Antioxidant and physicochemical properties of Theobroma cacao seed oil
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: The physicochemical and antioxidant potentials of theobroma cacao l. seed oil (malvaceae) obtained from southern nigeria
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:
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Chioma N. Chinaka and George Awemu
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: The physicochemical and antioxidant potentials of theobroma cacao l. seed oil (malvaceae) obtained from southern nigeria
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20186-11347
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study presented in the World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research aims to evaluate the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of seed oil from Theobroma cacao L., a significant cash crop in Nigeria, particularly in its southern regions. Cocoa seeds have long been utilized in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, primarily for their health benefits against conditions like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. The study emphasizes the potential for expanding the use of cocoa, especially its seed oil, to enhance local industries and reduce reliance on imported materials.
Yield and Extraction Process
The extraction of Theobroma cacao seed oil was performed using a Soxhlet apparatus with n-hexane as a solvent. A successful yield of 45.0% was obtained after a six-hour extraction process, indicating that a significant quantity of oil can be derived from the dried seeds. This high yield marks T. cacao seed oil as a substantial source for industrial applications, highlighting its relevance in both food and cosmetic sectors. The preparation process included careful handling and drying of the seeds post-harvest to ensure quality during extraction.
Physicochemical Properties
The physicochemical analysis of the extracted theobroma oil unveiled several critical attributes. The oil was characterized by specific gravity (0.92), refractive index (1.4465), viscosity (121.5 centipoise), and acidic, saponification, peroxide, hydroxyl, and iodine values, demonstrating its quality and potential applications. These properties are essential for evaluating the oil’s suitability for use in various products, notably in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where qualities like viscosity and oxidative stability are paramount for functionality and shelf-life.
Antioxidant Activity
The antioxidant capacity of Theobroma cacao seed oil was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, where it was compared to ascorbic acid, a standard antioxidant. The oil demonstrated significant scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 29.12 µg/mL for theobroma oil and 27.11 µg/mL for ascorbic acid. These findings underscore the oil's potential to neutralize free radicals, thus supporting its incorporation into cosmetic formulations aimed at mitigating oxidative stress and skin damage caused by UV exposure.
Conclusion
In summary, the study presented highlights the high yield and excellent physicochemical properties of Theobroma cacao seed oil, reinforcing its value as a raw material in several industries, including food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. The demonstrated antioxidant activity further positions this oil as an appealing ingredient for applications that require protection against oxidative stress. This research encourages further exploration of T. cacao to maximize its economic benefits and support local industries in Nigeria.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of this research on Theobroma cacao seed oil?
The research investigates the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Theobroma cacao seed oil obtained from Southern Nigeria, focusing on its potential applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food industries.
What extraction method was used for Theobroma cacao oil in the study?
The oil was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus with n-hexane as the solvent, yielding 45.0% of the total seed weight after 6 hours of heating.
What physicochemical properties were analyzed for Theobroma cacao oil?
The physicochemical properties analyzed included acid value, saponification value, peroxide value, hydroxyl value, iodine value, specific gravity, refractive index, and viscosity.
How does Theobroma cacao oil compare to ascorbic acid in antioxidant activity?
Theobroma cacao oil had an IC50 value of 29.12 µg/mL, similar to ascorbic acid's 27.11 µg/mL, indicating comparable antioxidant activity.
What are the main applications of Theobroma cacao seed oil?
The oil is used in cosmetics for moisturizing, as a suppository base in pharmaceuticals, and as an ingredient in chocolate production, given its beneficial properties.
What are the benefits of cocoa related to health?
Cocoa contains compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids that may protect against heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, owing to its antioxidant properties.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antioxidant and physicochemical properties of Theobroma cacao seed oil”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Oil:
Oils are lipid substances that play crucial roles in culinary, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. In the context of the oil extracted from Theobroma cacao, oils are important for their functional properties, nutritional benefits, and potential therapeutic roles due to their high fatty acid content and antioxidant characteristics.
