Bioscience Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 250-259 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 251 2 Chemical Composition and Bioactive Compounds of Camellia oleifera Oil 2.1 Fatty acids profile Camellia oleifera oil is rich in essential fatty acids, particularly oleic acid and linoleic acid. The fatty acid composition of cold-pressed Camellia oleifera oil has been analyzed using 1H-NMR, revealing that oleic acid constitutes approximately 75.75% of the total fatty acids, while linoleic acid accounts for about 6.0% (Salinero et al., 2012). These levels are comparable to those found in olive oil, which is well-known for its health benefits. Additionally, another study confirmed that oleic acid is the major component of Camellia oleifera oil, making up 52.89% of its composition (Lee et al., 2019). The presence of these unsaturated fatty acids is significant as they are known to contribute to cardiovascular health and possess anti-inflammatory properties (Su et al., 2014). 2.2 Antioxidants and polyphenols Camellia oleifera oil is also notable for its antioxidant and polyphenolic content. Various pretreatment methods of camellia seeds, such as hot air, steam, and puffing, have been shown to influence the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of the oil. These treatments can increase the tocopherol and total sterol content, enhancing the oil's antioxidant properties (Wang et al., 2022). The phenolic compounds in Camellia seed oils include benzoic acids, cinnamic acids, flavanols, flavonols, flavones, and dihydroflavonoids, with phenolic acids being the most abundant class (Wang et al., 2017a). These compounds are known for their bioactivity, including anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects, which contribute to the overall health benefits of the oil. 2.3 Other bioactive components In addition to fatty acids and polyphenols, Camellia oleifera oil contains other bioactive components such as squalene, vitamins, and minerals. Squalene, a natural antioxidant, is present in significant amounts and is known for its skin-protective and anti-aging properties (Kurasiak-Popowska et al., 2019). The oil also contains various vitamins, including tocopherols (vitamin E), which are potent antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage (Wang et al., 2022). Furthermore, the presence of essential minerals enhances the nutritional value of the oil, contributing to its health-promoting properties. 3 Health Benefits of Tea Oil 3.1 Cardiovascular health: effects on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and heart disease risk Tea oil, derived from the seeds of Camellia sinensis, has been shown to have significant cardiovascular benefits. Regular consumption of tea and its bioactive compounds, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (Figure 1), can enhance nitric oxide bioavailability, which helps in lowering blood pressure and improving endothelial function (Dludla et al., 2020; Keller and Wallace, 2021). Additionally, tea oil has been found to reduce levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and C-reactive protein, markers associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby potentially lowering the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) (Cao et al., 2019; Dludla et al., 2020). The flavonoids present in tea oil also contribute to reducing hyperlipidemia and hypertension, further supporting cardiovascular health (Fang et al., 2019; Li et al., 2019). 3.2 Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress Tea oil is rich in polyphenols and other bioactive compounds that exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help in reducing oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation (Dludla et al., 2020; Shang et al., 2021). The anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, and the downregulation of NF-κB signaling pathways (Keller and Wallace, 2021; Shang et al., 2021). These mechanisms collectively contribute to the reduction of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which are underlying factors in many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and cancers (Cao et al., 2019; Shang et al., 2021). 3.3 Skin health and anti-aging properties: skin hydration, elasticity, and anti-aging benefits Tea oil has been found to have beneficial effects on skin health, primarily due to its antioxidant properties. The polyphenols in tea oil help in protecting the skin from oxidative damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of tea oil can reduce skin inflammation
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