A Biochemical Study
Investigating the Antioxidant Potential of Coconut Oil (CO)
Summary of Analysis Report
The analysis of coconut oil samples aimed to determine their polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity. Among the samples, Sample SP exhibited the highest polyphenolic content, followed closely by Sample SSP, and Sample P. To assess antioxidant capacity, DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities were measured, Sample SP demonstrated the highest DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities, with Sample P and Sample SSP also displaying substantial antioxidant properties. In terms of hydrogen peroxide inhibition, Sample P displayed the highest activity, followed by Samples SP and SSP. These findings suggest that coconut oil samples with higher polyphenolic content, particularly SP, SSP, and P, possess stronger antioxidant properties. Further research is needed to validate these results and explore the potential health benefits of coconut oil. Understanding the antioxidant capacity of coconout oil can contribute to its utilization on promoting human health and well-being.
Project Objectives
To investigate the polyphenol content and antioxidant properties of the CO samples and compare them to another sample
Product References
Product P: SPOONS HEVCO Premium
Product SP: SPOONS SP -SP Formula
Product SSP: SPOONS SSP -SP Formula
Product A: Hot-Pressed Coconut Oil
Product B: Cold-Pressed-Organis Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Product C: Virgin Coconut Oil
Product D: Cold-Pressed-Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Product E: Cold-Pressed-Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Product F: Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
RESULT
(i) Evaluation of Total Phenol Content of CO Samples
The proximate analysis reveals that the total phenol contant varies among coconut oil samples. Among the samples, Sample SP stands out with the highest polyphenolic content at 54.92 (+-) 0.49 mg/kg. Following closely is Sample SSP with a polyphenolic content of 48.44 (+-) 0.41 mg/kg, and then Sample P with a content of 38.29 (+-) 0.14 mg/kg. Sample C, D, and F exhibit relatively similar levels of polyphenolic content, ranging from 20.41 (+-) 0.59 mg/kg to 20.65 (+-) 1.66 mg/kg. On the other hand, Samples A, B, and E possess the lowest polyohenolic content, ranging from 13.85 (+-) 1.82 mg/kg to 17.70 (+-) 0.95 mg/kg
Polyphenols are a group of natural compounds found in various foods including coconut oil, and are known for their antioxidant properties (Zeb, 2021). Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, which can cause oxidative stress and damage cells (Adwas, 2019). As a result, consuming food rich in polyphenols, like coconut oil, could be associated with potential health benefits.
In the context of data presented, it can be inferred that the coconut oil samples with higher level of polyphenols, such as P, SP, and SSP, may exhibit greater antioxidant activity vompared to samples with lower levels of polyphenols. This is because polyphenols are responsible for the antioxidant capacity of coconut oil (Famurewa et al., 201). Therefore, the different antioxidant assays were further investigated.
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(ii) Evaluation of the DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity of Coconut Oil Samples
DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) is a commonly used free radical that is used to assess the antioxidant capacity of substances (Yeo & Shahidi, 2019). By evaluating the DPPH radical scavenging activity, one can measure the ability of coconut oil samples to neutralize or reduce the presence of free radicals, which indicates their potential antioxidant activity. Based on the Figure 2, the positive control demonstrates the highest DPPH scavenging activity at 98.55% +- 0.36, indicating its strong antioxidant capacity. Among the coconut oil samples, SP exhibits the highest DPPH scavenging activity at 51.90% +- 0.32, followed by P at 46.03% +- 0.60 and SSP at 41.24% $ 0.78. These samples show relatively higher antioxidant activity compared to the remaining samples.
Samples A, B, D, E, and F exhibit moderate DPPH scavenging activity, ranging from 17.39% +- 0.18 to 29.40% +- 0.10. Sample C, however, demonstrates the lowest DPPH scavenging activity at 12.91% +- 0.12.
The results suggest that coconut oil samples with higher DPPH scavenging activity, such as SP, P, and SSP, possess stronger antioxidant properties. These samples have a greater ability to neutralize free radicals, which can contribute to their potential health benefits.
