Preparation and Characterization of Emulsion-based Peony Seed Oil Microcapsule

Abstract

The peony is a flowering plant of genus Paeonia with many general and medical uses. The peony is native to Europe, Western North America, and Asia, including China and can have a seed oil content of 40 1, 2. Peony seed oil has many potential applications, including as an agent to reduce the risk of eye disease and eye fatigue. This potential is due to its high percentage 90 of unsaturated fatty acids UFAs of which 45 are α-linolenic acids ALAs 3. ALA can be converted to eicosapentaenoic acid EPA and docosahexaenoic acid DHA in humans and is used in the growth and development of brain cells. ALA and its derivatives suppress thromboxane, which is implicated in cardiovascular diseases. Due to a wide range of potentially beneficial applications, peony seed oil was approved as a new food resource by the State Administration for Market Regulation, formerly the China State Food and Drug Administration, in 2011 4. Although high in UFAs, peony seed oil is low in natural antioxidants, which makes it highly susceptible to oxidization leading to a reduction in nutrients and flavour and the production of free radicals which may negatively impact health 5. Therefore, an effective method of preventing oxidation is necessary 6 8 .