PJB-2024-294
Analysis of medium-chain fatty acid components in virgin coconut oil with the addition of nutmeg fruit flesh extract as immunomodulatory bioactive compounds
Lucia Cecilia Mandey, Dantje Tarore, Jenny E.A. Kandou and Silvya L. Mandey
Abstract
This study aims to produce Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) enriched with bioactive compounds by adding nutmeg flesh extract. The research analyzes the fatty acid composition of VCO-caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid-using Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC) while exploring its potential as an immunomodulator through literature review. A laboratory experiment was conducted by analyzing the fatty acid components of VCO with nutmeg flesh extract (Nutmeg VCO) using GLC. The results show that the Nutmeg VCO meets the quality parameters of SNI 7381:2008, with a moisture content of 0.13%, an average free fatty acid (FFA) level of 0.09%, a clear appearance, and a distinct aroma of both coconut and nutmeg. The identified fatty acid composition includes caproic acid (0.46%), caprylic acid (7.70%), capric acid (6.24%), lauric acid (50.59%), myristic acid (18.52%), palmitic acid (7.85%), stearic acid (2.26%), and linoleic acid (1.47%). Nutmeg VCO contains bioactive compounds such as phenols, tocopherols, and flavonoids, which have potential immunomodulatory effects. Additionally, due to its fermentation-based production without microbial additives, VCO naturally contains lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria produce bacteriocins that exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, potentially inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms, including COVID-19. This fermentation method represents a novel approach in VCO production.
To Cite this article:
Mandey, L.C., D. Tarore, J.E.A. Kandou and S.L. Mandey. 2025. Analysis of medium-chain fatty acid components in virgin coconut oil with the addition of nutmeg fruit flesh extract as immunomodulatory bioactive compounds. Pak. J. Bot., 57(5): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2025-5(13)
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