Mayten Tree Seed Oil: Nutritional Value Evaluation According to Antioxidant Capacity and Bioactive Properties

Abstract

The Mayten tree (Maytenus boaria Mol.), a native plant of Chile that grows under environmentally limiting conditions, was historically harvested to extract an edible oil, and may represent an opportunity to expand current vegetable oil production. Seeds were collected from Mayten trees in north-central Chile, and seed oil was extracted by solvent extraction. The seed oil showed a reddish coloration, with quality parameters similar to those of other vegetable oils. The fatty acid composition revealed high levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oleic and linoleic acids, which are relevant to the human diet, were well represented in the extracted Mayten tree seed oil. The oil displayed an antioxidant capacity due to the high contents of antioxidant compounds (polyphenols and carotenoids) and may have potential health benefits for diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Comparative Analysis of Traditional Oriental Herbal Fruits as Potential Sources of Polyphenols and Minerals for Nutritional Supplements

“…Seeds contain vital nutrients and ultra-trace elements, which reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes [ 1 ] and promote different healthy functions in human beings [ 2 , 3 ]. Many plants also contain polyphenols and flavonoids with strong antioxidant and disease-preventing properties, and could be valuable sources of these compounds in the preparation of nutritional supplements [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”