Penerimaan Konsumsi Minyak Sawit Mentah dan Pengaruhnya Terhadap Aktivitas Enzim Antioksidan Sel Darah Merah Responden di Kecamatan Dramaga Bogor

Abstract

Crude palm oil (CPO) is red colored oil derived from palm fruit husk. CPO contains 500-700 pmm β-carotene, 600 ppm vitamin E, ubiquinone, squalene, and lutien which functioned as antioxidants. These antioxidants can modulate antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase to ward off free radicals. However, the use of this oil is still scarce as a source of antioxidant. The objectives of this research were to investigate the consumption acceptance of crude palm oil and its effect on antioxidant enzymes activity. Seventy eight respondents from low income families were selected to receive 140 ml CPO / week for 2 month. The distribution activities were monitored using questionnaires to determine consumer acceptance of the product. Blood from twenty two respondents, consisting of productive-aged women, was withdrawn before and after consumption and the erythrocyte was analyzed for activity of superoxide dismutase using nitro blue tetrazolium reduction assay and catalase spectrophotometrically. The results showed that product was accepted by 96 – 100 % respondents after two weeks until two months consumption. The erythrocyte SOD increased from 4.592 ± 1.336 U/mg protein to 4.767 ± 1.222 U/mg protein and catalase increased from 1018.911 ± 0.055 to 1219.607 ± 0.065 Unit/mg protein (mean ± SD) after consumption of approximately 3.771 ml CPO/person/day. From this research we can conclude that intervention with CPO for two months not only change and improve the knowledge of respondent about natural antioxidant, but also can increase the activity of antioxidant enzyme in human erythrocyte.