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Published on: June 30, 2023
Oleochemistry potential from Brazil northeastern exotic plants
Milena Chagas Lisboa1, Flávia Michelle Silva Wiltshire2, Alini Tinoco Fricks2
1Universidade Tiradentes, Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, Farolândia, Aracaju, SE, 49032-490, Brazil; Instituto de Tecnologia e Pesquisa, Av. Murilo Dantas, 300, Prédio Do ITP, Farolândia, Aracaju, SE, 49032-490, Brazil; Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, UMR7281 BIP, 13402, Marseille Cedex 09, France.
Caatinga oilseeds offer rich sources of unsaturated fatty acids for nutrition and oleochemical applications. This review highlights the diverse oil content and fatty acid profiles of six key Caatinga plant species.
Area of Science:
- Botany
- Biochemistry
- Sustainable Resources
Background:
- The Caatinga, a Brazilian semi-arid ecosystem, features unique vegetation.
- Caatinga shrub/forest species are potential sources of renewable oils for oleochemical and nutritional uses.
- Oilseeds from this region are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, and sterols, indicating nutritional value.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize existing knowledge on oil content and fatty acid profiles.
- To analyze six representative Caatinga species as potential oil sources.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies.
- Compilation of data on oil content (percentage by weight).
- Analysis of fatty acid profiles (saturated and unsaturated).
Main Results:
- Oil content varied among species: Pequi (70.16%), Oiticica (57.0%), Licuri (49.2%), Favela (33.5%), Caju (33.1%), and Pinhão-bravo (18.3%).
- Licuri oil is predominantly saturated with high lauric acid content (up to 40%).
- Favela, Pinhão-bravo, Caju, Pequi, and Oiticica oils are rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Oiticica oil notably contains high levels of conjugated polyunsaturated fatty acids (α-Eleostearic and Licanic acids).
Conclusions:
- Caatinga seeds represent a valuable resource for sustainable oil production.
- The diverse fatty acid profiles offer potential for various oleochemical and nutritional applications.
- Further research into these species can unlock their full potential for bio-based industries.
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