LOCALISATION OF EXTRACTABLE OIL AND ANTIOXIDANTS FROM Sclerocarya birrea (MARULA) NUTS

摘要

Kernels from nuts of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro (Anacardiaceae) contain a high percentage of oil as well as a powerful antioxidant. This antioxidant has been found to be six times more resistant to oxidation than virgin olive oil, and twice more than palmolein. The exceptional stability of marula oil towards oxidation renders the use of the oil an attractive alternative for application in cosmetic formulations. Harvesting and processing marula nut oil may therefore become a sustainable industry.