A Review of Pili (Canarium ovatum)

Francine Johana R. Robles

Introduction
Canarium ovatum Engl., locally called pili, is a tropical nut-bearing tree. It is only in the
Philippines where it is commercially grown and processed. This tree is mainly cultivated in the
Bicol region of Southern Luzon, and the provinces of Sorsogon, Albay and Camarines Sur are the
top producers. Oil extracted from the fruit pulp can be used for cooking and production of soaps
and cosmetics (Coronel, 1983). The young shoots are edible, while the green pulp can be pickled.
The oil from the pulp is used for cooking and lighting (Brown, 1954). The tree is also used as
lumber and fuel (Coronel, 1996). The C. ovatum resin is employed as an ointment for healing
wounds and as a plaster, while raw nuts are used as purgative (Orwa et al., 2009). Pili plant is a
good source of important nutrients, minerals and vitamins gathered from its parts which have been
proven to have many health benefits to us.

Family: Burseraceae

Common names: Pili nut, Philippine nut, Oily pili,

Philippine nut (English); Nangai (Vanuatu) (French);
Pilinuss, Pilinussbaum (German); Kanari, Galip nut
(Malay) (Stuart, 2013); Arbol de la nuez pili (Spanish)
(Eland, 2008); Pili, anangi, basiad, liputi, pilaui, and pili-
pilauai (Filipino); It has pili or Kedongdong as its trade
name. (Orwa et al., 2009)

Description: Pili is an erect and spreading tree,

deciduous, predominantly dioecious, medium-sized to
Kingdom Plantae large, reaching up to 30 meters or more, with trunk
Division Tracheophyta (Vascular diameters of 50 centimeters or more. Leaves have deltoid
plants, tracheophytes) to lingulate stipules, spirally arranged, imparipinnate,
Class Magnoliopsida about 40 centimeters long. Leaflets are ovate to elliptic, 4
Superorder Rosanae
to 24 centimeters long and 2 to 12 centimeters wide, stiff-
coriaceous, entire, base oblique, rounded to subcordate,
Order Sapindales
apex acuminate with 8 to 12 pairs of nerves. Flowers are
Family Burseraceae (Burseras) borne on cymose inflorescences at the leaf axils of young
Genus Canarium L. shoots. The fruit or nut, botanically a drupe, ovoid to
Species Canarium ovatum Engl. ellipsoid, 4 to 7 centimeters long, 2.3 to 3.8 centimeters
(Pili nut) wide. Pulp has a thin skin, smooth and shiny, turning from
Figure 1. Taxonomic account of Pili nut light green to black when ripened. Shell is carpellary,
(Canarium ovatum Engl.)
elongated and trigonous, nearly triangular in transverse
sections, with a basal pointed end, and a blunt and obtuse apical end, dirty brown outside, shiny
and glabrous inside. Inside the shell is the functional locule containing the mature seed. Only the
Philippines processes the pili nuts commercially. Its center of diversity is the Bicol region where
it is the priority crop. The trees have spread to the provinces of Catanduanes, Masbate and the
southern Quezon area (Coronel, 1996).

Chemical composition

Fruit
In general, the fruit has three parts: the skin, the pulp, and the
nut. The pulp, which turns from green to dark purple to
nearly black on ripening, surrounds the thick-shelled edible
nut. The pili pulp is similar in composition to avocado. It
contains 2836% oil,
carbohydrates, and protein.
Its color varies from yellow
green to dark green,
depending on the type of extraction (Pham et al. 2008). The most
important product from pili is the kernel, which is composed of
approximately 8% carbohydrate, 11.5 to 13.9% protein, and
70%. In contrast, the fruit was shown to contain approximately
73% fat, 10% water, 11% protein, 3% ash and 3% carbohydrate(s). Extraction of the kernel yields
a light yellowish oil containing mainly oleic acid (44.4 to 59.6%) and palmitic (32.6 to 38.2%)
acids.
The dichloromethane extracts of the nuts and pulp of C. ovatum yielded triacylglycerols; the
mesocarp also afforded 1a, 1b, 1,2-dioleylglycerol and a mixture of monounsaturated and saturated
fatty acids in a 3:2 ratio; the nutshell also provided 6; and the kernel also yielded a mixture of
monounsaturated and saturated fatty acid in a 2:1 ratio (Ragasa, Torres, & Shen, 2015). Pili nut oil
contains linoleic acid that were distributed mainly in the primary positions (sn-1,3) of the glycerol
backbone. Dioleylpalmitoylglycerol is the major triglycerides in pili nut oil. Few papers are
currently available on pili nut oil, and more information on its properties is needed to help promote
the utilization and development of this new oil (Kakuda, et al., 2000).

