Candlenut Research Articles

PENGGUNAAN PENGETAHUAN MASYARAKAT DALAM PEMANFAATAN TANAMAN UNTUK PANGAN DAN OBAT DI AGROFORESTRY GUNUNG DAMAR GORONTALO

The practice of agroforestry in the Gunung Damar area, managed by the local community, is based on knowledge passed down through generations. The survival of agroforestry systems in the tropics, including the Gunung Damar agroforestry system, is due to the experience inherited from generation to generation. This accumulated experience shapes the knowledge of the people around Mount Damar in determining how to utilize agroforestry. This study aims to identify how community knowledge is applied in the use of plants for food and medicinal purposes in the Gunung Damar agroforestry garden. The data was collected through surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs), while data analysis was conducted using the Importance Value Index (LUVI). The results showed that 16 plant species were identified for medicinal use, and 10 plant species as food sources in the Gunung Damar agroforestry system. Four medicinal plants with the highest LUVI indices were Myristica fragrans (0.57), Zingiber officinale (0.46), Curcuma longa (0.46), and Cinnamomum verum (0.41). Meanwhile, the food sources with the highest indices were Arenga pinnata (3.16), Syzygium aromaticum (2.26), and Aleurites moluccana (0.90)

Evaluation of an empirical model for predicting the calorific value of biomass briquettes from candlenut shells and kesambi twigs

Biomass briquettes offer a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels, contributing to renewable energy while reducing environmental impact. This research explores the development of biomass briquettes from candlenut shell charcoal (Aleurites moluccanus) and kesambi twigs (Schleichera oleosa), focusing on their physical properties and heating values. Using tapioca as a binder, briquettes were produced with varying ratios: A. Control (90% kesambi twigs + 10% adhesive), B. 3:1 (67.5% kesambi twigs + 22.5% candlenut shell charcoal + 10% adhesive), C. 1:1 (45% kesambi twigs + 45% candlenut shell charcoal + 10% adhesive), and D. 1:3 (22.5% kesambi twigs + 67.5% candlenut shell charcoal + 10% adhesive). The study aimed to optimize briquette composition for maximum density, compressive strength, and calorific value while minimizing moisture, ash, and volatile matter. Results indicated that a higher proportion of candlenut shell charcoal enhanced density, compressive strength, and fixed carbon content, with the highest calorific value exceeding 19 MJ/kg observed in the 1:3 ratio. Additionally, the study evaluated three empirical models for predicting the Higher Heating Value (HHV) of the briquettes, finding the Nhuchhen model to be the most accurate, with an R² value of 0.93, providing a reliable method for predicting calorific value.

Population and Habitat Characteristics of Tarsius fuscus in Resort Mallawa Bantimurung Bulusaraung, South Sulawesi

Tarsius fuscus is one of the conservation priority wildlife in the Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park (Babul National Park). This study aims to analyze the population and habitat characteristics of T. fuscus as one of the considerations in the conservation management of its population and habitat. This research was carried out in July 2021 in the forest around Bentenge Village and Samaenre Village, Resort Mallawa, Babul National Park. The method used was direct observation, calculation of the number of individuals for each group, and vegetation analysis at the meeting points of T. fuscus. Based on observations, the population size of 48 individuals from 13 groups was obtained with an overall population density of 0.109 individuals/Ha. The population density in the secondary dryland forest is higher than in the scrubland. The number of juvenile and infant in both land cover were low compared to the adults. T. fuscus was found in two types of habitat, there are secondary dryland forests (SDF) and scrubland with specific ranges of physical parameters. Based on vegetation analysis, SDF was dominated by the mana-mana tree (Blumeodendron kurzii) with an important value index (IVI) of 57.72%, while shrubland was dominated by kemiri tree (Aleurites moluccana) with an IVI of 40.75%. The two land covers are dominated by the Moraceae family and jambu air seedlings (Syzygium aqueum).

