Wax, policosanol, and long‐chain aldehydes of different sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) cultivars

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) wax that contains policosanol (a mixture of long‐chain alcohols), is widely known to have beneficial effects on human health. In order to investigate differences in the composition and content of sugarcane wax in different sugarcane cultivars, the wax, policosanol, and long‐chain aldehyde composition of eight sugarcane cultivars were examined. The wax composition of sugarcane was analyzed using HPLC coupled with an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD). Sugarcane waxes were comprised of 55–60% aldehyde and sterol esters, 32–40% alcohol, and small amounts of TAG, acid, and plant sterols. Additionally, the composition of policosanol and long‐chain aldehydes was determined using GC‐FID and their mass fragment compounds were identified using GC‐MS. The highest content of policosanol and long‐chain aldehyde compounds (500 mg and 600 mg/100 g rind, respectively), was found in the hand‐peeled rind of the Ni 22 sugarcane cultivar. The content of these compounds increased up to 72% during sugarcane maturation from October to January. This study indicated that the composition and content of wax, policosanol, and long‐chain aldehydes may vary depending on the cultivar of the sugarcane and the specific part of the sugarcane analyzed, as well as on the degree of sugarcane maturity. Practical applications: Different sugarcane cultivars have been evaluated in terms of their usefulness as a source of policosanol, which is a valuable wax component that may have beneficial effects on human health. Policosanol is the common name that refers to a group of long‐chain (C20–C30) aliphatic primary alcohols that are of great interest since their effects include reduction of platelet aggregation, reduction of low‐density lipoprotein levels in blood, inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, and prevention of atherosclerosis development, and which also display ergogenic properties. The present study detailed the wax composition, including that of policosanol and long‐chain aldehydes, of sugarcanes of different cultivars. The results of this study could provide a basis for selection of sugarcane cultivars in agricultural areas for wax or policosanol production.