Essential antioxidant elements in oils of the cake and shell of calodendrum capense nuts

Abstract

Increasing deaths due to skin cancer have been attributed to the sun’s ultra-violet (UV) radiations which initiate free radical reactions. Synthetic sunscreens contain antioxidants that prevent the free radical effects but risk skin exposure to harmful synthetic compounds of Cu, Mg, Mn and Zn. Calodendrum capense nut oil (cape chestnut or yangu oil), popular for African skin care is destined for natural cosmetic. Literature is scarce on the antioxidant element composition of its oil. We report the levels of Cu, Mg, Mn and Zn in oil from two parts of the nuts; cake and shells measured by AAS. Results show the potential supply of Cu, Mg, Mn and Zn from yangu oil of the two parts of the nuts that can serve as a physical sun-block. The use of yangu oil for skin protection against UV radiations is encouraged.