Caractérisation du tourteau et de l’huile d’amande détoxifiée d’hévéa (Hevea brasiliensis) de la localité de Man (Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Characterization of detoxified cake and oil from rubber seeds (Hevea brasiliensis) from the locality of Man (Côte d'Ivoire)

Hevea seeds contain bitter kernels known for their rich nutrient content. Despite this rich potential, they are under-exploited because of the high level of cyanides contained in the kernels (> 50 mg/kg of HCN). This level of cyanides does not comply with recommended food standards. In Côte d'Ivoire, 90% of production is abandoned on plantations because of this problem, representing 75,000 to 100,000 tons of rubber seeds that could be recycled each year. In this study, the kernels were detoxified by hydrolysis of the cyanogenic glycosides, which reduced the cyanide content of the kernels from 2712.4 mg/kg to 0.38 mg/kg. The oil extracted from the detoxified kernels and the oilcake obtained were characterized by various physical, chemical and biological methods. The essential fatty acid and vitamin (A, B and E) profiles of the oil were assessed. The study showed that the oil is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. It could therefore be used to enrich refined palm oil to reduce the cardiovascular risks associated with its consumption. The analyses highlighted the essential amino acids present in the oilcake. The aim of this study is to add value to rubber tree seeds in food and cosmetics. The aim is to promote the circular economy in the rubber tree sector in Côte d'Ivoire, which is Africa's 1st and the world's 3rd largest rubber tree producer.

Keywords: Bitter almonds; Cyanogen detoxification; Rubber oil; Omega-3 fatty acids; Rubber cake.