Abstract:
Edible plant oils such as sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil with a high content of polyunsaturated
fatty acids are susceptible to oxidation during storage. Recently, following evidences on the
adverse effects of synthetic antioxidants on human health, there is a growing interest in the use
of plant sources as natural antioxidants in edible oils. This study investigated the effect of
addition of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) peel extract on oxidative stability of sesame oil
during storage. Antioxidants present in the peel were extracted by using acetone and
antioxidant properties of the extract were determined. Oil samples were purchased directly
from a mill ensuring that the oil is not adulterated and does not have any added antioxidants.
Initial value of Free Fatty acid content (FFA) and Peroxide Value (PV) were 2.64±0.35 g oleic
acid /100g and 0.26±0.06 meq /kg of sample, respectively. Samples were prepared separately in
glass bottles by adding 1000 ppm of star fruit peel extract (treatment) and 200 ppm of butylated
hydroxytoluene (BHT) (positive control) and without adding antioxidant (negative control).
Glass bottles were filled up to the top with the respective oils, hermetically sealed and kept at
ambient conditions in a dry and cold place. Two sets of experiments, one set exposed to sunlight
and other without exposing to sunlight, were carried out. The level of oxidation was determined
by FFA, PV, p-anisidine value (AV), TOTOX value, conjugated diene (CD) and conjugated triene
(CT) values after one month and two months of storage. All parameters of non-exposed samples
were significantly lower (p<0.05) than the respective exposed samples. TOTOX values of
negative control, positive control and treatment in non-exposed samples after two months of
storage were significantly lower (4.11±0.03, 3.55±0.1 and 2.31±0.18, respectively) than exposed
samples (10.99±0.35, 7.84±0.08 and 5.79±0.15, respectively). PV, AV and CD and CT values of
treatment samples in exposed and non-exposed samples (1.55±0.11 and 0.46±0.13 meq/kg,
2.69±0.06 and 1.4±0.08, 0.96±0.008 and 0.90±0.001, 0.89±0.01 and 0.85±0.01, respectively)
were significantly lower (p<0.05) than the values of corresponding positive controls (2.39±0.07
and 0.57±0.02 meq/kg, 2.98±0.13 and 2.42±0.06, 0.97±0.001 and 0.94±0.05, 0.91±0.00 and
0.90±0.00, respectively). In conclusion, star fruit peel extract at 1000 ppm significantly reduced
the oxidation of sesame oil exposed to light up to two months of storage and its effectiveness
was higher than BHT. Thus, star fruit peel extract could be used as a green alternative to
synthetic antioxidants in edible oils.
