Appearance/form: Bright orange liquid

Saponification value: 185 - 240

SAP Multiplier for NaOH: 0.152

SAP Multiplier for KOH: 0.213

INCI name (PCPC) : Mauritia flexuosa

CAS No: 394239-67-9

Iodine Value: 60 - 90

Family: Arecaceae

Introduction

Buriti oil is a rich, hydrating fruit oil that is extracted from the nuts of the moriche palm tree, indigenous to the Amazon rainforest in brazil. The plant is also found seasonally in the Cerrado and in Northeast and Central south regions of Brazil, as well as regions in found in Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, and Guyana.

In 1859, during an expedition to South America, Baron von Humboldt, a scientist, and explorer (called the Moriche Palm “the tree of life.” The name was apt and the locals adopted this moniker, because of its value both in the diet and economics of the region. its fruits and seeds have a characteristic aroma and flavor that increases its value in a variety of applications. From cosmetics and perfumes, to candies, chocolates, and wines, it’s uses are limitless. [1]

Native residents of the Amazon region have used Buriti oil as a natural form of sunscreen for many years, as it is known to protect the skin from sun damage, while keeping it hydrated. The best way to extract the oil is by cold press, to ensure that it retains its properties.

Physical and Chemical Characteristics

The native palm offers the Buriti fruit, recognized for its bright orange- yellow flesh, that is harvested both for its nutritional value as well as a source of fruit oil.

The main bioactive compounds reported to Buriti oil are carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, fibre, phytosterols, and mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids.

In fact, research shows that Buriti oil is one of the richest natural sources of beta carotene. It contains 5 times more carotene than carrot oil, and is rich in fatty acids, Vitamin A, C and E [2]. Some compounds present in the Buriti fruit such as fibre, polysaccharides, pigments and antioxidants are being tested for their potential in biotechnology applications.

Buriti Oil Fatty Acid Profile

Health Benefits of Internal Use

Incorporating Buriti oil in foods as well as including the fruit in a well-rounded diet has proven to be beneficial in many ways. Once ingested, Buriti oil exhibits it’s anti-microbial potential by reducing the body’s susceptibility to infective organisms. The oil has high oxidative and lipophilic properties and can be easily added as capsules or nanoparticles to food materials like gelatin. Studies have shown that these methods significantly increase the antimicrobial activity of Buriti oil by 59%, 62% and 43% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. [3]

Research has also shown that Buriti oil can inhibit platelet aggregation and cholesterol plaque formation on the inner walls of arteries, similar to the action of blood thinners like aspirin. These are often responsible for formation of blood clots like a thrombus or embolus, that can block arteries and capillaries in vital organs. When the blood supply in the brain and the heart is disrupted, it leads to severe complications like heart disease or strokes. Therefore, Buriti oil has demonstrated its cardio-protective properties, when used as an additive. [4]

Skin and Hair Care Benefits

Buriti oil is known for its antioxidant activity and shows promise in protecting the epidermis. It protects the skin from environmental stressors like smoke, smog, or chemicals. It’s anti-inflammatory action benefits rough, dry, and irritated skin that is sensitive to allergies or infections. Buriti oil is also photo-protective, which means that it helps the skin cells, (keratinocytes and fibroblasts), to withstand the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays from the sun. [5]

Being a rich source of vitamin A and vitamin E, Buriti oil helps in collagen production, which reduces signs of aging i.e fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes while restoring the skin’s elasticity. It is also rich in fatty acids which makes it an efficient moisturizer, keeping the skin hydrated and healthy.

Conclusion

Buriti oil is a nutrient packed ingredient in skin care formulations but also has benefits for overall physical health. It is important to ensure that the oil is extracted properly so that its mineral and vitamin content is preserved.

References

1. Neto EMR, Junior FJG, de Siqueira Fraga EG, Campos MOC, Torres KBN. Therapeutic and Esthetic Potential of Buriti (Mauritia Flexuosa L f) [Internet]. Jocpr.com. [cited 2021 Aug 26]. Available from: https://www.jocpr.com/articles/therapeutic-and-esthetic-potential-of-buriti-mauritia-flexuosa-l-f.pdf

2. Ferreira BS, de Almeida CG, Faza LP, et al. Comparative properties of Amazonian oils obtained by different extraction methods. Molecules. 2011;16(7):5875-5885. Published 2011 Jul 13. doi:10.3390/molecules16075875

3. Castro, G.M.M.A., Passos, T.S., Nascimento, S.S.d. et al. Gelatin nanoparticles enable water dispersibility and potentialize the antimicrobial activity of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) oil. BMC Biotechnol 20, 55 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12896-020-00649-4

4. Eduardo Fuentes, Wilson Rodríguez-Pérez, Luis Guzmán, Marcelo Alarcón, Simón Navarrete, Oscar Forero-Doria, Iván Palomo, "Mauritia flexuosa Presents In Vitro and In Vivo Antiplatelet and Antithrombotic Activities", Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2013, Article ID 653257, 11 pages, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/653257

5. Zanatta CF, Mitjans M, Urgatondo V, Rocha-Filho PA, Vinardell MP. Photoprotective potential of emulsions formulated with Buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa) against UV irradiation on keratinocytes and fibroblasts cell lines. Food Chem Toxicol. 2010;48(1):70-75. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2009.09.017