Studies on Some Components in the Lipid Extract of Palm Leaflet

Abstract

The contents of α-tocopherol, chlorophyll, carotenes and squalene in the lipid extract of palm leaflets from fronds of different frond numbers and palm ages were determined. The results showed the average contents (%, dry basis) of α-tocopherol, carotenes and squalene in the leaflets of the same frond number as obtained from palms of different ages to increase with frond number. The average contents were 0.02 %, 0. 21 % and 0. 40% for α-tocopherol, 0. 05%, 0. 13% and 0. 22% for carotenes, and 0. 006%, 0.1 % and 0. 2% for squalene in frond numbers 1, 17 and 33, respectively. In the case of total chlorophyll, the average content appeared to be maximum at a frond number 17, and were 0. 48%, 0. 62 % and 0. 53 % in leaflets at frond numbers 1, 17 and 33, respectively. Since oil frond (frond number >33) is available in abundance from frond pruning in oil palm plantation, these materials should be usable for the extraction of α-tocopherol, carotenes and squalene. The fatty acid composition of lipids was also determined.