Comparative properties of Amazonian oils obtained by different extraction methods

Molecules. 2011 Jul 13;16(7):5875-85. doi: 10.3390/molecules16075875.

Abstract

Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), babaçu (Orbignya phalerata Mart.), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) oils were studied to determine their antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities, as well as their total phenol and carotenoid contents. The fatty acid contents were determined by GC-MS. The three types of passion fruit oils studied were refined, cold pressed or extracted from seeds in a Soxhlet apparatus. The oils thus obtained showed differences in antioxidant activity and carotenoid content, but were similar in regard to total phenols. Buriti and pequi had the highest carotenoid contents, while refined and cold pressed passion fruit oil displayed the highest antioxidant activity. Pequi oil was the only oil to display antibacterial and cytotoxic activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Artemia / drug effects
  • Biphenyl Compounds / chemistry
  • Carotenoids / chemistry*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / drug effects
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / drug effects
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Passiflora
  • Phenol / chemistry
  • Picrates / chemistry
  • Plant Oils / chemistry*
  • Plant Oils / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Picrates
  • Plant Oils
  • Phenol
  • Carotenoids
  • 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl