The seed oil of Carapa guianensis, known as Crabwood oil (CWO) and its fractionation was studied, focussing on chemical composition and physicochemical functionality. Compounds never reported before in CWO were identified, including limonoids such as Trichillin, ketostearic and hydroxyoleic acids. Yield of olein and stearin fractions correlated strongly with solvent polarity. Important bioactives were partitioned as a function of solvent polarity in the olein vs. stearin fractions. For example, up to 35% more of Gedunin were present in the liquid fractions. Solid fat content, crystallization and melting temperature and microstructure were significantly affected by fractionation and shown to be strongly correlated with solvent polarity. Fractionation was demonstrated to be a powerful tool to extend the physical functionality of CWO and concentrate its bioactives.
Author Keywords: Carapa guianensis, Chemical characteristics, Crabwood Oil, Dry and Solvent fractionation, Fractionation, Physical characteristics