05/08/2014
Rancimat method used to investigate antioxidant and antitumor activities of alkyl caffeates in edible oils
In a recent research study, Wang et al. investigated the antioxidant activity, antitumor property, and oxidation stability of edible oil with added alkyl caffeates. In order to evaluate the induction period of different edible oils (canola oil, peanut oil, and silkworm pupae oil), a Metrohm 743 Rancimat was used.
Results of the study suggest a significantly positive effect of alkyl caffeates on the oxidation stability of canola oil, peanut oil, and silkworm pupae oil, meaning that adding alkyl caffeates to the respective oils could prolong the shelf-life of the respective edible oils. In a second finding of their study,
Wang et al. suggest a positive correlation between the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and the presence of some of the alkyl caffeates investigated. Pointing at the practical use of their research, Wang et al. state that "...the addition of alkyl caffeate to edible oil may be a novel potential lipophilic antioxidant and adjuvant against cancer."
Source: Metrohm AG