Afifi Eman H, John Martin Jerome Jeyakumar, Wang Qi, Li Xinyu, Liu Xiaoyu, Zhou Lixia, Li Rui, Fu Dengqiang, Li Qihong, Ye Jianqiu, Cao Hongxing
National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571101, China.
Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang 571339, China.
Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Mar 12;26(6):2531. doi: 10.3390/ijms26062531.
Oil palm () is a cornerstone of the economy in many countries due to its unparalleled ability to produce high yields of oil, making it a critical crop among oil-producing fruits. This review aims to elucidate the processes involved in fatty acid formation and synthesis, which are essential components of palm oil, and to examine the changes these fatty acids undergo during fruit growth and ripening. Additionally, we highlight the genes and molecular mechanisms governing fatty acid metabolism, which hold significant potential for influencing oil composition and quality. Understanding these pathways is vital, as fatty acid profiles have profound implications for both human health and industrial applications. While palm oil contains beneficial compounds, such as polyphenols and vitamin E, concerns arise from its high palmitic acid content and the formation of potentially harmful byproducts during industrial refining, such as 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters and glycidyl esters. We also explore advanced breeding methods and modern strategies to enhance oil quality and productivity, including the application of genomic tools to transfer desirable traits and expand genetic diversity in breeding programs. By integrating biochemical, genetic, and biotechnological insights, this review provides a foundation for improving palm oil production and addressing the growing demand for healthier, sustainable oil solutions.
油棕（）由于其无与伦比的高产油能力，在许多国家的经济中占据基石地位，使其成为产油水果中的关键作物。本综述旨在阐明脂肪酸形成和合成过程，这些过程是棕榈油的重要组成部分，并研究这些脂肪酸在果实生长和成熟过程中所经历的变化。此外，我们强调了控制脂肪酸代谢的基因和分子机制，这些机制在影响油的成分和质量方面具有巨大潜力。了解这些途径至关重要，因为脂肪酸谱对人类健康和工业应用都有深远影响。虽然棕榈油含有有益化合物，如多酚和维生素E，但人们对其高棕榈酸含量以及工业精炼过程中形成的潜在有害副产物，如3-一氯丙烷-1,2-二醇（3-MCPD）酯和缩水甘油酯表示担忧。我们还探讨了提高油质量和生产力的先进育种方法和现代策略，包括应用基因组工具来转移理想性状并在育种计划中扩大遗传多样性。通过整合生化、遗传和生物技术方面的见解，本综述为提高棕榈油产量以及满足对更健康、可持续油解决方案不断增长的需求奠定了基础。