Evaluating land suitability for kemiri (Aleurites moluccana) as a multi-purpose tree species in community agroforestry land within Langkat District, North Sumatra

Evaluating land suitability for Aleurites moluccana in community agroforestry land within Langkat District, North Sumatra, is crucial for promoting sustainable development, enhancing livelihoods, and preserving ecosystems while honoring local traditions and cultures. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate and map the land suitability for A. moluccana within Langkat District, located in North Sumatra, Indonesia. To gather the necessary data, this study employed a survey method, involving the collection of soil samples from ten distinct land units within the field. The assessment of land suitability was carried out using the matching method. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology was utilized to create maps illustrating the distribution of land suitability, while a Global Positioning System (GPS) was employed to accurately record the coordinates of the collected soil samples. The findings revealed that within Gunung Ambat, Simpang Kuta Buluh, Rumah Galuh, and Telagah Village, the actual land suitability classes for A. moluccana were classified as moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3). The prevailing limiting factors in this region were temperature (tc) and the characteristics of the root zone medium (rc). Consequently, this influenced the potential land suitability classes for A. moluccana, resulting in classifications ranging from highly suitable (S1) to moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3). By implementing land suitability evaluation for A. moluccana in community agroforestry land, promoting sustainable land use, enhancing livelihoods, and conserving natural resources.

The Carbon Stocks Estimation on Tangga Community Forests of Lombok Utara

Forests are one of the largest carbon dioxide absorbers, the forest's function as a carbon dioxide absorber causes an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and carbon dioxide is stored in forest biomass. Forest development to increase carbon dioxide absorption can be carried out in state forest areas or private forests, which also include community forests. This research aims to estimate carbon stocks in the Tangga community forest (HKm) , in the Tangga HKm, Lombok utara, NTB. This research uses quantitative methods. The data collected is standing vegetation data. Standing vegetation data includes saplings, poles and trees by measuring diameter and height using purposive sampling collection techniques. Carbon stocks are estimated using the allometric equation formula. The total carbon reserves in the HKm Tangga obtained from each stand were 9.972,11 ton/ha. The highest carbon stock value is at the tree level with a value of 8.785,08 tons/ha, followed by the sapling level at 731,34 ton/ha, and the pole level at 455,69 tons/ha with the highest amount at the candlenut tree level (Aleurites moluccana) at 2.200,63 ton/ha and the lowest was the breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) with a value of 1,96 ton/ha.

Converting Candlenut Shell Waste into Graphene for Electrode Applications

Graphene was synthesized through a two-step pyrolysis method using waste candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus) shells as the precursor. Cerium (Ce)/graphene composites were prepared via an impregnation technique. The resulting graphene and Ce/graphene were characterized using various analytical methods, including Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), and Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV). The bio-carbon produced predominantly exhibited a graphene structure with flat carbon morphology and an interlayer distance of 0.33 nm. This structural information is supported by XRD data, which shows a broad and weak peak at 2θ = 26° corresponding to the C (002) plane, indicative of graphene presence. FTIR, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy further confirmed the presence of graphene through the detection of Csp2 aromatic bonds and the characteristic D, G, and 2D peaks. Notably, the performance of cerium can be enhanced by the incorporation of graphene, attributed to the large surface area and chemical interactions between Ce and graphene. Consequently, candlenut-derived graphene shows potential as a supportive material for modifying the properties of cerium, due to the current value of Ce/Graphene increase with presence of graphene, thereby opening avenues for various advanced applications, such as sustainable and high-performance energy storage systems.

Detection of Aflatoxin Content in Candlenut (Aleurites moluccana) Simplicia at Karang Penang Market using PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) Method

Candlenut (Aleurites moluccana) was a food ingredient widely used as a cooking spice. Candlenuts that were stored for too long rotted more easily and grew fungi, especially Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. These types of fungi could produce mycotoxin compounds which were dangerous when consumed by humans. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of aflatoxin content in candlenut (Aleurites moluccana) in the Karang Penang Sampang market. This research used total sampling. Candlenuts chosen as samples were all the candlenuts sold unwrapped by sellers in the Karang Penang market. This method used PDA media with the Pour Plate technique and an incubation time of 7 days. The results of the study showed 8 samples of candlenut with positive packaging containing the fungus Aspergillus niger with blackish-brown colonies and 1 sample of candlenut without positive packaging containing the fungus Aspergillus flavus with round yellowish-green colonies. In this study, it was concluded that the candlenuts circulating in the Karang Penang Sampang Market were positive for Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus.

Characterization of candlenut leaf extract Simplicia (Auleurites moluccanus) Seulawah mountains

Abstract Candlenut is a plant that has active components and is believed by the public to be able to cure diseases. The parts of this medicinal plant can be used starting from the roots, stems, leaves, and fruit. The candlenut leaves also contain alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, which are excreted. It is believed to cure or reduce pain. Candlenut leaf extract can be used as a mouthwash to prevent dental caries. This research aims to determine the characteristics of simplicia from candlenut leaves (Aleurites moluccanus). Samples of candlenut leaves were obtained from the Seulawah Mountains, where the soil contains high levels of secondary metabolites. Based on the results of the simplicia character test, it is known that the characteristics of the candlenut leaf simplicia in the water content (2.978 %) and total ash content (9.75 %) tests meet the requirements of Farmako Indonesia and Materia Medika Indonesia (MMI).