Figure 2. Triglyceride Figure 3. Oleic acid

 Figure 4. Palmitic acid Figure 5. Linoleic acid
acid

Leaves
Chemical investigations of the dichloromethane extracts of
the leaves of Canarium ovatum Engl. afforded -amyrin (1a),
-amyrin (1b), epi--amyrin (2a), epi--amyrin (2b), epi-
lupeol (2c), -carotene (3) and lutein (4). The leaves of C.
ovatum afforded triterpenes and carotenoids (Ragasa et. al,
2015).

Twigs
The twigs yielded triterpenes. It yielded a mixture of -amyrin (1a) and -amyrin (1b) in a 1:2
ratio. The 1:3 and 1:2 ratios of 1a and 1b from the leaves and twigs, respectively were deduced
from the integrations of the 1H NMR resonances for the olefinic protons of 1a at 5.22 (t, J = 3.6
Hz) and 1b at 5.15 (t, J = 3.6 Hz). The 2:1:0.5 ratio of 2a, 2b and 2c was deduced from the
integrations of the 1H NMR resonances for the olefinic protons of 2a at 5.28 (t, J = 3.6 Hz), 2b
at 5.24 (t, J = 3.6 Hz) and 2c at 4.67 (br s) and 4.55 (br s) (Ragasa et. al, 2015).
Figure 6: Chemical consitituents of Canarium ovatum -amyrin (1a), -amyrin (1b), epi--amyrin
(2a), epi--amyrin (2b) and epi-lupeol (2c), -carotene (3), lutein (4), triacylglycerols (5), 1,2-
diacylglycerol (6).

Bark
Bark yields 7.8% tannin, providing a satisfactory leather with a yellowish tan, with firm texture
and good grain (Stuart, 2013).

Roots
The roots are aerial in structure however further research is yet to be conducted.

Medicinal use:
The compounds obtained from the leaves,twigs and fruits of C. ovatum were reported to exhibit
diverse biological activities.
Angiogenesis inhibitor: It also inhibited angiogenesis by altering the cytokine profile and the
activation and nuclear translocation of transcription factors (Guruvayoorappan and Kuttan, 2007).
Anti-carcinogenic: Linoleic acid belongs to the omega-6 fatty acids. It was reported to be a strong
anticarcinogen in a number of animal models. It reduces risk of colon and breast cancer (Chan et
al., 2002) and lowers cardiovascular disease risk and inflammations (Whelan, 2008). A recent
study reported that oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid inhibited cancer cell growth and
survival in gastric carcinoma SGC7901 and breast carcinoma MCF-7 cell lines (Li et al., 2014).
Anti-fungal: -Amyrin showed antifungal activity against A. rabiei with an MIC value of 0.0156
mg/mL (Jabeen et al., 2011). -Amyrin was proposed as a possible biomarker for the fungal
resistance of grape-vine leaves (Vitis vinifera) (Batovska et al., 2008). Lupeol and epilupeol (2c)
showed antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium notatum (Manzano et al.,
2013).

