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Marula oil, extracted from the kernel of Sclerocarya birrea. Used in the food and cosmetic industry, it has strong antioxidant and moisturising properties.[53]
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Marula oil is extracted from the kernels (nuts) of the Marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea), from the Anacardiaceae family. Marula oil is traditionally used in cosmetics, in food as a cooking oil and as a meat preservative and to treat leather.



Marula oil contains a large proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids and natural antioxidants which make the oil very stable. The fatty acid composition of marula oil includes:[1]

Mono-unsaturated Fatty Acids:

Poly-unsaturated Fatty Acids:

Saturated Fatty Acids:

Tocopherols, sterols and flavonoids, with antioxidant action, procianidine, galattotannin and catechins are also found in Marula oil.[2]



Marula oil has a clear, light yellow colour and a nutty aroma. It has a saponification value of approximately 188-199 and a specific gravity of 0.91-0.92 (at 15°C).[3]