Formulasi Sediaan Hair Tonic Ekstrak Rumput Laut (Hormophysa Triquetra) Dengan Kombinasi Ekstrak Kemiri (Aleurites Moluccana) Sebagai Penumbuh Rambut

Hormophysa triquetra seaweed is one of the marine natural resources that has not been utilized optimally by society. H. triquetra seaweed has a dominant pigment, namely fucoxanthin, which has anti-cancer and anti-obesity properties. Seaweed is widely used as a cosmetic product by utilizing its ingredients. H. triquetra seaweed contains flavonoids, phenols as antioxidants which are able to repair damaged hair cells and produce skin tissue which is conducive to hair growth, besides the vitamin C content which can increase blood circulation and provide nutrition for hair follicles. Aleurites moluccana candlenut oil contains high levels of oleic acid and has activity as a hair growth stimulant which has been widely used for generations as a hair tonic. In addition, the antioxidant properties of candlenut oil's oleic acid are believed to slow hair loss and accelerate hair growth. The aim of this research is to determine the formulation and characteristics of the best hair tonic made from H. triquetra seaweed and candlenut extract as a hair growth agent. A completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 3 replications was used in this experiment. The best results were in the F0 treatment because it showed good physical stability in the test animals and fast hair length growth among other treatments because the samples used contained the highest seaweed extract and contained antioxidants which could protect hair and maintain good hair pigmentation.

Microscopy, HPTLC, and LC-DAD-Q-ToF validation of nut-based weight-loss dietary supplements, Aleurites moluccanus (candlenut) and Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut)

Aleurites moluccanus (candlenut) and Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut) are marketed as dietary supplements for weight loss. These dietary supplements have been found to sometimes be adulterated with toxic nuts/seeds from Cascabela thevetia, commonly known as yellow oleander or lucky nut. This study emphasizes the key identification parameters to differentiate the genuine and adulterated nuts. Samples were obtained from authenticated sources of the nuts and from commercial sources of dietary supplements. This study examined 38 samples, including voucher and commercial samples. All eight commercial candlenut dietary supplement samples were adulterated. Additionally, two samples sold as Brazil nuts were also found to be adulterated. Other nuts were screened for the presence of Cardiac Glycosides, but none were found to be positive. The presence of yellow oleander was confirmed in all commercial dietary supplement samples marketed as candlenut as well as in commercial samples of Brazil nut. This study provides simple key identification characters using micro-morphology and histochemical localization of cardiac glycosides in the commercial nuts, HPTLC fingerprints, and LC-DAD-Q-ToF analytical parameters to detect and identify adulteration in commercial products.

Production of Biodiesel from Candlenut Seed Oil (Aleurites Moluccana Wild) Using a NaOH/CaO/Ca Catalyst with Microwave Heating

Oil fuels derived from fossils are non-renewable, so over time, they will run out and have a negative impact on air pollution. To overcome this, there is a need for environmentally friendly alternative fuels from renewable sources such as biodiesel. This research used microwave heating with a CaO catalyst. NaOH-impregnated snail shells and active carbon support. This research aims to determine the effect of power on the conversion of candlenut seed oil into biodiesel using the NaOH/CaO/CA catalyst both in terms of compliance with the SNI 7182-2015 standard and analysis using GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry). The synthesis of the NaOH/CaO/CA catalyst was carried out through wet impregnation and calcination at a temperature of 500°C and analyzed using gas sorption analysis (GSA). Then proceed to the transesterification process, where the power for microwave heating was varied to 300, 450, and 600 watts with a mole ratio of esterified oil and methanol, namely 1:10 for 3 minutes. The analysis results of the NaOH/CaO/CA catalyst using the GSA instrument have a surface area of 9.306 m2/g, pore volume of 0.033 cc/g, and pore diameter of 14.043 nm. Meanwhile, the results of the biodiesel analysis showed that the optimum biodiesel yield was 85.625% at 600 watts of power and had a kinematic density and viscosity that met the SNI 7182-2015 biodiesel standards. Analysis of biodiesel characteristics using GC-MS showed that the three most optimum biodiesel components were hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (22.664%), 9,12-Octadedecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester (30.176%) and 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester (38.656%).

