Exploring the characteristics, digestion behaviors, and nutraceutical potential of the underutilized Chimonanthus praecox (L.) link kernel oil: A combined in vitro and in vivo study.

Chimonanthus praecox (L.) Link kernel oil (LMO) has the potential to expand the variety of nutraceutical plant oils available and provide support for the application of functional food. This study aimed to assess the edible potential of LMO by examining its physicochemical characteristics, digestion behaviors, and nutraceutical properties. The results revealed that LMO has a high oil content of 40.84% and is particularly rich in linoleic acid (53.37–56.30%), oleic acid (22.04–25.08%) and triacylglycerol (TAG) of linoleic acid -palmitoleic acid- oleic acid (10.57–12.70%). The quality characteristics and phytochemical composition of LMO were found to be influenced by variety and extraction methods used. In simulated in vitro digestion tests, LMO showed a better lipid release rate and degree. Animal studies further demonstrated that LMO led to better TAG and cholesterol excretion compared to soybean oil and camellia oleifera oil. Overall, this study highlights the potential of LMO as a high-quality edible oil. Here, we want to describe this graphic abstract as " A conversation that transcends time and space ". C. praecox (L.) Link (LM, La Mei in Chinese), as a traditional plant from the deciduous aromatic shrub family that has existed since the Northern Wei Dynasty in China. It is famous for its distinctive ornamental value and fresh fragrance. The LM, with a history of over 1500 years, originated in the Northern Wei Dynasty. Countless literati and poets have paused to admire it, leaving behind praise such as "Nothing can express what you mean to me all over Jiangnan, just wish you a cheerful spring with a piece of plum blossom." At that time, people may not have known that the fruit of LM, in addition to cultivating beautiful flowers, could also yield nutritionally rich oil. Today, using various techniques such as supercritical, liquid phase, in vitro digestion, inverted fluorescence staining, and animal cultivation, we have demonstrated that C. praecox (L.) Link kernel oil is rich in lipid content, high in unsaturated fatty acids, and abundant in various fat-soluble nutrients. It has a better digestion rate and does not lead to significant lipid accumulation. Perhaps, a thousand years ago, poets already knew the value of the fragrant plant, and their poetry has given us a hint across time and space, enabling us to find the answers. Throughout different eras, LM has been ascribed with diverse values by people. As a food researcher, there is still much to uncover about the potential health benefits of LM for future exploration. [Display omitted] • Physicochemical and nutraceutical potential of LMO were studied. • LMO was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid, β-tocopherol, and phenolic compounds. • Characteristics of LMO were affected by variety and extraction method. • LMO had good digestion degree and digestion rate during intestinal digestion. • LMO had better ability of triacylglycerol and cholesterol excretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]