Chemical Composition and Geographic Variation of Cold Pressed Balanites aegyptiaca Kernel Oil

Abstract

With the increasing impacts of climate change, establishing more sustainable and robust plants such as desert dates (Balanites aegyptiaca) seems to be necessary. Known for its resilience in arid conditions, this tree has the potential to become a more important food source, particularly for its potential to yield edible oil. This study characterized Balanites kernel oil (BKO) as a promising oil source in arid regions, studying the influence of geographical origin and environmental factors. Moroccan and Sudanese BKO samples were analyzed and compared with Mauritanian BKO. In the fatty acid profile, unsaturated fatty acids constituted over 70% of the BKO profile, with a predominance of linoleic acid (Li), oleic acid (Ol), palmitic acid (Pa), and stearic acid (St). Consequently, the predominant triacylglycerols were PaLiLi, PaLiOl, LiLiOl, OlLiOl, and StLiOl. α-Tocopherol dominated the tocochromanol composition (324 to 607 mg/kg), followed by γ-tocopherol (120 to 226 mg/kg), constituting 90% of the total tocochromanols. The total phytosterol content in BKO ranged from 871 to 2218 mg/kg oil, with β-sitosterol dominating (58% to 74%). Principal Component Analysis revealed that the geographical origin significantly influences BKO composition, emphasizing environmental factors, particularly water deficit and/or temperatures. Notably, Moroccan BKO collected from an area characterized by high aridity and relatively low winter temperatures, showcased a unique profile in fatty acid, phytosterols, and tocochromanols. The valorization of BKO presents an opportunity for local agricultural development in arid regions and a role model for plant development and agricultural practices in other parts of the world.

Assessment of lipid profile and antioxidant activity of pulp, shell, and kernel of Moroccan Balanites aegyptiaca fruit

“…These studies have reported either oleic/linoleic or linoleic/oleic as the predominant FA composition. [20,[26][27][28] These finding are supported by the results of other studies on the FA composition of B. aegyptiaca kernels from dif-ferent regions. These differences in oil properties may be attributed to variations in plant origin, climate conditions, and plant maturity, as evidenced by phenological studies conducted in Senegal by Ndoye et al, [29] which have demonstrated that B. aegyptiaca fruits are available during two seasons of the year: the cool season (December to February) and shortly before the rainy season (May to July).…”

“…[38] In their study on the geographical origin effect on the tocochromanol composition of Balanites kernel oil, El Harkaoui et al observed that Moroccan samples exhibited a higher amount of total tocochromanol (819 mg kg −1 ) compared to samples from Mauritania (582 mg kg −1 ) and Sudan (575 mg kg −1 ). [20] The tocochromanol content found in B. aegyptiaca fruit was higher than that of olive oil (220 mg kg −1 ), [39] lower than that of argan oil (850 mg kg −1 ), and similar to that of cactus seed oil (559 mg kg −1 ). [40] These findings indicate that B. aegyptiaca oil TA B L E 3 Tocochromanol composition (mg kg −1 of oil) of the Moroccan B. aegyptiaca oils.…”

“…were in agreement with previous study reporting similar phytosterol content in Moroccan Balanites kernel oil. [20] The total phytosterol content of parts from the fruit of B. aegyptiaca grown in Morocco was significantly higher. For instance, the Nigerian B. aegyptiaca kernel and pulp contained 110.24 and 12.79 mg/100 g of total phytosterols, respectively.…”

“…[12] Variations in oil, protein, and mineral content in the kernel of B. aegyptiaca from different locations have also been observed. [19,20] Despite its prevalence in local medicinal applications, this tree remains relatively undervalued and underexplored. Notably, there is a lack of phytochemical studies focusing on Moroccan B. aegyptiaca fruit.…”