Chula Faculty of Science researchers find young durian extracts to have as high 
anti-oxidants as vitamin C and aim to produce skin care products that add value 
to agricultural waste.




The durian has been called the king of fruits, and Thailand's vital cash crop 
for booming export.  Farmers usually need to trim off around 200-300 young 
durians per tree to relieve the excessive weight of the fruits, and generate 
tremendous agricultural waste in the process. So, the research team, led by 
Associate Professor Dr. Supaart Sirikantaramas of the Department of 
Biochemistry, Chula Faculty of Science, studied the young durians' biochemical 
composition and its potential use under the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) 
policy for Bio-economy.

The 6-12 centimeters long young durians (Durio zibethinus L.) produce a 
transparent slime when soaked in water.  A metabolome analysis (all 
metabolites) found polyphenols which are very high in antioxidants, phenolics 
that can halt or delay the formation of oxidants, glycation to protect the skin 
from ultraviolet rays, and pectin which keeps the skin hydrated.

Putthamas Pewlong, a Master's Degree student in Biochemistry at the Faculty of 
Science, Chulalongkorn University, a team member, explained that extraction was 
done with biomarkers using no toxic solvents or heat.  Divided skin cells were 
then cured in the extracts for 24 hours.  Cells causing tension similarly found 
in dust or sunlight were then added. Results showed that the cells contain 
large numbers of live cells, similar to those treated with vitamin C.  The 
extract was also found to induce an increase in cell divisions.

Skin toxicity was also tested, and found to be negative, rendering the extracts 
highly safe and can be used in cosmetics and skincare products.

The team then tried mixing the extract in powder form at 2-3% as prescribed by 
the FDA into sunscreen products on the market and found that the texture 
remained the same, and the pale-yellow tint of the extract is barely visible. 
The durian smell was also not detectable.  It was also found that regardless of 
type, the young durians yielded similar levels of vital extracts.

Interested parties may contact Associate Professor Dr. Supaart Sirikantaramas 
at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University 
at Email: supaart.s@chula.ac.th.

For more information, visit https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/83867/

Source: Chulalongkorn University Communication Center

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   Caption: Qualities of young durian extracts