palm oil – Journal of Oil Palm Research

ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR THE DETECTION OF PALM OIL ADMIXTURE – A REVIEW

mpob_admin — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 03:34:54 +0000

During the crude palm oil (CPO) extraction process, oils are also recovered at certain stages to minimise the oil losses. These recovered oils are known as empty fruit bunch oil (EFBO), steriliser condensate oil (SCO), sludge palm oil (SPO) and palm-pressed fibre oil (PPFO). The quality of recovered oils is inferior to that of freshly pressed CPO, highlighting the need for separate segregation. Effective monitoring of segregation requires the use of screening and detection techniques to identify admixtures in palm oil products. Therefore, this article aims to review the analytical techniques developed, including spectroscopy and chromatography, for detecting palm oil mixed with recovered oil. Despite palm oil admixture detection, the application of analytical technique for adulteration of other fats and oils was also reviewed. The application of Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, encompassing the near infrared (NIR) and mid infrared (MIR) regions, when coupled with chemometric techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis, is highlighted as a potential screening technique for detecting palm oil admixtures due to its rapid, practical and the advantage of requiring minimal sample preparation or chemical usage.

EFFECT OF PHYTOADDITIVE MIXTURE OF Curcuma longa AND Ocimum sanctum WITH OR WITHOUT PALM OIL ON GROWTH, INTESTINAL HEALTH AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF LOW BODY CONDITION BLACK BENGAL GOATS (BBG)

mpob_admin — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 06:39:31 +0000

The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of supplementation of phytoadditive mixture (PAM), Curcuma longa and Ocimum sanctum in 1:1 with or without palm oil on growth performance, gut health and economics of low body conditioned Black Bengal goats (BBG) (Capra aegagrus hircus). For this experiment, 21 similar body weight (BW) (7.75-8.2 kg) and age (8-10 months) female goats were randomly distributed into three comparable groups including control (no supplementation), T1 (PAM@15 g/kg dry matter [DM] conc.) and T2 (PAM with palm oil @ 0.05% BW of goat) for three months. The results of this study indicated the highest (P<0.001) BW, average daily gain (ADG) and body condition score (BCS) in the T2 group, followed by T1 and the control group. Improved gut health (P<0.001) was observed in the treatment groups than in the control group. There was (P<0.05) a medium to high degree of correlation between experimental goats’ growth performance and gut health. Economic analysis showed the highest returns over the control group in T2, followed by the T1 group. It can be concluded that supplementation of PAM containing equal proportions of Curcuma longa plus Ocimum sanctum (15 g/kg DM conc.) with palm oil (0.05% BW) may economically improve growth performance and gut health of low body condition BBG.

SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS IN PALM OIL EXTRACTION: A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF GREEN TECHNOLOGIES

mpob_admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 01:46:33 +0000

This review critically examines recent advancements in green extraction methods for palm oil production, emphasising their potential to improve sustainability, extraction efficiency and product quality. Innovative green technologies, including supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO₂) extraction, ultrasoundassisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and deep eutectic solvents (DES), provide eco-friendly alternatives that maintain or even enhance oil yield and quality. Notably, SCCO2 extraction produces high-purity oils rich in bioactive compounds, while UAE and MAE demonstrate significant energy efficiency and superior preservation of nutrients. DES, an emerging solvent, enhances extraction processes with a lower environmental impact. Comparative analysis reveals that these methods not only reduce environmental risks but also improve product safety and quality. The review concludes by highlighting the need for further optimisation of these techniques, positioning them as essential for the future of sustainable and responsible palm oil production.

PRICE TRANSMISSION IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN OF INDEPENDENT OIL PALM SMALLHOLDERS IN WEST SUMATERA, INDONESIA: A CASE STUDY IN DHARMASRAYA DISTRICT

