C. rheedei J.F. Gmelin is an underutilized Asian shrub with no prior characterization of its seeds or oil. This study reports, for the first time, the nutritional and functional profile of C. rheedei seeds. The seeds yielded 32.6% oil, dominated by oleic acid (71.4%) with a balanced ω-3/ω-6 ratio (∼1:1). Tocopherols (31.5 mg/100 g) and phytosterols (1388 mg/kg; β-sitosterol, stigmasterol) were abundant, supporting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Twelve free amino acids were identified, with essential amino acids comprising 22.3% of the total; proline and hydroxyproline contribute to collagen stability, while serine and alanine may provide skin-calming effects, extending relevance to cosmeceutical applications. Functionally, the oil showed strong antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 13.1 μg/mL; FRAP = 2855.5 μmol Fe2+/L; TEAC EC50 = 22.8 μg/mL) and potent α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 = 102.4 μg/mL), surpassing acarbose. Preliminary toxicology indicates no acute toxicity, though a full safety evaluation is needed. With their favorable composition and high yield, C. rheedei seeds represent a promising new economic resource for nutraceutical, functional food, and cosmetic industries in Southeast Asia.
Pham et al. (Wed,) studied this question.