PR98169

BANGKOK, Oct. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Chula Faculty of Science researchers find young durian extracts to have as high

anti-oxidants as vitamin C and aim to produce skin care products that add value

to agricultural waste.

The durian has been called the king of fruits, and Thailand's vital cash crop

for booming export.  Farmers usually need to trim off around 200-300 young

durians per tree to relieve the excessive weight of the fruits, and generate

tremendous agricultural waste in the process. So, the research team, led by

Associate Professor Dr. Supaart Sirikantaramas of the Department of

Biochemistry, Chula Faculty of Science, studied the young durians' biochemical

composition and its potential use under the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG)

policy for Bio-economy.

The 6-12 centimeters long young durians (Durio zibethinus L.) produce a

transparent slime when soaked in water.  A metabolome analysis (all

metabolites) found polyphenols which are very high in antioxidants, phenolics

that can halt or delay the formation of oxidants, glycation to protect the skin

from ultraviolet rays, and pectin which keeps the skin hydrated.

Putthamas Pewlong, a Master's Degree student in Biochemistry at the Faculty of

Science, Chulalongkorn University, a team member, explained that extraction was

done with biomarkers using no toxic solvents or heat.  Divided skin cells were

then cured in the extracts for 24 hours.  Cells causing tension similarly found

in dust or sunlight were then added. Results showed that the cells contain

large numbers of live cells, similar to those treated with vitamin C.  The

extract was also found to induce an increase in cell divisions.

Skin toxicity was also tested, and found to be negative, rendering the extracts

highly safe and can be used in cosmetics and skincare products.

The team then tried mixing the extract in powder form at 2-3% as prescribed by

the FDA into sunscreen products on the market and found that the texture

remained the same, and the pale-yellow tint of the extract is barely visible.

The durian smell was also not detectable.  It was also found that regardless of

type, the young durians yielded similar levels of vital extracts.

Interested parties may contact Associate Professor Dr. Supaart Sirikantaramas

at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University

at Email: supaart.s@chula.ac.th.

For more information, visit https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/83867/

Source: Chulalongkorn University Communication Center

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   Caption: Qualities of young durian extracts