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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 11 No. sp4 (2024): Recent Advances in Agriculture by Young Minds - I

A comprehensive review of virgin coconut oil: Extraction methods and diverse applications

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.5524
Submitted
4 October 2024
Published
27-12-2024 — Updated on 27-08-2025
Versions

Abstract

The extraction of virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a critical process that yields premium oil from fresh coconut meat. Renowned for its numerous health benefits and wide-ranging applications in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, VCO has attracted a lot of interest. Traditional cold pressing methods coexist with modern techniques such as centrifugation and enzyme-assisted extraction. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks that influence the quality of the end product. To optimize VCO production and maintain its superior quality, it is crucial to understand the extraction procedure, including key factors like acidity, colour, scent, moisture content, and fatty acid composition. Rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), particularly lauric acid, VCO exhibits potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties, offering significant health and wellness benefits. VCO has diverse industrial applications. It serves as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical formulations, a base oil in cosmetics, a cooking oil, and a component in various
food products. It unique combination of nutritional and functional qualities makes it an ideal choice for manufacturers seeking natural and sustainable ingredients. This review focuses on the production methods, physiochemical properties, health benefits, and industrial applications of VCO extraction.

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