Anti-inflammatory: Pili nuts are natural anti-inflammatory substances because they consist of
rich amounts of antioxidants. -Amyrin (1a) and -amyrin (1b) were reported to possess anti-
inflammatory (Recio et al., 1995; Madeiros et al., 2007; Okoye et al., 2014)
Antimutagenic Potential: Philippine plants were studied for their ability to inhibit chromosomal
damage induced by tetracycline in the in vivo micronucleus test. The methanolic extract of
Canarium ovatum showed the most promising activity by reducing the number of micronucleated
polychromatic erythrocytes by >50%. Study established its antimutagenic activity and identified
F4B, the most active sub-fraction in the hexane portion. The F4B may be valuable in cancer
chemoprevention (Hernandez, & Chichloco, 2009)
Anti-viral: Another study reported that 2c and epilupeol acetate showed pronounced antiviral
activity against Ranikhet disease virus (RDV) in chick embryo (Chowdhury et al., 1990).
Bone health: Pili nuts offer zinc, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese and phosphorous,
many of which are important to keeping our bones strong, particularly as we age.
For Anemia: Sufficient intake of iron rich foods is a necessity to prevent and treat iron deficiency
anemia. Pili nuts are a good source of iron. They help in treating anemia by helping in the formation
of hemoglobin.
For Diabetes: Pili Nuts consists of all eight amino acids which makes them particularly beneficial
for those suffering from diabetes, or those at high risk for developing the condition. Apart from
that these nuts help balance blood glucose levels, and ensure that the body is releasing insulin at
appropriate times and in appropriate amounts.
Improve Cognition: Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to reducing inflammation in neural pathways
that may improve concentration and focus. Additionally, the antioxidants found in pili nuts can
also eliminate the oxidative stress that can speed up neural degeneration and also lead to disorders
like Alzheimers and dementia.
Laxative: For laxative effect, seed kernel is eaten as tolerated (Stuart, 2013).
Sleep aid: Magnesium is an important component of serotonin and other relaxing hormones that
can prevent symptoms of insomnia and sleeplessness. If you find that you infrequently get a full,
restful night of sleep, then high levels of magnesium found in pili nuts may be exactly what your
body needs to find relief (Duke, 2000).

Food uses: Pili are used in candies and brittle in Philippines. Kernels are used for making cake,
bobengka in Minahasan or bubengka in Maluku in Indonesia, especially in Minahasa and
Moluccas islands. Pili kernel is used in chocolate, ice cream, and baked goods. Kernel is one of
the major ingredients in one type of the famous Chinese festive desserts known as the moon
cake. Shoots are used in salads. Pulp is eaten after it is boiled and seasoned. Green shoots can be
added to salads, along with other plants and vegetables. Shoots and the pulp can be pickled but
also added as an ingredient in sauces or purees. Stir them into yogurt or hot cereal to add a nutty
flavor and a bit of crunch. Toss pili nuts with granola or mix them into homemade bread batter.
Make a smoothie with cacao, coconut milk, vanilla and chopped pili nuts (Pili nuts facts and
benefits). Emulsion from crushed kernels has been used as substitute for infant's milk as well as
for making medicinal ointments (Stuart, 2013).
Other uses
Melanogenesis Inhibitory Activity / Skin Whitening: Study yielded four known sesquiterpene
alcohols, ten triterpene alcohols, and four triterpene acids from a methanol extract of Canarium
ovatum. On evaluation on melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells induced with -MSH,
compounds 1 and 2 exhibited concentration-dependent melanogenesis inhibitory activity. Results
suggest a potential use for skin whitening agents (Kikuchi, et al., 2012).
Biodiesel: Preliminary Evaluation of Biodiesel from Canarium ovatum (Pili) Pulp Oil and
Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (Winged bean) Seed Oil The resulting FAME (fatty acid methyl
ester) was found to comply with biodiesel standards and presents a potential source and alternative
to explore for commercial exploitation. Preliminary studies conducted on biodiesel derived from
two novel sources of oil - the fruit pulp of Canarium ovatum (pili) and the seed of Psophocarpus
tetradonolobus (winged bean) showed that acceptable FAME (fatty acid methyl esters) may be
obtained from these two new potential sources of feedstocks (Razon, 2003).
Gum or resin: A valuable resin, called Manila elemi or breabianca, is used as an ingredient in
the manufacture of plastics, printing inks and perfumes. It is also is used by the Spaniards for ship
repairs.
Shade or shelter: The evergreen C. ovatum tree makes an excellent windbreak as it resists strong
winds and even typhoons.
Soil improver: Stony shells are excellent as a porous, inert growth medium for orchids and
anthuriums.
Ornamental: With its symmetrical branches, C. ovatum is an attractive avenue tree. Also when
polished and varnished, the stony thick shell becomes an attractive ornament.