2) Study (Studying):
The study investigates the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Theobroma cacao seed oil, emphasizing its potential uses and benefits. Such research is vital for understanding the nutritional and industrial relevance of natural products, leading to improved applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, thereby impacting health and economy.
3) Quality:
Quality refers to the attributes and characteristics that determine the suitability of Theobroma cacao oil for various applications. High-quality oils exhibit specific physicochemical properties such as low acidity, appropriate viscosity, and stable shelf life, which are essential for ensuring safety and effectiveness in food and cosmetic formulations.
4) Water:
Water is a solvent used in both the extraction process of oils and the analysis of their properties. It serves as an essential component for various physiological processes and is involved in the chemical reactions during the physico-chemical analysis, thereby influencing the extraction efficiency and product characteristics.
5) Food:
Food represents one of the primary applications of Theobroma cacao, as the seed oil is used for its flavor, texture, and beneficial properties. The nutritional advantages derived from consuming cocoa products underscore the importance of cacao in diets, promoting its cultivation as a valuable agricultural product.
6) Substance:
Substance in this context refers to the oil extracted from Theobroma cacao seeds. Understanding the properties of such substances is crucial for establishing their suitability in various applications, especially in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where the chemical composition and efficacy determine their therapeutic potential and safety.
7) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the potential therapeutic applications of Theobroma cacao seed oil. Given its antioxidant properties, this oil can be utilized in medicinal preparations aimed at improving health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, aligning with traditional herbal practices and modern pharmacological principles.
8) Activity:
Activity pertains to the biological effects, particularly the antioxidant activity of Theobroma cacao oil. The study evaluates the oil's effectiveness in neutralizing free radicals, which has significant implications for its use in health-promoting products, enhancing skin protection and overall wellness.
9) Species:
Species refers to Theobroma cacao, a significant plant in the Malvaceae family known for its economic importance. Understanding the characteristics of different species is essential for sustainable agriculture and ensuring optimal extraction processes, as each species has distinct properties and applications.
10) Powder:
Powder signifies the processed form of cacao seeds, utilized for various applications including food and herbal medicine. Ground cacao powder retains the nutritional components of the seeds, allowing for its incorporation in both culinary applications and as a natural remedy, demonstrating versatility and healthcare benefits.
11) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid represents a group of phytonutrients found in Theobroma cacao, noted for their antioxidant properties. They play a critical role in health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, making them a focal point in studies exploring the therapeutic benefits of cacao-derived products in preventing chronic diseases.
12) Disease:
Disease encompasses various health conditions that Theobroma cacao may help mitigate. Research highlights the potential of cacao's bioactive compounds in lowering the risks of diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, promoting the oil's relevance in disease-prevention strategies.
13) Cancer:
Cancer denotes one of the significant health concerns that Theobroma cacao's antioxidant-rich components may help combat. Investigating the effects of cacao extracts in cancer research provides insight into their preventive and therapeutic properties, reflecting the plant's importance in modern medicine.
14) Table:
Table refers to the organized presentation of data in the study, summarizing the physicochemical properties of Theobroma cacao oil. Such visual representations facilitate the clear communication of findings, allowing for easier comparison and interpretation of results regarding the oil's quality and functionality.
15) Tree:
Tree pertains to Theobroma cacao as a perennial plant that provides seeds for oil extraction. Understanding the botanical characteristics and growth conditions of the cacao tree informs agricultural practices, ensuring sustainable harvests and quality outputs critical for food and pharmaceutical industries.
16) Agriculture:
Agriculture is the practice that encompasses the cultivation of Theobroma cacao for economic purposes. Sustainable agricultural practices are essential for maximizing yield and quality, driving local economies, and fostering research initiatives that enhance the utilization of cacao in various sectors.
17) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of the study where findings are interpreted and contextualized within the broader scope of existing literature. This critical analysis helps to establish the significance of Theobroma cacao oil, reinforcing the study's contributions to academia and industry.
