Processing and storage of ratite oils affects radical scavenging ability and primary oxidation (830.15)

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Treatments for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disease seek to minimise oxidative damage using antioxidants. Ratite (flightless birds) oils predominantly comprise fatty acids (FA) varying in composition between species. AIM. We investigated the influence of rendering and storage methods on radical scavenging activity (RSA) and primary oxidation status of ratite oils. METHODS. Emu Oil (EO1‐7), Ostrich Oil (OsO), Rhea Oil (RO) and Olive Oil (OlO) were tested for free RSA against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl hydracyl (1/IC50 g/ml) and primary oxidation (peroxide mEqO2/Kg). p<0.001 was considered significant. RESULTS. RSA (g/ml) of EO1 (558±22) was greater than EO2 (8±0.6), EO5 (413±26), EO6 (16±0.3), EO7 (2±0.2), OsO (313±12), RO (32±12) and OlO (196±4), but less than EO3 (717±32; p<0.001). RSA of OsO was more pronounced than RO (p<0.001). Primary oxidation (mEqO2/Kg) of EO1 (97±0.6) was greater than EO2 (28±0.2), EO5 (11±0.6), OsO (50±0.9) and OlO (61±0.9). CONCLUSIONS. Emu Oil conferred the greatest radical scavenging activity compared to Ostrich and Rhea Oil, possibly attributed to its high UFA:SFA ratio and non‐triglyceride fraction minor constituents. Rendering and storage affected radical scavenging activity and primary oxidation of Emu Oil. Regulatory control of these parameters could minimise differences in therapeutic efficacy of ratite oils.