Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract: Valorisation of Palm Phenolics for Health and Wealth

Palm oil production is vital for the world economy, yet it generates an environmental challenge: palm oil mill effluent (POME). Malaysia alone produces over 50 million tonnes of POME annually, with worldwide figures exceeding 100 million tonnes. Traditionally seen as an ‘oil factory’, MPOB took a fresh approach, viewing the oil palm as a fruit. This revealed that the aqueous stream from palm oil processing, often discarded as waste, is a treasure trove of water-soluble bioactive components. Through an environmentally friendly process, we developed the Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract (WSPFE) rich in phenolics. Research, from laboratory studies to clinical trials, demonstrates the remarkable health benefits of WSPFE, including heart and brain protection, anti-diabetic effects and anti-ageing properties. These benefits stem from its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The innovative extraction process has been scaled up in Mexico, leading to the commercialised product termed Palm Fruit Bioactive Complex. Valorisation of phenolics from the palm oil industry addresses environmental, health and economic concerns. This aligns with the circular economy concept, turning waste into value. With the growing global demand for phytonutrients, WSPFE represents a sustainable opportunity to enhance health and well-being, while helping to promote environmental stewardship for the palm oil industry.