EFFECT OF ACTIVATED CHARCOAL PECAN SHELL (Aleurites moluccanus L. Willd) WITH VARIATIONS IN SULFURIC ACID CONCENTRATION ON DECREASED COD AND BOD LEVELS OF LAUNDRY LIQUID WASTE

Pecan shells are organic waste that can be decomposed but the texture is hard enough that it takes a long time to decompose it naturally. Various efforts to utilize pecan shell waste (Aleurites moluccanus L. Willd), one of which is as a raw material for making activated charcoal. This study aims to find out how the effect of pecan shell activated charcoal (Aleurites moluccanus L. Willd) with variations in the concentration of sulfuric acid against a decrease in Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels of laundry liquid waste, as well as the effectiveness of the concentration of sulfuric acid activators. The manufacture of pecan shell activated charcoal (Aleurites moluccanus L. Willd) as an adsorbent is carried out through two stages, namely the authoring stage and the activation stage. BOD testing is carried out by the Winkler titration method while COD is carried out by the closed reflux method. The concentration of sulfuric acid used is 0.5 N; 1.0 N; 1.5 N; 2.0 N; and 2.5 N with a soaking time of 2 hours. The results showed that the sulfuric acid activator that was most effective in reducing laundry liquid waste was at a concentration of 1.5 N with the largest decrease value for BOD, namely 955.56 mg/L (25.44 %) and for COD which was 1648.69 mg/L (18.56 %).

Comparative analysis of the spectrum of antibacterial activity of oils from ungurahui fruits, black cumin seeds and kukui nut

The work is devoted to the study of the antibacterial activity of oils from the fruits of ungurahui, black cumin seeds and kukui nuts. Based on the studies conducted, the authors concluded that their use is promising in the process of creating natural biologically active oil-based preparations.

Adsorption of Cadmium Metal Ions by a Physically-Chemically Activated Adsorbent From Candlenut (Aleurites Moluccana) Shells

Adsorption of Cadmium Metal Ions by a Physically-Chemically Activated Adsorbent From Candlenut (Aleurites Moluccana) Shells

Classification of crown density and foliage transparency scale for broadleaf tree using VGG-16

Crown density and foliage transparency are important parameters for tree crown conditions. Previously, observers carried out crown density and foliage transparency assessments manually, which could be a less efficient process.This research aims to use the VGG-16 deep learning architecture to classify the density and transparency of broadleaves tree crowns. In this study, broadleaves tree crown datasets were collected for four types of broadleaves tree: cacao (theobroma cacao), durian (durio zibethinus), rubber (havea brasiliensis), candlenut (aleurites moluccana); then the data is labeled based on the crown density and foliage transparency scale card. The research applies resize and augmentation preprocessing. The model training process uses a scenario of 80% train data, 10% test data, and 10% validation data. After training using the VGG-16 model, the test results showed impressive accuracy, with the highest accuracy reaching 98.40% for candlenut trees, rubber (96.00%), cacao (92.00%), and durian (86.60%). This research shows quite good results in classifying the scale of crown density and foliage transparency with four types of broadleaves tree (cacao, durian, rubber and candlenut) using VGG-16.

Biodiesel production: An updated review of evidence

This review paper highlights the production of biodiesel from different plant based feedstocks via the transesterification process. Biodiesel is a renewable, non-toxic, environment-friendly and an economically feasible option to tackle the depleting fossil fuels and its negative environmental impact. Biodiesel in general possess higher kinematic viscosity and density than conventional diesel. However, because of food security concerns, the use of edible oil in biodiesel production is criticized globally. Non-edible plant oils, waste cooking oils, and edible oil industry byproducts are suggested as effective biodiesel feedstocks because nonedible feedstock does not compete with food from human consumption. High-potential second-generation feedstock for biodiesel production uses waist cooking oil, acid oil, and animal tallow. Non edible crops in India as a feedstock for biodiesel production are yellow oleander oil (Cascabela thevetia), Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata), Jatropha curcas, Mahua (Madhuca longifolia), Candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus), Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), Soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi), Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Karanja (Millettia pinnata), Castor (Ricinus communis), Polanga (Calophyllum inophyllum L), Cotton (Gossypium), Kusum (Carthamus tinctorius), Yellow oleander (Cascabela thevetia), Sea mango (Cerbera odollam), Tung (Vernicia fordii), and Bottle tree (Brachychiton rupestris). Biodiesel is a sustainable liquid bio-energy resource that might be used to replace diesel fuel. Despite having numerous advantages over conventional diesel, the biodiesel industry is still struggling in India because of various reasons and challenges like availability, high feedstock pricing, operational hurdles, and supply-chain management challenges.

The Existence of Undergrowth at Forest Garden Stands in Grand Forest Park, Lampung Province

The existence of undergrowth has an important role as an ecosystem both from an ecological and economic perspective. However, the composition and diversity of undergrowth in an area depends on the land use system. This research aimed to know the species composition and diversity of undergrowth at forest garden stands. Data collection was carried out with a vegetation survey using nested rectangular plots with a sampling intensity of 1%. The data collected included undergrowth species, the number of individuals for each species, and tree species as components of forest garden stands. Data were analyzed by calculating density, frequency, important value index, and Shannon diversity index. The results showed that the undergrowth that exists under forest garden stands were 38 species dominated by 12 species, namely Acalypha australis, Asystasia gangetica, Clidemia hirta, Starchytarpeta jamaicensis, Mikania micrantha, Peperomia pellucidia, Setaria barbata, Andropogon aciculatus, Alpinia galanga, Diplazium esculentum, Paederia foetida, and Crassocephalum crepidioides. The forest garden stands were composed of 43 tree species dominated by 4 tree species, namely Durio zibethinus, Aleurites moluccana, Myristica fragrans, and Gnetum gnemon. The level of undergrowth diversity was in the medium category with an H value of 1.540, indicating the diverse of undergrowth species.

LC-Orbitrap-HRMS Determination of Two Novel Plastochromanol Homologues.

The antioxidant plastochromanol-8 (PC-8) is a tocochromanol which differs from γ-tocotrienol in having an unsaturated side chain of eight instead of three isoprene units. The recent isolation of PC-8 from flaxseed oil indicates the additional presence of lower shares of two previously unknown homologues, plastochromanol-7 (PC-7) and plastochromanol-9 (PC-9), which feature seven and nine isoprenoid units respectively on the γ-chromanol backbone. Here, a fast LC-Orbitrap-HRMS method is applied for the determination of PC-7 and PC-9 in seven plant oils and a plant extract. The presence of PC-7, PC-8, and PC-9 is confirmed in all eight investigated samples by LC-Orbitrap-HRMS analysis after saponification. PC-8 amounts of ≈315-350 mgkg-1 in two flaxseed oils, ≈75 mgkg-1 in rapeseed oil, ≈38mgkg-1 in camelina oil, ≈80-120mgkg-1 in two mustard oils, ≈90 mgkg-1 in candle nut oil, and ≈900 mgkg-1 dry weight in Cecropia leaves are determined by quantification. Semi-quantification of PC-7 and PC-9 indicated the presence of ≈0.1-1% of PC-7 and PC-9 in varied relative ratios. The novel plastochromanol homologues are of particular interest to researchers with focus on vitamin E and other tocochromanols because of their unexplored bioactivity.

Facile Production of Biodiesel from Candlenut Oil (<i>Aleurites moluccana</i> L.) Using Photocatalytic Method by Nano Sized-ZnO Photocatalytic Agent Synthesized via Polyol Method

Biodiesel production from non-edible oil is an alternative way to reduce edible oil dependency and reduce the competition for feed and food. Candlenut oil (Aleurites moluccana L.) is one of the non-edible oils which can be used as feedstock for biodiesel production since they have a high oil content. Herein, the biodiesel production from candlenut oil has been conducted using zinc oxide (ZnO) synthesized by the polyol method. Polyol methods facilitated the formation of ZnO nanoparticles with various shapes, including spherical, rod, and hexagonal. Besides, ZnO showed a mesoporous characteristic, facilitating the conversion of fat fatty acid to fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) of 61%. Increasing ZnO dosage led to enhancing the FAME yield. Similarly, the FAME yield was also improved by increasing the reaction time. The results of esterification of candlenut oil and methanol yielded 70.76% FAME with 2% nano-ZnO polyol catalyst at 180 min reaction time at room temperature whilst being stirred constantly at 400 rpm. A good FAME conversion using ZnO at room temperature provides good information to produce biodiesel with a simple method. Apart from that, photocatalytic promoted transesterification at room temperature, which is beneficial for reducing energy consumption.

Extraction of Vegetable Oil from Candlenut Seeds (Aleurites Moluccana L. Willd.) Using the Microwave Hydrodiffusion and Gravity (MHG) Method

Extraction of Vegetable Oil from Candlenut Seeds (Aleurites Moluccana L. Willd.) Using the Microwave Hydrodiffusion and Gravity (MHG) Method