DOST Develops Pili Pulp Oil Extraction Technology in Sorsogon

SORSOGON CITY, Aug. 26  - The Sorsogon provincial office here of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has developed a technology that provides a simple method of producing oil from pilinut pulp.

It now serves as an alternative to the process introduced by the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna which uses enzymes in extraction and chemicals in refining pili pulp oil.

The NIMBB process, while proven efficient is rather complicated and requires substantial investment and not suitable with a micro or village-scale pilinut processing venture, according to Melinda Yee, the leading producer of pilinut pulp oil here.

The technology introduced by the DOST provincial office, on the other hand, is composed of simple cooking and filtration tools that process oil extracts from freshly harvested pilinuts using minimal heat.

"Because the process retains the aroma and natural green color of pili pulp, the resulting oil can be considered of premium or virgin quality," Yee said.

Yee is maker and distributor of Leslie Organice Pili Oil which is now enjoying wide patronage in the local market and gradually penetrating the international market because of its various nutritional, pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses.

Yee said she started producing the organic oil in 2004 after discovering the pili pulp contains an essential oil that can be used as salad dressing and shortening, as well as the base for canned sardines and other food preparations.

It can also be used as ingredient in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help heal wounds and allergies.

Meanwhile, the results of the chemical and nutritional analysis of pili-pulp oil compared with olive oil reveal that it has more beta-carotene content, a source of vitamin A and caroteneoids, phytosterols and tocopherols (vitamin E).

These substances are known as powerful antioxidants that protect cells and neutralize unstable free radicals. It is also a good source of protein, iodine, minerals and calcium.

Yee said the oil is suitable for people with delicate skin and are health-conscious because it is organic and contains and anti-aging element that prolongs the onset of wrinkles and helps prevent acne and pimples.

It is also being used as massage oil for muscle pain and arthritis.

She also supplies pili-pulp oil to a manufacturer of bath soap, massage oil and anti-dandruff shampoo.

This new technology satisfies the demand of local organic groups which took interest in the product for naturally processed, chemical-free and virgin quality pili pulp oil for food, health and cosmetic applications, she said.

Pili oil has always been featured in traditional medicines and herbal remedies in Bikol region where it abounds.

Indigenous knowledge gathered attest to its efficacy in treating skin diseases such as scabies and de-worming capability for livestock such as pigs and chicken.

At present, raw pili pulp oil sells at P500 per gallon. (PNA)