health effects of exposure to borate minerals in Turkey, boron concentrations in vegetables, fruits and some other foods were determined. From all borate‐producing regions of the country, 22 species of fruit, 17 species of vegetable, 12 species of cereal, legume and oilseed, three species of herbs and six types of other food were collected in 1999 and analysed for boron concentrations using the Azomethine H method. The results were compared with 37 types of food collected from areas well distant from the borate‐producing areas. The total number of samples evaluated was 420. Pistachio (67.0 mg kg^?1) had the highest concentration of boron, followed by grape leaf (60.48 mg kg^?1), sour cherry (57.03 mg kg^?1), quince (38.78 mg kg^?1), peach (34.49 mg kg^?1), grape (20.70 mg kg^?1), green beans (19.49 mg kg^?1), unripe peach (18.92 mg kg^?1) and parsley (10.24 mg kg^?1) from the borate‐producing regions. A large number of foods contained boron at higher concentrations than those reported in the literature, most probably due to the high boron content of these Turkish soils. According to the results of t‐tests, the area itself does not have a significant effect (p > 0.05) on boron concentration in all foods evaluated so far. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

The content of chlorogenic acids in tropical fruits

This work investigates the content of feruloylquinic (FQA), caffeoylquinic (CQA) and dicaffeoylquinic (diCQA) acids in the peel, pulp and seed of 22 tropical fruits from Brazil. 3‐CQA, 4,5‐diCQA and 4‐ and 5‐FQA were not detected in any of the fruits analysed. Relatively small amounts of 4‐CQA (4.0–48.7 mg kg^?1) were found in the peel and/or pulp of seven of the fruits; only the peel of Artocarpus heterophyllus was significantly (p < 0.05) richer in this acid (1000 mg kg^?1). The distribution of 3,4‐ and 3,5‐diCQA in different parts of the fruits was relatively poor, only reaching levels of up to 16.4 mg kg^?1. The peel of A heterophyllus also showed the highest amount of 5‐CQA (13 000 mg kg^?1), while the seed of most fruits generally contained a lower amount of this acid than the peel or pulp. On the basis of the 5‐CQA content found in the pulp, 15 of the fruits were classified as follows: very low concentration (4.4–15.8 mg kg^?1), low concentration (28.9–66.4 mg kg^?1), medium concentration (132 mg kg^?1), high concentration (473–474 mg kg^?1) or very high concentration (1730 mg kg^?1); however, no 5‐CQA was detected in the pulp of the other seven fruits. Thus 5‐CQA was the major chlorogenic acid present in most of the tropical fruits studied and was generally accompanied by small amounts of 4‐CQA and 3,4‐ and 3,5‐diCQA. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Changes of bioactive components in berry seed oils during supercritical CO2 extraction

The objective of the work was to elucidate the chemical composition of fractions of oil extracts obtained during the supercritical extraction on a semi‐industrial scale from strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.), chokeberry [Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.)], and raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) seeds from industrial press cake. The oil extracts differed in terms of their content of bioactive components: carotenoids, tocopherols, chlorophylls, and fatty acids. Raspberry seed oil was the richest source of tocopherols (620.1–2166.7 mg kg^?1) and α‐linolenic acid (above 37%). Chokeberry seed oil had the highest content of linoleic acid (above 70%), and α‐tocopherol (166.0–1104.8 mg kg^?1). Strawberry oil was characterized by the highest content of chlorophylls and α‐linolenic acid (above 30%). It was showed that the oil fraction collected at the beginning of extraction is characterized by a high acid value, which requires purification steps to be used for food purposes.

Practical applications

Strawberry, raspberry, and chokeberry by‐products left over from the production of concentrated juice are a valuable source of oils rich in n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, and carotenoids. The research showed that the fractionation of extracts in the course of supercritical extraction leads to oils with varying amounts of different bioactive compounds, and thus to products with potentially wide applications. Seeds oils have high potential utility as a source of unconventional oil for cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors and biodiesel. Their targeted utilization may be exploited for economic, environmental and health benefits.     

Assessment of Cell Disruption and Carotenoids Extraction from Sporidiobolus salmonicolor (CBS 2636)

The increasing demand for carotenoids by industries has drawn attention to their bio-production. Since pigments are intracellular, extraction steps are then needed after cell cultivation. In this work, different strategies for extraction of carotenoid pigments from Sporidiobolus salmonicolor (CBS 2636) were studied. Different solvents (dimethyl sulfoxide, petroleum ether, hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and acetone), liquid N₂, and diatomaceous earth were used to disrupt the cell and thus release the intracellular carotenoids. The results of this study showed that when multiple solvents were used, a synergistic effect on the extent of carotenoids recovery was obtained. Maximum concentration of total carotenoids (913 μg/L) was obtained in the treatment using liquid N₂ and dimethyl sulfoxide to disrupt the cell, followed by the extraction with a solution of acetone/methanol (7:3, v/v).     

Phenolic compounds,lycopene and antioxidant activity in commercial varieties of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum)

Nine commercial varieties of tomato (Rambo, Senior, Ramillete, Liso, Pera, Canario, Durina, Daniella and Remate) produced in Spain were analysed for their lycopene content, content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. The phenolic compounds were characterised as flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and naringenin) and hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic and p‐coumaric acids). Antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH and ABTS assays. The concentrations of lycopene and the various phenolic compounds as well as the antioxidant activity were significantly influenced by the tomato variety. Quercetin, the most abundant flavonoid, was found in concentrations ranging between 7.19 and 43.59 mg kg^?1 fresh weight, while naringenin levels were lower than 12.55 mg kg^?1. The most abundant hydroxycinnamic acid was chlorogenic acid, with values ranging from 14 to 32 mg kg^?1 fresh weight, followed by caffeic acid, while p‐coumaric and ferulic acids showed similar concentrations lower than 5 mg kg^?1. The highest content of lycopene was found in Ramillete, Pera and Durina (>50 mg kg^?1 fresh weight), while the concentration in the other varieties was between 50 and 30 mg kg^?1, with the exception of Liso (less than 20 mg kg^?1). The antioxidant activity of tomato extracts varied with the tomato variety and the assay method used. Individual compounds found to be significantly related to antioxidant capacity were lycopene and ferulic and caffeic acids, but not quercetin and chlorogenic acid. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fatty acids and bioactive compounds of the pulps and kernels of Brazilian palm species,guariroba (Syagrus oleraces), jerivá (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata)

BACKGROUND: Bioactive compounds are capable of providing health benefits, reducing disease incidence or favoring body functioning. There is a growing search for vegetable oils containing such compounds. This study aimed to characterize the pulp and kernel oils of the Brazilian palm species guariroba (Syagrus oleracea), jerivá (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata), aiming at possible uses in several industries. RESULTS: Fatty acid composition, phenolic and carotenoid contents, tocopherol composition were evaluated. The majority of the fatty acids in pulps were oleic and linoleic; macaúba pulp contained 526 g kg^?1 of oleic acid. Lauric acid was detected in the kernels of all three species as the major saturated fatty acid, in amounts ranging from 325.8 to 424.3 g kg^?1. The jerivá pulp contained carotenoids and tocopherols on average of 1219 µg g^?1 and 323.50 mg kg^?1, respectively. CONCLUSION: The pulps contained more unsaturated fatty acids than the kernels, mainly oleic and linoleic. Moreover, the pulps showed higher carotenoid and tocopherol contents. The kernels showed a predominance of saturated fatty acids, especially lauric acid. The fatty acid profiles of the kernels suggest that these oils may be better suited for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries than for use in foods. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry