J. A. Solís-Fuentes

Composition, phase behavior and thermal stability of natural edible fat from rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) seed.

In this paper, the chemical composition, the main physicochemical properties, phase behavior and thermal stability of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) seed fat were studied. These results showed that the almond-like decorticated seed represents 6.1% of the wet weight fruit and is: 1.22% ash, 7.80% protein, 11.6% crude fiber, 46% carbohydrates, and 33.4% fat (d.b.). The main fatty acids in the drupe fat were 40.3% oleic, 34.5% arachidic, 6.1% palmitic, 7.1% stearic, 6.3% gondoic, and 2.9% behenic; the refraction, saponification and iodine values were 1.468, 186, and 47.0, respectively. The phase behavior analysis showed relatively simple crystallization and melting profiles: crystallization showed three well-differentiated groups of triglycerides around maximum peaks at +30.8, +15.6 and -18.1 degrees C; the fat-melting curve had a range between -14.5 and +51.8 degrees C with a fusion enthalpy of 124.3 J/g. The thermal stability analyzed in an inert atmosphere of N(2) and in a normal oxidizing atmosphere, showed that in the latter, fat decomposition begins at 237.3 degrees C and concludes at 529 degrees C, with three stages of decomposition. According to these results, rambutan seed fat has physicochemical and thermal characteristics that may become interesting for specific applications in several segments of the food industry.

Mango ( Mangifera indica L .) Seed and Its Fats

Publisher Summary This chapter evaluates mango seed kernel not only for its qualities as a natural food but also for the biological activity of some of its constituents, which have shown positive impacts, directly or indirectly, on health and nutrition. By its biological nature, mango seed kernel has a composition that responds to varietal and phenotypic variations. Although phenolic compounds act as anti-nutritive factors, they have recently become the subject of intense research because of their high antioxidant activity. Tannins, gallic acid, coumarins, caffeic acid, vanillin, mangiferin, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid have been identified in the mango seed and analyzed for their antioxidant activity. Simple lipids in the mango seed kernel make up 94.8‑97.5% of the total lipids; the major constituents of these are triacylglycerols (55.6‑91.5%), followed by partial glycerides (2.3‑4%) and free fatty acids (0.8‑1.42%). Lipids are important components of food and also basic structural and functional constituents of cells; therefore, they are decisive in states of health and illness of individuals. The consumption of trans fatty acids in dietary hydrogenated fats is a worldwide public health problem because of their implications in the development of some major diseases. The physical and chemical characteristics of natural mango kernel fat make it a viable consumer alternative to high trans -fatty acid dietary fats.

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) Seeds, Therapeutic and Possible Food Potential

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the therapeutic potential of soursop seeds. Scientific studies have confirmed the presence of alkaloids, acetogenins, and cyclopeptides, compounds of great importance in these seeds that have attracted pharmacological interest. The seeds also contain a significant amount of oil, the composition and physical and chemical properties of which make it potentially attractive in the food sector. Various pharmacological investigations have shown that these metabolites possess antitumor, antidiarrheal, larvicidal, antimalarial, pesticidal, and fungicidal activities, especially with regard to their antitumor properties in vitro. Some are among the most potent inhibitors of complex I (NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase) in the system of mitochondrial electron transport between the said complex and the NADH-oxidase in the plasma membrane characteristic of cancer cells; these actions induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), perhaps following deprivation of ATP. Annonaceous acetogenins are the most studied bioactive metabolites from Annona muricata seeds and have high cytotoxic activity with potential therapeutic applications. Other important components of the Annona muricata seeds have also been studied from a food perspective. Any component derived from Annona muricata seeds for alimentary consumption must be studied regarding possible toxicological risks.