The influence of phenolic extracts obtained from the olive plant (cvs. Picual and Kronakii), on the stability of sunflower oil

Summary The phenolic compounds of olive cultivars (Picual and Kronakii) were extracted. The total phenolic content of the extracts was estimated and their ability to reduce the oxidation of sunflower oil was tested at 100 °C by using a Rancimat®. The fruits, leaves and pomaces were extracted separately with ethanol. Portions of the fruits were crushed to produce an oil/aqueous mixture, which was separated and the two fractions further processed. The oil fraction was extracted with 60% aqueous methanol and was separated further, by the method of Dabrowski & Sosulski (1984), into three major fractions. These contained mainly free phenols, soluble phenolic esters or bound phenolic acids, respectively. The phenolic concentrations were measured in all the fractions and were in accordance with expected amounts. When tested at 100, 200 or 400 ppm for their ability to stabilize sunflower oil the results showed that the vast majority of the anti‐oxidant activity found in the ‘total phenols’ fraction was because of a ‘free phenolic’ group. The free phenolics, at a 400‐ppm level, exhibited remarkable anti‐oxidant activity and were superior to that of butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) in retarding sunflower oil oxidative rancidity. The mode of action is discussed.