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.
Highlights
In recent decades, the oil crop sector has been one of the most dynamic agricultural segments worldwide, with a 4.3% per annum (p.a.) growth rate compared with an average of 2.1% p.a. for all agriculture [1]
This seed oil was found to have high omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acid contents, with a higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) content than that found in most major commercial vegetable oils
The analyzed quality parameters indicated that Mayten tree seed oil has a high resistance against rancidity, with values similar to those of other commercial seed oils and within the requirements of Chilean Health Regulations
Summary
The oil crop sector has been one of the most dynamic agricultural segments worldwide, with a 4.3% per annum (p.a.) growth rate compared with an average of 2.1% p.a. for all agriculture [1]. Among the vegetable oils that are derived from seeds (seed oils), most are currently obtained from only a few commercially significant species (i.e., soybeans, sunflowers, rapeseed, flax, oil palm nuts, castor beans, groundnuts, cottonseed, and shea nuts) [4]. Several plant species that grow under environmentally limiting conditions (i.e., arid and semiarid climates or nutrient-poor soils) worldwide that are not currently used as oil crops are known to feature oil-bearing seeds [6]. These crops may constitute an opportunity for expanding vegetable oil production to regions where crop production is not feasible, either currently or in the future, due to global climate change scenarios. Many indigenous tree species, which may be more resistant than current agricultural crops to limiting environmental factors (i.e., heat, water stress, salinity, frosts, and pests) but are not yet grown commercially, are becoming increasingly recognized as potentially valuable sources of vegetable oils [7], such as the Mayten tree (Maytenus boaria Mol.)
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