Rangika Hikkaduwa Koralege

co-author of "Vegetable Oil: Properties, Uses and Benefits"

January 27, 2017

Rangika Hikkaduwa Koralege is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at School of Chemical Engineering, Oklahoma State University. She earned a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Oklahoma State University in 2014 and a B.S. in chemistry from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, in 2007. Her overarching research interests are in the fields of nanomedicine, nanotechnology and toxicity of environmentally significant nanomaterials including nanomaterial synthesis and physicochemical characterization. Her research currently focused on designing and characterization of nanoparticles encapsulating therapeutic proteins to target erythrocytes for biomedical delivery applications. Apart from her research, she has been involved in writing book chapters and co-authored eight book chapters to date including a chapter on "Health Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil" as part of the book entitled "Vegetable Oil: Properties, Uses and Benefits.

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a product that can be produced from fresh coconut meat, milk, or residue. Over the years, it has become known as a popular functional food oil. It is considered to be the newest, high-value coconut product, very much sought for its human, nutraceutical benefits, as well as a functional food. Its increasing popularity can be attributed to numerous studies showing its beneficial effects. Several studies have investigated the pharmacological properties of VCO including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant, anti-stress, and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, other studies have also investigated the bone loss prevention as well as cardioprotective effects of VCO. For example, administration of VCO in animal studies (i.e. Sprague-Dawley rats) showed significant antithrombotic effect compared to copra oil. The effects were comparable with sunflower oil fed animals. This chapter will discuss the chemical properties, sources, synthesis, preparation, uses, and worldwide production of VCO. A particular focus will be on the health benefits of VCO including its most recent findings.

URL: https://library.okstate.edu/news/celebratingbooks/2017-honorees-b/rangika-hikkaduwa-koralege

Last Updated: 13 March 2017