Synergistic and antagonistic interactions of α-tocopherol, γ-oryzanol and phytosterol in refined coconut oil

The present study's author investigated the interactions of three minor constituents (α-tocopherol, γ-oryzanol, and phytosterol) with different concentrations or proportions in refined coconut oil (CNO), which was full of medium-chain saturated triglycerides. Antioxidant properties of individual and combined minor constituents were determined through rancimat method and DPPH• scavenging capacity assay, and the interaction types among three minor constituents were evaluated. The results revealed that their interaction types were distinct from other oil bases with different chain lengths and saturation of triglycerides. Antioxidant interaction of these three minor constituents in refined CNO was mainly synergistic. The antioxidant capacities generally increased upon concentration of combinations, and the types of antioxidant interaction were related to their proportion.