High levels of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been detected during analysis of sandalwood nuts – currently considered a waste product of sandalwood farming.
These significant findings were presented by ChemCentre scientists at the recent mid-life project update for the collaborative Fight Food Waste CRC Sandalwood project.
Representatives from the Australian Sandalwood Network, Fight Food Waste CRC, Curtin University and other collaborators were present at the event where these initial findings were announced by Dr Manjree Agarwal, Senior Scientist in ChemCentre’s Research and Innovation team. Dr Agarwal said ChemCentre, by leading this project, aims to fully establish the chemical and physical characteristics of Australian sandalwood products from raw material to finished products for the first time. Dr Agarwal said key results from analysis performed so far included:
- The nut kernels are high in fibre, high in protein and low in fat. The nuts are also high in minerals which are required for proper functioning of body, bones, muscles, heart and brain such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium along with phosphorous, copper, zinc and iron.
- The nuts contain high concentrations of antioxidant properties because of the presence of polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids which have neuroprotectant, cardio protectant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property for humans.
- During testing the outer shell of the nut was found to have high antioxidant properties because of a very high concentration of polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids, in addition to being high in fibre.
- Ximenynic acid, a known anti-inflammatory compound has been detected in both the nut and the shell. The presence of this free fatty acid strengthens the potential of using sandalwood nuts to develop high end premium anti-inflammatory therapeutic good and cosmetic products.
Dr Agarwal said: “The next stage of work involves developing TGA certified premium therapeutic and cosmetic products.
“This will deliver another important milestone which will assist the sandalwood industry to develop an additional, sustainable revenue stream in addition to heartwood, while diverting food waste away from landfill.”
