Extraction, Profiling and Characterization of Phytosterols and
Triterpenoids from Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) Pulp Oil Exhibiting
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties
Abstract
Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.), an indigenous tree found in the
Philippines, is highly regarded for its fruit due to its high economic
value. During processing, the pulp is often discarded as waste but
contains considerable amounts of oil and bioactive minor lipid
components. The present study explored the antioxidant and antibacterial
properties of saponified diethyl ether extract of pili pulp oil and
relate this activity to the nature of compounds present in the extract
thru GCMS. The extract indicated the elution of 18 major compounds which
are mostly cyclic triterpenic (α- and β-amyrin, lupenone β-amyrone) and
phytosterol (β-sitosterol, brassicasterol, stigmasterol) class of
compounds. Characterization of the bioactivity of the extract showed
high antioxidant activities measured by DPPH radical scavenging and
lipid peroxidation inhibition activities that were comparable with that
of α-tocopherol. Moreover, an observed bacteriocidal activity was
demonstrated by the extract against E. coli and S. typhi with MIC values
of 40 and 35 µg/mL, respectively. The observed bioactivity of the pili
pulp oil extract can be attributed to these compounds which has high
potential for the development and utilization in the food sector.