Proximate composition of Xylocarpus moluccensis seeds and their oils

Mangroves play an important role in protecting shorelines, supporting the food web, and sequestering carbon. In addition, they offer protection against waves, winds, storms, and tsunamis. Indonesian mangrove resources are increasingly being lost due to unsustainable utilization and habitat conversion. Reclamation for aquaculture and agriculture is currently considered the main way to achieve the development of mangrove areas. However, these types of reclamation are costly and have adverse environmental effects. The isolation, identification, and utilization of valuable mangrove products, such as Xylocarpus moluccensis, are other ways to achieve the development of mangrove areas. X. moluccensis is a species of mangrove that has medicinal properties. However, its nutritive and lipids values have not been evaluated. In this study, the proximate composition and mineral content of X. moluccensis seeds, as well as the fatty acid composition of X. moluccensis seed oils, were investigated. The results revealed that X. moluccensis fruit seeds contained crude lipids (10.65–11.09%), crude proteins (4.76–10.14%), ash (10.07–11.59%), crude fibers (7.81–15.85%), and nitrogen free extract (e.g. carbohydrates (52.42–63.32%)). The seeds also contained copper (12.82 ppm), iron (20.25 ppm), manganese (16.22 ppm), zinc (5.89 ppm), potassium (621.98 ppm), and calcium (43.69 ppm). Myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2), linolenic acid (C18:3), arachidic acid (C20:0), and docosanoic acid (C22:0) were identified in the hexane extracts of X. moluccensis fruit seeds. It was found that mangrove seeds of moluccensis have potential as biodiesel feedstock due to their lipid content.

► The proximate composition and mineral content of Xylocarpus moluccensis seeds.
► The fatty acid composition of X. moluccensis seed oils.
► X. moluccensis seed is also a potential source of biodiesel production.