The effect of growing place on the oil quality and antioxidant activity of kelor (Moringa oleifera lamk) seed

Kelor (Moringa oleifera Lamk) seed is part of the moringa plant that contains vegetable oil and has benefits as cholesterol-lowering agent, coronary heart risk, and cosmetic additives. It can be also used as edible oil and biodiesel oil. This study aims to determine the effect of different growing places on the oil quality and antioxidant activity of Kelor (Moringa oleifera L) seed. The plant was obtained from three different growing places, namely Palu City, Sigi and Parigi Moutong regencies. The determination of the oil quality refers to the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) that includes specific gravity, moisture content, acid value, iodine value, peroxide value, and saponification value. The results showed that Kelor seed oil from Sigi Regency had better quality than other places as indicated by the specific gravity, peroxide value, acid value and saponification value that fulfil the SNI 01-3742-2002 requirements. It also showed the lowest antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 2.93 mg/ml and the highest level of total phenolic and total flavonoids. This study encourages the application of Kelor seed oil from Sigi Regency as the best raw material for medicine and cosmetics. (paper)