Bioactive Compounds of Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.)

Abstract

Pili (Canarium ovatum) is a tropical tree that is indigenous to the Philippines where its center of genetic diversity is located in the Bicol Region. As a nut, Canarium ovatum is considered the priced commodity, and it is often used in the confectionery industry. The pulp, which is totally discarded as waste, contains considerable quantities of bioactive compounds present in the pulp meal as well as in the oil. This chapter describes the characterization of all the parts of Canarium ovatum fruit as source of hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive compounds with high antioxidant functionality. The exploitation of this underutilized fruit presents a great potential source of phytochemicals with antioxidants functionalities.