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 related this activity to the nature of compounds present in the extract through GCMS. The extract indicated the elution of 18 major compounds which are mostly cyclic triterpenic (α-and β-amyrin, lupenone, and β-amyrone) and phytosterol (β-sitosterol, brassicasterol, and stigmasterol) class of compounds. Characterization of the bioactivity of the extract showed high antioxidant activities measured by DPPH radical scavenging (EC50: 74.45 ± 1.29 μg/mL) and lipid peroxidation inhibition (EC50: 3.02 ± 0.06 μg/mL) activities that were comparable with that of α-tocopherol. Moreover, an observed bactericidal 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 may provide desirable health benefits.

Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Terpenoids from Indocalamus latifolius Leaves: Optimization, Purification, and Antioxidant Activity

“…Studies have demonstrated that neophytadiene, phytol, β-sitosterol, β-amyrone, squalene, and friedelin, isolated from various plant organs, significantly contribute to the scavenging of DPPH free radicals, hydroxyl free radicals, superoxide anions, and carbon monoxide [ 22 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. This highlights the remarkable antioxidant properties of these compounds across a range of reactive oxygen species.…”

Bioactivity of Fractions and Pure Compounds from Jatropha cordata (Ortega) Müll. Arg. Bark Extracts

“…In addition, mixtures of the above compounds have been shown to have diverse biological activities. Dumandan et al [66] showed that the mixture of brassicasterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol presented antimicrobial activity. Prabhakar et al [67] found that the mixture of brassicasterol, campesterol, and β-sitosterol presented activity against androgenic alopecia as they were potential inhibitors of 5α-reductase1.…”