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Article history
Received: 17May 2016
Received in revised form: 4 July 2016
Accepted: 11 August 2016
Keywords
Canarium ovatum
Pili
Heavy metals
Phytochemicals
Acute oral toxicity
Abstract
Canarium ovatum, Engl. (Burseraceae) or Pili is a valued indigenous fruit tree crop in the Philippines. The defatted pili pulp meal, a mixture of fruit peel and pulp that remains after pili pulp oil extraction, may be considered a functional ingredient because of its high dietary fiber and phytonutrient content. This study provides initial information on the microbiological and heavy metal contents of defatted pili pulp meal residue and preliminary toxicity report of its ethanolic extract. Ground lyophilized samples were subjected to heavy metal and microbiological analyses. An ethanolic extract of the plant material was prepared for phytochemical screening and acute oral toxicity testing. Results showed that both heavy metals and microbiological profiles of defatted pili meal residue pass the criteria for botanical ingredients set by relevant regulatory agencies. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of important bioactive compounds namely, flavonoids, tannins, anthraquinones, indoles, alkaloids, sterols, and terpenes. In acute oral toxicity, no mortalities were recorded over a 14day experimental period. Neither significant gross and histopathological findings in liver and kidneys were detected. The LD50 of ethanolic extract in mice was estimated to be greater than 5 g/kg body weight. In conclusion, the pili pulp mixture may not present any potential public health risk when used as a component for food and drug products.
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Introduction
Canarium ovatum, Engl. (Burseraceae) is a valued indigenous fruit tree crop in the Philippines. It is a deciduous tree measuring about 20-25 meters in height and 40-50 centimeters in diameter. Locally known as pili, this plant is abundantly found in the Bicol region of Southern Luzon, particularly in the provinces of Sorsogon, Albay and Camarines Sur (Coronel et al., 1983). It thrives in the primary and secondary forests of low to medium elevations (Orwa et al., 2009).
Pili is cultivated chiefly for its kernels. The Philippines holds monopoly over processed pili products in the global market (Coronel et al., 1983). Aside from pili nut confections, pili pulp oil is one of the highly acknowledged pili commodities. This oil is utilized for culinary and cosmetic products. Rural folks have attested...