Effect of Pistacia atlantica (Bane) Essential Oil on Oxidative Stability of Sunflower Oil

The antioxidant activity of Bane (Pistacia atlantica) has been proved in different researches. This study evaluated the potential of Bane (Pistacia atlantica) essential oil (as a natural antioxidant) on the oxidative stability of sunflower oil. 

The essence of Bane was added to sunflower oil at concentrations of 200, 400,600,800, and 1,000 ppm. Tertiary Butyl Hydroquinone (TBHQ) was applied as synthetic antioxidant. All samples with the control were stored at 65 ̊C for 20 days. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry was used for the essence analysis. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay, rancimat, p-anisidine value (P-AnVs), and peroxide value (PV) were determined to assess the efficacy of differecnt concentration of essence (200, 400,600,800, and 1,000 ppm). Data were analyzed by Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9 Software.

The essential oil yield was 0.1% v/w. The basic components of essence were monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. Synthetic antioxidant had the highest scavenging activity, followed by the mixture sample. PVs were in the range of 19.56-20.73 milliequivalents (meq)/kg for the treated samples after 20 days, while it was 38.74 on the 20th day for the control. For all treatments, PV was increased with increasing storage time. P-AnVs were 8.58-17.14 for stabilized samples and 18.02 for control sample on the 20th day of storage. In all stages, control sample had the highest P-AnV. For all samples, P-AnV increased as a subject of storage time.

P. atlantica (Bane) essential oil had a stabilizing effect on sunflower oil and can be used as a natural antioxidant to stabilize edible oil during storage.