Evaluation of quality parameters, physicochemical and bioactive properties of licuri oil (Syagrus coronata)

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Pereira, Gabriel Sthefano Lourenco ; de Souza, Patricia Tonon ; Flozino, Grace Kelly Mizuno ; Almeida, Rafael Fernandes ; Sobral, Dhayna Oliveira ; Morgano, Marcelo Antonio ; Lustri, Wilton Rogerio ; Lazarini, Silmara Cristina ; Corbi, Pedro Paulo ; Meirelles, Antonio Jose de Almeida ; Maximo, Guilherme Jose ; Batista, Eduardo Augusto Caldas ; Sampaio, Klicia Araujo

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Food Research International; v. 208, p. 12-pg., 2025-05-01.

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of licuri (Syagrus coronata) oil, exploring its composition, quality parameters, bioactive profile, and physicochemical properties. Licuri oil was extracted by cold pressing from mature fruits and subjected to extensive chemical characterization, including lipid, protein, water content, peroxide value, acidity, trace metals, carboxylic acid, total polyphenol, carotenoids and tocols. The oil's lipid profile, including fatty acid, and triacylglycerol profile was also determined. Antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging assay (IC50), melting and crystallization behaviors were examined via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), complete rheological profile was assessed through stress - strain curves, and oil's oxidative stability determined by Rancimat apparatus. The analysis revealed that licuri oil has favorable characteristics, such as low water content (0.54 %), peroxide value within regulatory limits (5.83 mEq/kg), and low free fatty acid content (0.09 %). It is a rich source of lauric acid (45.01 %), with significant amounts of myristic (13.2 %), caprylic (12.34 %), and oleic acid (10.79 %), similar to coconut or palm kernel oils, largely applied in industry. The predominance of triglycerides derived from lauric acid contributes to its functionality, including an interesting melting and rheological profile, making it suitable for various food and cosmetic applications. Additionally, licuri oil exhibits a significant content of phenolic compounds (196.73 mu g CAE/g) and tocols (7.79 mu g/g), leading to improved oxidative stability (30.09 h at 110 degrees C), and antioxidant capacity, thus making licuri oil a healthier alternative to conventional oils. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/10265-8 - Cancer Theranostics Innovation Center (CancerThera)
• Grantee: Carmino Antonio de Souza
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 21/07458-9 - Use of varied nutrient sources and agro-industrial residues in the production of bacterial cellulose for topical application as a support for sustained release of (metal) antibacterial and antitumor drugs
• Grantee: Wilton Rogério Lustri
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/14683-6 - EMU granted in the process 2014/21252-0: Infrared Spectroscopy Equipment FTIR, Agilent brand, model Cary 630
• Grantee: Antonio José de Almeida Meirelles
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 17/12015-3 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 2014/21252-0: professional IC vario two SeS/PP - ion chromatography
• Grantee: Antonio José de Almeida Meirelles
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 24/03702-0 - Sustainable valorization of açaí (Euterpe oleracea) waste: Optimization of roasting, extraction of bioactive compounds, and production of biodegradable materials
• Grantee: Gabriel Sthefano Lourenço Pereira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 14/21252-0 - Equilibrium and production processes of biofuels and bioproducts
• Grantee: Antonio José de Almeida Meirelles
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants