Dr Azis Ariffin and Dr Nora.

UPM.

Essential oil:

Oil extract that contains aromatic compounds (esp. esters) which emanate the beautiful “essence” or aroma.

Essential acids:

The omega-6 (C18:2, linoleic) and omega-3(C18:3, linolenic acid) fatty acids which are necessary but cannot be synthesized by the body. Some plants have oils with exceptionally high content of essential fatty acids. Plant oil rich in essential acids may not have the aromatic compound or “essence” to classify as essential oil.

In cosmetic (cream, gel, emulsions) cosmeceuticals, toiletry (soap, toothpaste, shampoos, conditioners).

Food supplements (capsules, ingredient in margarine, “jam”, chutney and salad)

Fatty acid composition of Typhonium flagelliforme (keladi tikus) extract: The 17.8% palmitic and 51% linoleic acid rich extract has been shown to have anti cancer properties and in reducing leukemia cells.

Keladi Tikus extract

Extract shown to have anti-cancer activity.

Hexadecanoic (palmitic) acid [17%] linoleic acid [51%]

Pitaya oil extract

Anti-cancer activity !!!! We are looking into it.

Research continues to look for more uses of pitaya oil taking advantage of its high essential acid content, in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, toiletry and health supplement.

Why not, then, we breed pitaya for fruits with higher quantity of seeds.