Lipid Fractionation and Physicochemical Characterization of Carapa guianensis Seed Oil from Guyana

The seed oil of Carapa guianensis, known as crabwood oil (CWO), is distinguished for its medicinal and cosmetics applications, attributed to its bioactive components and lipid profile. CWO and its dry and solvent fractionation were studied, with a focus on physicochemical functionality and the partitioning of known bioactive compounds, such as limonoids and sterols. Important bioactive components, including limonoids and sterols, were partitioned depending on the fractionation method; in particular, there is a direct dependence on solvent polarity. There was a very strong solid fraction yield-solvent polarity with a high linear slope of -121.3%. The partitioning of the lipids is significant enough to drive measurable and predictable changes in the physical properties. Palmitic (P: C16:0) and oleic (O: C18:1) fatty acids account for about 60% of the total fatty acid composition of the TAGs of CWO and its fractions. The most abundant limonoid is methyl angolensate (from 28 to 39%), followed by Trichilin A (from 13% to 22%). Gedunin and Andirobin were more abundant in the liquid fractions, whereas Carapanolides (less than 1.3%) were more present in the olein fractions. The crystallization and melting temperatures of the solid fractions were up to 26 degree celsius, compared to 11degree celsius for CWO, and were particularly strongly correlated to the polarity of the solvents. The SFC profile indicated semi-solid fats, with the solid fractions showing up to 19% at 18 degree celsius, twice the SFC in CWO. The fractions demonstrated a wide range of distinguishable microstructures. The shapes include well-organized spherulites and needle-like and rod-like crystals with sizes varying from 5 to 250 mu, suggesting that they are likely to have different flow characteristics and feel to the skin and mouth. There is a potential to make unique compositions with significantly different properties, with antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy due to the bioactive components of CWO through fractionation, using polarity as a predictive tool.

Automated summary

The physicochemical functionality and partitioning of bioactive compounds in crabwood oil and its fractions were studied. The partitioning of important bioactive components, such as limonoids and sterols, depended on the solvent polarity. The fractionation process led to measurable changes in the fatty acid composition and physical properties of the oil. The solid fractions showed different crystallization temperatures and SFC profiles compared to the oil. The microstructures of the fractions varied, potentially leading to different sensory characteristics on the skin and in the mouth.