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(iii) Evaluation of the ABTS Radical Scaenging Activity of Coconut Oil Samples
The ABTS radical (2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation) is widely used in antioxidant assays to measure the antioxidant capacity of various substances, including foods and oils (Normah & Hanapi, 2019). The ABTS radical cation is reactive towards several antioxidants, including phenolics and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) (Gulcin, 2020). In Figure 3, the ABTS scavenging activity of the coconut oil samples is expressed as a percentage, which indicates the extent to which the samples can neutralize the ABTS radicals. It can be clearly seen that the positive control has the highest ABTS scavenging activity at 95.44% +- 0.21, indicating its strong antioxidant capacity. Among the coconut oil samples, SP shows the highest ABTS scavenging activity at 75.66% +- 0.55, followed by SSP at 72.18% +- 0.21 and P at 64.51% +- 0.55. These samples show relatively higher antioxidant activity compared to the other samples.
Samples D, E and C show moderate ABTS scavenging activity ranging from 32.13% +- 2.79 to 23.26%. Samples B and A show lower ABTS scavenging activity of 13.55% and 5.64% +- 0.21 respectively. Samples A and F have the lowest ABTS scavenging activity of 5.64% +- 4.50 and 4.08% +- 1.45 respectively.
The results suggest that coconut oil samples with higher ABTS scavenging activity such as SP, SSP and P have stronger antioxidant properties. These samples have a greater ability to neutralize ABTS radicals, indicating their potential health benefits.
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(iv) Evaluation of Hydrogen Peroxide Inhibition of Coconut Oil Samples
The inhibition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) activity is an important measure of a substance’s ability to neutralize or reduce the presence of hydrogen peroxide, which is a reactive oxygen species (Richards & Chaurasia, 2022). Hydrogen peroxide can cause oxidative damage and contribute to various health issues (Pisoschi, et al., 2021). Therefore, substances that can inhibit hydrogen peroxide activity are considered to have antioxidant properties and potential health benefits.
Hydrogen peroxide is involved in various biological processes and can act as a signaling molecule. However, excessive levels of hydrogen peroxide can lead to oxidative stress and damage to cells and tissues. Therefore, the ability of a substance to inhibit hydrogen peroxide activity is crucial in maintaining cellular homeostasis and preventing oxidative damage (Richards & Chaurasia, 2022).
In Figure 4, the positive control demonstrates the highest inhibition of hydrogen peroxide activity at 98.49% +- 0.15, indicating its strong antioxidant capacity. Among the coconut oil samples, sample P exhibits the highest inhibition at 95.05% +- 0.23, followed by samples SP and SSP at 87.33% +- 0.23 and 87.60% + 0.30, respectively. These samples show relatively higher antioxidant activity compared to the remainin amples. Samples C. A. and E exhibit moderate inhibition of hydrogen peroxid activity, ranging from 73.12% +- 0.28 to 52.34% +- 0.26. Samples B, D, and F demonstrate lower inhibition percentages at 45.57% +- 0.44, 39.57% +- 0.37, and 28.92% +- 0.66, respectively.
The results suggest that coconut oil samples with higher inhibition of hydrogen peroxide activity, such as samples P, SP, and SSP, possess stronger antioxidant properties. These samples have a greater ability to neutralize hydrogen peroxide, indicating their potential health benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the coconut oil samples with higher levels of polyphenols, such as SP, SSP, and P, tend to exhibit stronger antioxidant properties across multiple assays. these samples show higher DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities and greater inhibition of hydrogen peroxide activity. This suggests that coconut oil with higher polyphenolic content may have greater potential health benefits due to their stronger antioxidant activity.
Health . Diet . Nutrition
Unveiling the Hidden Potential of Coconut Oil
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
School of Chemical and Energy Engineering
EMAIL Me
leetinghun@utm.my