mpob_admin — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:31:24 +0000

This study employs the price relationship equation statistical test and the Error Correction Model (ECM) regression to analyse the transmission of crude palm oil (CPO) prices at the exporter level and its effects on the selling price of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) at the smallholder’s level in Dharmasraya Regency, Indonesia. Data were collected through both quantitative and qualitative surveys, involving 150 respondents, including independent smallholders (117), small collectors (25), large collectors (10) and palm oil mills (3). Results revealed a price transmission elasticity of less than 1 (ET<1), indicating asymmetric price transmission where small and large collectors, as well as palm oil exporters, significantly influence the FFB selling prices for independent smallholders. Furthermore, the extended supply chain contributes to narrow profit margins for farmers. To enhance sustainability in palm oil production, it is essential to establish cooperative-based mini- CPO and red palm oil (RPO) factories and implement an integrated information technology system within farmers’ institutions to provide real-time data on selling and buying prices, as well as FFB quantities. This study contributes to sustainable practices in the palm oil sector by addressing price asymmetry, ultimately aiming to improve the economic well-being of smallholders and strengthen the overall sustainability of the palm oil supply chain.

GREENING THE PALM OIL INDUSTRY: PROSPECTS AND BARRIERS OF SUPERCRITICAL CO2 EXTRACTION

mpob_admin — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 06:18:52 +0000

The palm oil industry, a cornerstone of global agribusiness, has faced mounting environmental and social scrutiny due to its significant contributions to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In response to these challenges, this review explores the transformative potential of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) extraction as a sustainable alternative for palm oil production. This review provides an in-depth examination of SC-CO₂ extraction principles, processes and its inherent advantages, including minimal environmental impact, enhanced oil quality, and improved yields. While SC-CO2 extraction holds promise as an eco-friendly solution, it has its challenges. Technical complexities, energy requirements, and economic considerations are among the hurdles that must be addressed to facilitate its widespread adoption. Furthermore, this review offers insights into real-world case studies and scientific research, shedding light on the practical implications of SC-CO₂ extraction in the palm oil industry. It delves into the regulatory and policy frameworks shaping sustainable palm oil production, emphasising SC-CO₂ extraction’s role in achieving compliance with stringent sustainability standards.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS SUSTAINABILITY OF CORN-SOYBEAN INTERCROPPING MODEL IN SMALLHOLDER OIL PALM REPLANTING

mpob_admin — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 03:43:31 +0000

In the global agricultural sector, corn-soybean intercropping offers significant long-term benefits for increased productivity, improved agroecology, and land management. While the impact of intercropping on corn and soybean yields has been studied extensively, information on their sustainability is limited. This study aims to analyse the status and sustainability determinants of the intercropping model on smallholder oil palm land through multidimensional analysis which includes economic, social, cultural, environmental, technological and institutional dimensions. Utilising a multi-dimensional scaling method with RAPFISH’s modified software, called Rapid Appraisal for Palm Oil. The analysis results show that the sustainability index for oil palm plantations using the corn-soybean intercropping model has a good status in the economic dimension, with price-sensitive production attributes for smallholders. The value of the sustainability index in the socio-cultural dimension of good status with sensitive attributes of community access to replanting requirements. The continuous index value in the environmental dimension of the status is very good with the attribute of sensitive pest disturbance. The value of the sustainable index in the technology dimension is in good status with sensitive attributes of post-harvest handling. The value of the sustainable index in the institutional dimension is in good status with sensitive attributes of smallholder’s group access to banking.

INSIGHT INTO FATTY ACID-AMINO ACIDS INTERACTIONS IN LIPASE ENZYME CATALYSIS OF TRANSESTERIFICATION REACTION OF PALM OIL USING DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY B3LYP 6-31G(D,P)

mpob_admin — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 04:02:54 +0000

This study elucidates the effects of various triacylglycerol (TAG) fatty acid constituents consist of palmitoyl, oleoyl and linoleoyl on the enzymatic transesterification of palm olein and discusses the synergistic effect between substrates and lipase (amino acid). Quantum mechanical calculations of Gaussian09 and density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP 6-31G(d,p) level were employed to evaluate their physical parameters including total electronic energy, high-occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), lowest-unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), energy band gap, hardness, softness, global electronegativity, dipole moment and interaction energy. The results showed that the interaction energy is the main contributor to the performance of the triacylglycerol constituents. Significantly higher interaction energy values of the complexes with amino acids suggest a prolonged half-life of the TAG-amino acid systems. The enhanced compatibility between 1,2,3-tripalmitoyl-glycerol (PPP) and amino acids is attributed to the similarity of the dipole moment between these species, resulting in the formation of more stable complexes compared to other combinations. The higher the value of the dipole moment, the more electrically polar the molecule and the more it can polarise the target molecule. These bonds are important to the stabilisation of the transition state of the enzymatic reaction and will have a great impact on overall triacylglycerol transformation.

