Physical-chemical characterization of bioactive compounds of the oil from cutia nut (Couepia edulis)

Abstract

The oil from cutia nut (Couepia edulis) was extracted by cold pressure, and it was physical-chemically characterized by standard analytical methods for oils and fats. This work evaluated: the free fatty acids contents; acid, peroxide, iodine, saponification, and refraction index values; and the unsaponifiable fractions. The oxidative stability was determined by using Rancimat equipment, and fatty acid profile by gas chromatography and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). The analysis of tocopherols composition was performed by high efficiency liquid chromatography, and the total phenolic compounds by spectrophotometry. Being a cold-pressed oil, the results of free fatty acid and peroxide confirmed the stability of the pressed samples, as the process did not cause effect on the oil quality. As for the fatty acid chemical composition, we found a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, approximately 52.78%, and the occurrence of conjugated fatty acids. Also, the oil showed a relevant total phenolic compound content. It means that it constitutes a viable source of α-and γ-tocopherols. Being a source of bioactive compounds, there is a favorable outlook for using the oil of cotia nut as a raw material for chemical and pharmaceutical industries.