Valorization of Pinus halepensis Mill. seed oil: Physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity as affected by location and extraction method

Abstract

In this study, physicochemical characteristics, phytochemical compositions, and antioxidant activities of Pinus halepensis Mill. seed oils (PHSO) from two geographical origins (Algeria and Turkey) and obtained through two different extraction processes (cold pressing and solvent extraction) were determined. PHSO were majorly consisted of linoleic and oleic acids. Cold pressing yielded oils with lower peroxide and totox values, higher tocopherols contents (309.42–318.04 mg/100 g), higher DPPH-radical scavenging activities (25.33–26.94 mM TE/kg), and reducing capacity values (301.30–329.94 mg GAE/kg). The solvent-extracted oils contained more phytosterols (5,683.25–5,964.20 mg/kg), particularly β-sitosterol and campesterol. Phenolic compounds of PHSO were identified by HPLC-DAD for the first time in this study. More phenolic compounds were detected in solvent-extracted oils. Turkish PHSO were richer in individual phenolics (18,928.92 μg/100 g) than the Algerian variety (2,821.01 μg/100 g). Different extraction techniques and geographical origins led to differences in physicochemical and phytochemical attributes of PHSO. Novelty impact statement This study revealed that extraction technique (cold-pressing, solvent extraction) and geographical seed origin (Algeria, Turkey) influenced the Pinus halepensis Mill. seed oils (PHSO) composition. PHSO are rich in fatty acids, sterols, and tocopherols majorly linoleic acid, γ-tocopherol, and β-sitosterol which were detected for first time for the cold pressed oils. This is the first report on phenolics compounds of these oils, mainly luteolin. The high oxidative stability and good antioxidant activities of PHSO promote their exploitation in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals uses.