18) Language:
Language represents the medium of communication used to convey research findings. Clear and precise language is crucial in scientific writing, ensuring that complex ideas regarding Theobroma cacao properties and applications are accessible to diverse audiences, including researchers, practitioners, and the public.
19) Heating:
Heating is a process involved in oil extraction and analysis. Temperature management is critical during extraction to maximize yield while preserving the oil's beneficial properties. Understanding the thermal properties of Theobroma cacao oil ensures effective processing methodologies, impacting product quality.
20) Forest:
Forest signifies the ecosystem associated with Theobroma cacao cultivation. Recognizing the role of forest ecosystems in providing natural resources highlights the importance of conserving these environments to maintain biodiversity and support sustainable agricultural practices, crucial for the cacao industry.
21) Family:
Family denotes the botanical classification of Theobroma cacao within the Malvaceae family. Understanding the familial relationships among plant species aids in research regarding phylogenetics and the biochemical properties of plant-derived products, facilitating advancements in both agricultural practices and pharmaceutical applications.
22) Purity:
Purity relates to the quality and authenticity of Theobroma cacao oil, determining its suitability for various uses. Assessing purity minimizes the risks of adulteration and ensures that the final product meets the standards required for food, cosmetic, and medicinal applications.
23) Nature:
Nature encompasses the intrinsic characteristics of Theobroma cacao and its environment. The natural properties of the oil, affected by growth conditions and extraction methods, play a significant role in determining its efficacy and applications in various industries, linking biodiversity to product quality.
24) Desire:
Desire reflects the aspiration for sustainable development and self-sufficiency in agricultural practices. The research on Theobroma cacao underscores the importance of harnessing local resources to reduce dependence on imports and improve local economies, fostering a desire for innovation and sustainability.
25) Filling (Filled):
Filled suggests the process of extracting and processing Theobroma cacao oil. Ensuring that extraction processes fill the extracted oil with beneficial properties is key, impacting its applications in food and cosmetics and promoting consistent quality across products.
26) Glass:
Glass refers to the material used in laboratory equipment for analysis and storage of Theobroma cacao oil. The choice of glass ensures the integrity of samples during experiments, preventing reactions that could alter the physicochemical properties, leading to accurate results.
27) Genu:
Genu refers to genuine products derived from Theobroma cacao, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and quality in agricultural outputs. Ensuring that products are genuine creates trust in the market, benefiting producers and consumers alike.
28) Crop:
Crop signifies the cultivated plants, particularly Theobroma cacao, that are harvested for economic gain. Understanding the dynamics of crop growth, harvesting methods, and post-harvest processing is crucial for optimizing production and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
29) Cash (Cas):
Cash indicates the economic value derived from cultivating Theobroma cacao, emphasizing its importance as a cash crop. The ability to generate revenue through cacao production not only supports local farmers but also enhances national economies through export potentials.
30) Rich (Rch):
Rich describes the abundance of beneficial compounds in Theobroma cacao, including antioxidants and essential fatty acids. This richness is pivotal for the health benefits associated with cacao products, driving research into its applications in food and medicinal formulations.
31) Drug:
Drug denotes the pharmaceutical applications that Theobroma cacao oil may support. Investigating the oil's properties reveals potential therapeutic uses, emphasizing its role in developing natural products for treating various health conditions, linking traditional use with modern medicine.
32) Pur:
Poor indicates the lower-quality attributes that certain oils may possess. Understanding factors that contribute to poor quality, such as high acidity or excessive peroxide values, is critical for quality control in the production process, ensuring the safety and efficacy of the final products.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Antioxidant and physicochemical properties of Theobroma cacao seed oil’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Antioxidant activity, Seed oil, Chemical analysis, Saponification value, Iodine value, Acid value, Peroxide value, Physicochemical properties, Extraction process, DPPH radical scavenging, Pharmaceutical application.