Abstract
Celastrus paniculatus fruit seeds are a rich source of lipids (approx. 45%). Neutral lipids accounted for the highest lipid fraction, followed by glycolipids and phospholipids. Oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids were the predominant fatty acids in C. paniculatus fruit seed oil. Celastrus paniculatus fruit seed oil is characterized by a high amount of plant sterols, wherein beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol were the main sterols. gamma-Tocopherol was the main tocopherol isomer while the rest was alpha-tocopherol. Celastrus paniculatus fruit seed oil exhibited stronger radical scavenging potential toward the stable DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical when compared with and extra virgin olive oil. This chapter reviews the composition, functionality and applications of Celastrus paniculatus fruit seed oil.