BATCH SYSTEM CLARIFICATION OF TWO VARIETIES OF PALM OIL: KINETICS AND THERMODYNAMICS

mpob_admin — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 06:58:15 +0000

The kinetics and thermodynamics of palm oil clarification, a major and critical unit operation along the palm oil chain especially at local levels, were studied in this work. The effects of temperature, oil/water ratio, and stirring speed on oil yield were investigated. No significant difference in oil yield with respect to temperature was observed for the dura variety while for the tenera variety oil yield decreased with an increase in temperature. Increase in oil water ratio significantly (p<0.05) increased oil yield for both varieties. Optimum clarification conditions for both varieties were established as temperature of 80°C, oil/water ratio of 1:2, 30 min settling time and a stirring speed of 95 rpm. These conditions gave oil clarification yields of 73.33% and 90.39% for dura and tenera, respectively. The kinetics of palm oil clarification was modelled using a modified Newton and Lewis equation and the Peleg’s model. The thermodynamic study gave enthalpy change (ΔH) values of -1809.87 kJ/mol and -17182.54 kJ/mol for dura and tenera variety respectively showing that the clarification process is exothermic. The corresponding values for entropy change (ΔS) were negative while free energy changes (ΔG) were positive indicating the process is random, non-spontaneous and irreversible.

TRIBOLOGICAL AND THERMAL CHARACTERISATION OF PALM GREASE WITH ORGANIC THICKENER

mpob_admin — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 03:37:59 +0000

Grease is widely utilised in machinery to provide essential lubrication during component contact. However, the concern regarding the toxicity linked with mineral-based grease has attracted notable attention. With a thickener content of up to 30%, the properties of the thickener can likewise impact the characteristics of the grease. Organic or green thickeners have gained significant attention from researchers due to their biodegradability and environmentally friendly properties. In this study, a refined, bleached and deodorised (RBD) palm olein grease was formulated utilising a cellulose and chitosan organic thickener and subsequently, its tribological and thermal properties were assessed. The palm grease formulated with organic thickeners exhibited a lower coefficient of friction than lithium-based and food-grade grease. Mass loss analysis of the pin indicated comparable values among all grease samples. The grease containing organic thickener exhibited a shallower wear groove depth on the plate with white particles, resulting from elevated levels of carbon and oxygen attributed to the organic thickener material. Thermal analysis indicated good thermal stability of the organic thickener grease. The finding discovered the potential of organic thickener formulated with RBD palm olein as a sustainable grease.

DIETS AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF GUT MICROBIOTA-FERMENTED SHORT-CHAIN FATTY ACIDS: A PERSPECTIVE OF THE MALAYSIAN DIET CONTAINING PALM OIL

mpob_admin — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 23:49:13 +0000

A healthy diet provides a favourable environment that allows the essential bacteria to grow and ferment beneficial metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) through various metabolic pathways. SCFA, including linear- and branched-SCFA (BSCFA) are important in regulating energy haemostasis, inflammation, and appetite. A plant-based diet is associated with increased SCFA levels and SCFA-producing bacteria that regulate nutrient metabolism. Conversely, an animal-based diet is associated with lower SCFA levels and its producing bacteria. The Malaysian dietary guidelines are in line with other healthy eating recommendations that promote vegetables and fruit intake. Very few clinical studies are available to explore the association of gut microbiota and SCFA profiles following a Malaysian diet and the detailed amount of oil consumption was not reported. The available data demonstrated that acetate, propionate, and butyrate were the most abundant SCFA, while BSCFA, isobutyrate, was less abundant in Malaysian. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the predominant phyla, while Faecalibacterium and Prevotella are the dominant SCFA-producing genera in Malaysian. Prevotella is associated with metabolic pathways for carbohydrates and fatty acids. However, more long-term cohort studies are needed to further elucidate the association between gut microbiota composition, SCFA profiles and the potential health effects of palm oil consumption in Malaysian diet.