Nutritional Value
Apart from their rich buttery taste, pili nuts are a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Consuming 120 gram of pili nuts offers 95.46 g of Total Fat, 1.15 mg of Copper, 2.776 mg of
Manganese, 690 mg of Phosphorus, 1.096 mg of Vitamin B1, 362 mg of Magnesium, 4.24 mg of
Iron, 3.56 mg of Zinc, 72 g of Vitamin B9 and 174 mg of Calcium. Moreover many Amino acids
0.227 g of Tryptophan, 0.488 g of Threonine, 0.58 g of Isoleucine, 1.068 g of Leucine, 0.443 g of
Lysine, 0.474 g of Methionine and 0.227 g of Cystine are also found in 120 gram of pili nuts (Pili
nuts facts and benefits).

Nutritional value of Pilinuts, dried

Serving Size: 1 Cup, 120 g
Calories 863 Kcal. Calories from Fat 859.14 Kcal.
Proximity Amount % DV

Water 3.32 g N/D

Energy 863 Kcal N/D

Energy 3610 kJ N/D

Protein 12.96 g 25.92%

Total Fat (lipid) 95.46 g 272.74%

Ash 3.49 g N/D

Carbohydrate 4.78 g 3.68%

Minerals Amount % DV

Calcium, Ca 174 mg 17.40%

Iron, Fe 4.24 mg 53.00%

Magnesium, Mg 362 mg 86.19%

Phosphorus, P 690 mg 98.57%

Potassium, K 608 mg 12.94%

Sodium, Na 4 mg 0.27%

Zinc, Zn 3.56 mg 32.36%

Copper, Cu 1.15 mg 127.78%

Manganese, Mn 2.776 mg 120.70%

Vitamins Amount % DV

Water soluble Vitamins

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 1.096 mg 91.33%

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.112 mg 8.62%

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 0.623 mg 3.89%

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.575 mg 11.50%

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.138 mg 10.62%

Vitamin B9 (Folate) 72 g 18.00%

Folate, food 72 g N/D

Folate, DEF 72 g N/D

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 0.7 mg 0.78%

Fat soluble Vitamins

Vitamin A, RAE 2 g 0.29%

Vitamin A, IU 49 IU N/D

Lipids Amount % DV

Fatty acids, total saturated 37.421 g N/D

Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid) 26.442 g N/D

Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid) 10.978 g N/D

Fatty acids, total monounsaturated 44.675 g N/D

 Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid) 44.675 g N/D

Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated 9.126 g N/D

Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid) 9.126 g N/D

Amino acids Amount % DV

Tryptophan 0.227 g 51.59%

Threonine 0.488 g 27.73%

Isoleucine 0.58 g 34.69%

Leucine 1.068 g 28.90%

Lysine 0.443 g 13.25%

Methionine 0.474 g N/D

Cystine 0.227 g N/D

Phenylalanine 0.596 g N/D

Tyrosine 0.457 g N/D

Valine 0.841 g 39.82%

Arginine 1.819 g N/D

Histidine 0.306 g 24.84%

Alanine 0.611 g N/D

Aspartic acid 1.466 g N/D

Glutamic acid 2.872 g N/D

Glycine 0.78 g N/D

Proline 0.565 g N/D

Serine 0.719 g N/D

*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon
your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by a U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not healthbenefitstimes.com
recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weighs 194 lbs.

(National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, 2016)

Safety data
As with any food, pili nuts should be consumed in moderation. The high fat and calorie content
can catch up with you if you eat too many of these nuts, despite all of the health benefits outlined
above.
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