Physicochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Palm Oil: an Approach for Quality, Safety, and Nutrition Evaluation of Palm Oil

Palm oil from the mesocarp of the oil palm fruit is the most produced vegetable oil in the world. There is a widespread speculation that palm oil is being adulterated for the sole purpose of profit maximization due to increase in its use. This study aims to characterize the quality of palm oil by determining some physicochemical and pharmacological properties of palm oil from different palm oil-producing states in comparison with national standards. Physicochemical parameters assessed include pH, specific gravity, moisture content, smoke point, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification value, unsaponifiable matter, acid value, free fatty acid, and ester value. The results obtained from the research showed that the quality of palm oil samples was not within the recommended Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) values. The research findings showed that Delta palm oil showed superior pharmacological (anticancer, antibacterial, anti-melanogenic, and antioxidant) activities against cell line (MCF-7). The results for scavenging activity of Delta palm oil (IC50 = 501.7 mu g/ml) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) when compared with other palm oil samples. Thus, there is need for improved processing, good handling, and storage practices that would ensure high quality of palm oil sold in the markets. In conclusion, palm oil samples could potentially be utilized as alternative treatments for controlling infectious diseases.