Valorization of Dacryodes rostrata fruit through the characterization of its oil

Abstract

Dacryodes rostrata (kembayau) is an important food and oil resource for local communities in Borneo, but it is not commonly known to wider community. The objective of this work is to valorize kembayau fruit by evaluating the characteristics of the oil from the fruit. In this study, the physicochemical characteristics and the lipophilic essential nutrient; the fatty acid composition, vitamin E and beta-carotene content of oils obtained from the peel, pulp and seeds of kembayau fruits were studied. The pulp of the kembayau fruit contained highest proportion of oil, followed by peel and seed. Kembayau fruit contained vitamin E and had trace amount of beta-carotene. Besides, kembayau fruit oils were not toxic to BRL3A cells, provided hepatoprotection and reversed lipid peroxidation in paracetamol-induced toxicity. Our results suggest that kembayau can be a potential source for cooking oil as the physicochemical characteristics are comparable with commercial source such as oil palm.

The Genus Dacryodes Vahl.: Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Biological Activities

“…The tropical humid woods of Africa, Southeast Asia, and America are habitat to more than 70 different Dacryodes species that are perennial, and evergreen trees belonging to the Burseraceae family that produce fleshy fruits [ 15 ]. The genus name originates from the Greek word “Dakrun,” which means “tear (drop),” referring to the resin droplets that exude from the tree’s bark.…”

“…However, information on most of the species in this genus is still scarce. Despite being undervalued, various Dacryodes species are used in ethnomedicine to treat various conditions, including headaches, malaria, skin conditions, fever, and anemia [ 15 ]. Moreover, the Dacryodes species are highly valued and prized for their timber properties, and oil-rich, delicious flavorful fruits ( Figure 1 ) [ 15 ].…”

“…Despite being undervalued, various Dacryodes species are used in ethnomedicine to treat various conditions, including headaches, malaria, skin conditions, fever, and anemia [ 15 ]. Moreover, the Dacryodes species are highly valued and prized for their timber properties, and oil-rich, delicious flavorful fruits ( Figure 1 ) [ 15 ]. Dacryodes species have a long history of medical efficacy, and Native Americans have traditionally used them extensively as ethnomedicine to treat various illnesses.…”

“…When the fruit is immature, it is yellowish brown and as it ripens, it turns purplish black. The fruiting period lasts from October to February and local communities harvest the fruits and sell them to marketplaces [ 15 ]. D. rostrata fruits are additionally stored in salt or soy sauce and served with porridge or rice.…”

“… Countries with reports of Dacryodes species. Pink = South American species like as D. excelsa and D. peruviana , green = African species such as D. edulis and D. klaineana , yellow = Southeast Asian species such as D. rostrata and D. costata [ 15 , 17 , 26 , 31 , 32 , 34 , 36 , 42 , 67 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 ]. …”