| Affiliation: | (1) Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Chimiques et Technologiques, Laboratoire de Catalyse, Chimie Fine et Polymères, Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, 31077 Toulouse Cedex 4, France;(2) Science, Oceans and Environment, A1C5X1 St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada;(3) Département Scientifique interfacultaire, Laboratoire COVACHIM (Connaissances et Valorisations des Ressources Végétales), Université des Antilles et de la Guyane, Campus de Schoelcher, 97233 Martinique |
| Abstract: | 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. |
